Spare Parts and Service Pricing: What to Ask Before You Buy
Questions to put in the RFQ
| Topic | Question to ask |
|---|---|
| Price list | Can we see the current spare parts price list |
| Escalation | How are spare prices indexed year on year |
| Lead time | Quoted lead time for the ten most used parts |
| Repair or replace | Which assemblies are repaired rather than replaced |
| Consumables | Which items are excluded from warranty |
| Software | Are firmware and licence updates chargeable |
| End of life | How long will parts be supported after discontinuation |
Practical measures
- Ask for a two-year spares starter kit as part of the project.
- Agree a maximum escalation clause covering the warranty period and beyond.
- Confirm whether using third-party parts affects the warranty.
Service terms are commercial commitments. Confirm them in the contract rather than in email.