Parts inventory, you say??

[Coley]

Taking steps to gather all my materials and lay the groundwork for starting my appliance bidness, of which MSTA will be a part. One of my question marks is where to find a good parts inventory list, and how much the outlay might be.  If it's here on the site, or part of the MSTA and I missed it, please forgive me..

 

Love the philosophy with regards to this industry the site follows: Developing a laser focused, lean & mean, knowledge-filled approach to tech calls and running your business. I've been engrossed in it and the videos for a few weeks now.

 

Thanks!!

[johntech]

We had our local parts store print us out a list of there top selling parts in our area. 

[Thirstytech]

Your inventory will really depend on what brands are most popular in your service area. Get yourself an account with a parts distributor that has a warehouse close to you so if even you don't have what you need in inventory they can get it to you quick. The "just in time" concept fits in perfectly with the lean business model.

[Coley]

Dig it!  Thanks guys. As luck would have it, I'll have a First Source Servall within 5 miles of me, with a larger First Source about 15 min away.

[16345Ed]

I'd have low inventory if that was the case. 

My closest supplier is a 3 hour drive. 

My parts take two days to arrive. When I get a call, that isn't a thermal fuse, thermostat, belt, ignitor, idler pulley, etc. I try to schedule it 3 days out. Order the suspected parts then go on call. 

I typically just inventory the unused parts. 

It is amazing how many calls that can be completed without any parts. 

Ed

I live in a small rural area I typically have $2000 to $3000 tied up in inventory. 

 

[northeastappliance]

If you have an account with Servall, keep an eye out for the "block buster deal of the day". You can usually get parts at a decent discount. I look at that everyday. I started my business 1 year ago and I've managed to put a decent amount of parts on the truck with going broke. I have a Tribles about 15min from my house so anything I don't have I can pick up before I go on a call. Tribles also does a monthly discount on some parts but I've found that it's usually stuff I'll never use. 

[Dr. Phil]

On 3/5/2016 at 10:20 AM, northeastappliance said:

 Tribles also does a monthly discount on some parts but I've found that it's usually stuff I'll never use. 

True dat!

[certified tech group 51]

After 10 years in the business, your list  is never complete...Example, I use to carry the cast iron condenser motors for Sub-Zeros and other small commercial refers.   After the  box had the label worn off from sitting on the shelf, I took it out of the service van, that was two years age..Thursday, I get a call on a Sub-O, not cooling ...the condenser motor had quit.  (Of course, I had failed to take the only Sub-o part I had)..I went back on Friday with two motors, one in the beat-up box and a nice box, sell the good boxed one and the put the motor from the beat up box in the good box....Never got the chance to switch boxes,  Get a call on a True cooler making noise, I get there and what does it need??? a condenser motor... I have not sold this repair in two years and what happens??? two motors in two days.....   Old G.E. range needed the broil hanger clips, went out to the van, checked the tub and pulled out two clips, parts have been it the tub for over three years....You only win if you work on one type of appliance and one brand and that ain't gonna happen....

[Coley]

Thanks, guys- All good info!!

[QualityMike]

good luck coley! check with the parts distributer on having an account and at what $ amount they start giving you discount. I have an account with Coast Appliance Parts, here in California, they are great, range from 0 to 50% off, ild say, depending on the brand and part. i recommend keeping a truck stock list, and track the parts you replace regularly and keep those on your truck. i use an excel spreadsheet for this. if you havent ordered a part before and arent familiar with the model number look up online the picture to get a visual, especially on samsung and lg control boards, i match them up to the cust part to make sure i order the right one.