Had to choose between OEM and aftermarket parts on a 10 year old fridge

Last month I was fixing a Whirlpool side-by-side and the compressor start relay was shot. OEM part was $65 and would take a week to ship, but I found an aftermarket one for $22 at the local supply house. I gambled on the cheap one because the customer didn't want to wait, and it actually worked fine. Has anyone else had good luck with aftermarket parts on older units, or am I just asking for trouble down the road?

2 comments

2 Comments

wilson.claire4d ago

Twenty two bucks and a week sooner is a win in my book.

jakegarcia3d ago

But is cheaper and faster always better? I've been burned too many times by companies rushing orders and cutting corners to save a few bucks. Like last month I got some boots that showed up in four days but the stitching was already coming loose by week two. I'd rather wait an extra week and pay another twenty-two if it means the product actually holds up for more than a month. Sometimes you really do get what you pay for.