If you are looking for outboard motor parts for your boat, you should consider buying some that are used. With that said, purchasing second hand outboard motor parts is something you should never attempt if you are not equipped with the right information. Here is some advice that will ensure you are well prepared before getting started.
Check The Condition
There are many people who will try selling second hand outboard motor parts that have no use. They may be rusty and so beyond repair that buying them would be a complete waste of money. It is a good idea to verify the condition before you buy anything.
If you are making a purchase online and you are concerned about bait and switch, you can always have the seller write out a contract. This will ensure you are refunded in the event that you buy something that is far from what was advertised.
Head To Auction Sites
Many popular auction sites. like eBay, are very useful when it comes to buying second hand outboard motor parts. While many people think of these websites as a place to buy old clothing and Justin Bieber posters, there is a serious market out there for people who want to sell new and used boat parts. Being mindful and bidding smartly means you can get what is needed without spending more than you can afford.
Avoid Super Old Parts
While there is nothing wrong with buying second hand parts, do you really want to buy some that have not been used in over a decade? Even if you have a fairly old boat and the parts are somewhat hard to find, do not allow this to lead to a hasty decision. Sometimes parts do not work as they should when they have been left sitting for far too long. Consider this when you are trying to make a purchase decision.
Consider Shipping Costs
Those who are headed to the Internet to buy parts need to consider the amount of money that will need to be invested in shipping. Setting a reasonable budget is essential and this cost needs to be a part of that. There are many people who only factor in the cost of the parts themselves, then they are surprised when their total multiplies after shipping charges have been added. Save yourself from having sticker shock by taking this into account early on.
Try Buying Locally
If it is possible, try buying the parts you need from someone in your area. There are a couple of good reasons for you to place this at the top of your to-do list. The main one is the fact that you will get the opportunity to see the parts and touch them before you invest any money. This is very different from trusting someone on the other end of a computer connection.
It is also good to buy local because you can save on shipping charges. This may not seem like a huge deal, but these parts can be hefty, which means a ton in shipping charges. If you are worried about trying to budget more money to pay for the items you need to get from point A to point B, then buying locally would be the best option for you.
Buy From Reputable Dealers
It is nice to find a random individual online that has the best price you have ever seen, but you should be wary. When it comes to something like motor parts, your best bet would be to look for a dealer who has what you are looking for. In some cases, these purchases come with a warrantee, which means you will not have to jump through hoops in the event that there is an issue. Scout around online looking for information about any dealer you are considering. If you have a hard time finding anything, you should definitely see this as a red flag.
Ask About Storage
If the parts have been stored for quite some time, ask about the conditions under which they were held. You do not want to buy anything that was allowed to sit in cold, wet conditions since this means that it may not be in the best shape. You should run for the hills if the person you are dealing with seems a bit shifty when it comes to offering this description.
Comparison Shop
This is the most important step when it comes to buying anything, online or offline, so make sure that you do not skip this. You should look at parts from several different places and compare prices before you buy anything. Even if you are positive you have come across a great deal, you should still check with others to see if there is something better out there. You may be told that this is a limited time deal since it will urge you to choose quickly, but be adamant about shopping around before investing any money.
Now that you know how to conduct yourself when you are looking for used outboard motor parts, it is time for you to get out there and go shopping. It may be a while before you are able to find what you want at a reasonable price, but following this advice will ensure that this is something that will happen for you at some point.