"Original" vrs. "Service" Parts (C3-related)

[Paul L.]

What is the difference between a GM "original" part and a "service" part? I ran into this terminology when looking for an EGR valve.

[george romano]

[Paul L.]

Re: "Original" vrs. "Service" Parts (C3-related)

Thank you for that explanation.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: "Original" vrs. "Service" Parts (C3-related)

In addition to what has already been presented, some parts that were available when the cars were fairly new may have been identical to the assembly line part. Over the years, the part has changed slightly in design, or simply is supplied by another vendor. There are also some old aftermarket parts that have been discontinued but are functional replacements. In isolated circumstances, even these parts can be somewhat desireable.

[John H.]

Re: "Original" vrs. "Service" Parts (C3-related)

The mission of the GM Parts Division (now GM Service Parts Operations) has always been to supply parts which are "functional replacements" for the original assembly line-installed items, which are not necessarily configured or finished like the originals, nor made with the same tooling or even made by the same supplier, but will function acceptably as a replacement. Probably 90% of the stuff on eBay that's described as "NOS" is not - it's GM Service parts which could have been made last week, will work fine, but can get originality deductions in judging for configuration, dating, completeness, installation, or finish (the five dimensions of "Originality"). If your interest is getting an "originality-acceptable" part which is truly identical to the original part, you really have to know exactly what you're looking for, and not pay too much attention to the seller's description.

[Craig S.]

Re: "Original" vrs. "Service" Parts (C3-related)

John - I always get a kick out of the Ebay items that show the P/N, and the new current GM boxes. Frequently I key the part in at gmpartsdirect.com, and the selling price can go as high as several times the list price, not the discount price...and some of these are expensive parts. You could almost make a business out of buying parts, calling them NOS, and selling them on Ebay!...Craig

[Patrick H.]

Re: "Original" vrs. "Service" Parts (C3-related)

Craig,

So what do you think these guys are diong? Exactly what you mention!

Patrick

[Kevin T.]

Re: "Original" vrs. "Service" Parts (C3-related)

There are definitely people making, or trying to make, a business on ebay from those arbitrages. Fortunately the lesson wasn't too costly before I figured it out. I only paid $12 for pair of "NOS" keys on ebay that I could have purchased for $3 at a good locksmith, and $18 for a reprinted sales brochure I have seen in a Corvette supplier catalog for $10. Oh well. I see the same catalog is selling an electronic Park-Zone device for $50 that I recently purchased for my garage at a big box retailer for $15. Welcome to capitalism and Caveat Emptor!

[Clem Z.]

doing selling like this

is training for future ENRON management types.

[Mark Ring]

Re: doing selling like this

You know, in Marketing class we learn about the 4 "P's": Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. The Ebay guys have learned this basic idea one way or another and are making it work. They are using Ebay "promotion", to bring buyers and sellers of a "product", together at a mutualy agreed "price", and have it delivered to your "place". They do it, you can do it, Chevrolet could do it.

The Enron guys were using Accounting class loopholes to secretly screw thier stockholders and customers with the blessing of company management. I would not put them in the same category IMHO. Funny thing was we had discussed the potential for abuse in accounting class even before Enron was exposed so the "off balance sheet finacing" problem was not new to FASB. My instructor was involved with FASB concerning the issue and was trying to prevent that type of abuse.

Different schools, different classes.

-Mark.

[Craig S.]

Re: "Original" vrs. "Service" Parts (C3-related)

I know I know....nothing like an uninformed bidder in an auction!