During the process of procuring European industrial spare parts, companies often focus on price and delivery time but can easily overlook key aspects that hide potential risks. Pay close attention to the following 4 pitfalls:
1. Avoid the "Vague Qualifications" Pitfall: Beware of "Pseudo-Direct Supply," Verify Supply Chain Authenticity
Some agents claim "direct supply from original factories" but cannot provide proof of direct cooperation with European factories (such as general distributor authorization letters or factory cooperation agreements), or they avoid disclosing the traceability of their supply sources. Require the agent to provide a list of partner factories and brand authorization documents; if necessary, verify the contact information of the original factory representatives to avoid falling into the "middleman reselling" trap - Deuchi, for instance, can provide credentials for over 1,800 partnered European factories and general distributor authorizations, ensuring supply chain transparency from the source.
2. Avoid the "Hidden Quality" Pitfall: Reject "Verbal Assurances," Insist on Traceable Documentation
Do not readily believe verbal guarantees of "100% genuine." Clearly demand verifiable quality documents from the agent:
Original Factory Packing List and Factory Test Report (must include factory seal and batch information).
Customs Declaration Documents issued by the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (indicating "Trade Mode as General Trade" to exclude used or refurbished parts).
If the agent cannot provide complete documentation, there is a risk of receiving inferior substitutes or non-genuine parts.
3. Avoid the "Logistics Liability" Pitfall: Specify Delivery Terms and Clearly Define Responsibility
Easily overlooked details include "compensation for delivery delays" and "accountability for damaged goods." Some agents only promise an "approximate delivery date" without stipulated penalties for delays, or they shift blame during logistics, such as requiring the company to negotiate directly with the carrier if goods are damaged in transit. Clarify two points upfront:
Is the delivery date specified to a precise timeframe, and is there a delay compensation mechanism?
Does the agent cooperate with reliable logistics providers and assume the risk for goods in transit (e.g., Deuchi clearly defines delivery timeframe responsibilities and utilizes consolidated shipments from its German warehouse to reduce logistics costs and risks).
4. Avoid the "After-Sales Void" Pitfall: Assess Technical Support Capability, Reject "One-Time Sale" Mentality
After purchasing industrial spare parts, you may encounter needs like installation guidance or troubleshooting. If the agent lacks a professional technical team and only provides basic "order-shipment" services, subsequent problems cannot be resolved promptly. Verify whether the agent has trained technical personnel (e.g., Deuchi sales engineers must pass a 3-month professional training and assessment), has a dedicated after-sales hotline, and can provide follow-up support such as part repair or replacement, avoiding the predicament of "easy to buy, hard to get service."
