Chinese Parts, A Rant to Start Discussion Options

[jfort]

I was looking for parts on Pelican yesterday. I can't tell if the parts are Chinese knock offs or not. I have confirmed the lack of information with my friend and mechanic Jay Kjoller. He has a number of recent horror stories of substandard parts and the worst thing is that the vendor didn't even know, when questioned, that they are Chinese and swears otherwise. Jay spoke with the manufacturer (parts for a transmission) who said they stamp an identifying mark because people will file a warranty claim with them in spite of the fact that it is a knock off. On Pelican, the listing for one of the parts will show the colors of the German flag and say "OEM." It's Chinese stuff. Jay had rod bolts that were so out of spec that they wouldn't even fit. After two bad orders he ordered from Germany. The transmission parts were also grossly out of spec. From a Colorado vendor. The box was a poor attempt at duplicating the real manufacturer's. Jay finally ordered from Australia. I don't know what to order most times.

But I'll say this, I think vendors ought to be required to indicate the country of origin. We consumers ought to demand it. Further, I think it is misleading to say "OEM". Beyond that, there is a word for providing misleading information that is material to the buyer's decision -- FRAUD.

[ConeDodger]

I think “OEM” is actually a brand name now...

[bbrock]

I think “OEM” is actually a brand name now...

Yes, and it is confusing as hell. It is fine and good to say you get what you pay for, but we all know that genuine parts come with a hefty P-tax and this sort of sleazy branding makes it hard to figure out the best price on a quality part.

For example, look up oil filters on Pelican. You'll see genuine Porsche filters for $28.75 and one entry up is Mahle with a German flag icon and "OEM Supplier" next to it for $7.50. Why pay $21 extra for the same part? Then below the genuine filter is one from a brand called "Genuine." That's f'ing sleazy.

Now look up accelerator pedals. You get a choice of Genuine Porsche for $108 and also an offering for "OEM" also with a German flag but a different icon than for "OEM Supplier" for $22 That's the item I bought by mistake before I realized this f'd up and sleazy branding and labeling. It is Chinese and not OEM or from Germany.