It’s no secret that the HVAC industry is hurting as a result of supply chain issues. If your HVAC business is struggling to get the parts you need to serve your clients, it may be time to explore other suppliers. Likewise, if your HVAC business is just starting off, choosing the right supplier will be key.
So, where do you even begin when it comes to choosing an HVAC parts supplier? You can follow a few steps to make a confident choice that will serve you (and your clients) for many years to come.
Start By Exploring Your Options
The internet is your friend when you’re just getting started in exploring HVAC parts suppliers. Any reputable supplier will have a strong online presence, so a little online research can help you find some potential companies to do business with. As you check out each company, look for information specific to the brands and types of parts they supply (such as residential, commercial, or both) to ensure the company can meet your needs. You might also want to inquire about lead times and availability of parts that have been difficult to find in the wake of COVID-19 production shutdowns.
Online reviews can also go a long way in narrowing down your options for an HVAC supplier. A review can tell you a lot about a supplier’s customer service, product availability, quality of parts and much more. Likewise, how a supplier responds to reviews can also say a lot about how much they care.
HVAC blogs are another potential resource, as some HVAC companies may blog about specific suppliers they have worked with on larger projects.
What Else To Look For In A Supplier
Aside from finding a supplier that has the parts you need when you need them, there are some other factors to take into consideration as well. Of course, price is a significant concern for any growing HVAC business looking to grow and protect its bottom line. Ensure that the pricing offered on the parts and supplies you need most is reasonable and works with your budget.
You’ll also want to be aware of a supplier’s policies, especially as they relate to returning parts and dealing with damaged or missing shipments. Ideally, you’ll be able to find a supplier that will stand behind their parts and offer some sort of guarantee or warranty for your added protection and peace of mind.
Estimated shipping and delivery times can also go a long way when it comes to planning your HVAC jobs. Any reputable HVAC supplier should be able to provide you with these estimates. Some may even allow you to track your order online so you can get an even better idea of when parts and supplies will be arriving.
Finally, be sure to choose a supplier with a knowledgeable and friendly sales staff that is easy to get in touch with. This way, whenever you have a question or concern about a product or order, you’ll be able to get the answers you need as promptly as possible. Then, you can enjoy the peace of mind in knowing that the answers you’re getting are accurate.
Go For Value Over Price
As tempting as it may be to automatically choose the supplier that offers you the parts you need at the lowest price, the reality is that you get what you pay for. When you’re getting parts for prices that seem too good to be true, you’re probably going to be missing out on excellent customer service, or you might even be ordering poor quality parts.
Instead, it’s better to look for an HVAC supplier that can provide you with the overall best value for your money. This may mean spending a little more to work with a supplier with genuine, quality parts backed by warranties and excellent customer support.
The Bottom Line On Buying HVAC Parts & Supplies
Choosing the right HVAC supplier isn’t something to be taken lightly. Ultimately, the success of your HVAC business could depend on how reliable your supplier is — especially when it comes to getting hard-to-find parts for your clients’ HVAC repairs and other projects.
By taking the time to fully explore your options, read online reviews, and look for a supplier that will offer you the best value, you can make a more confident decision regarding who you will trust for your HVAC parts, tools and supplies.
Looking for a reliable supplier that stocks the industry’s most trusted brands? Carrier Enterprise is here to help, offering the parts and equipment your HVAC business needs at competitive prices and with excellent customer service. Contact us today to find out more about what we can do for your HVAC business!