Understanding The Delays In Sourcing RV Parts
When it comes to repairing or maintaining an RV, sourcing the right parts can be a challenging and time-consuming process. For companies like Bish’s RV, several factors contribute to these delays, which often frustrate customers eager to get back on the road.
The delay in sourcing RV parts is a multifaceted issue involving intricate communication with vendors, challenges in obtaining accurate part information, and the complexities of OEM warranty processes. While these steps are essential to ensuring the right parts are used and warranties are honored, they inevitably slow down the repair process. Understanding these challenges helps set realistic expectations and underscores the importance of patience in maintaining the quality and safety of your RV.
Here’s a closer look at why these delays happen:
1. Complex Correspondence with Vendors
One of the primary causes of delay is the time it takes to communicate with vendors to ensure the accuracy of the parts needed for repairs. This involves back-and-forth correspondence to confirm the exact part specifications, which is crucial to avoid mistakes. The process is particularly cumbersome when dealing with a wide range of vendors, each with its own communication methods and response times.
2. Challenges in Obtaining Part Information
Another significant hurdle is obtaining detailed information like part numbers, pricing, and availability from OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers). This becomes even more complex when dealing with unit-specific décor items such as valances, seat cushions, curtains, and blinds, as well as larger components like metal siding, cabinetry, windows, and axles. The difficulty is compounded if the RV model is older, making part identification and sourcing even more challenging.
3. Varying OEM Communication Channels
Not all OEMs operate through modern, streamlined portals. In many cases, Bish’s RV must resort to emails to request part information, which can be slow and inefficient. Even when portals are available, they may not always have the necessary part numbers listed, especially for custom or less common parts. This reliance on varied and sometimes outdated communication methods adds to the overall delay.
4. OEM Warranty Approvals
When dealing with OEM warranties, the process is further delayed by the need to obtain diagnostic sheets and secure OEM approvals before ordering the necessary parts. This process involves working directly with OEMs rather than using aftermarket sources, which typically offer quicker solutions but may not meet warranty requirements. The additional steps involved in securing these approvals extend the time before a part can be ordered and eventually installed.
