Where do I get parts?

The benefits of having accounts with parts suppliers is extensive. For starters, as a legitimate business entity, having an account often affords us access to wholesale pricing on OEM parts. For instance, a DIY customer will pay $70 for a component you will pay $40 for. Since we will be providing that supplier with lots of ongoing business, we get better prices. 

Most parts suppliers have robust and up-to-date online inventory. Once you establish your account, you will be able to see which locations have which parts, and how many. This reduces the time on the phone with the staff, and reduces wasted trips.

And the final benefit we'll note here is the ability to establish credit accounts. While different suppliers have different criteria for approving credit accounts, being able to obtain a part without paying for it right away matters when considering your bottom line and funding. 

DIYers who want to save money use Amazon. The parts you find there that are cheap are often aftermarket parts. When you use a parts supplier, you are often obtaining OEM parts that come with warranties. As a professional appliance repair company, you want to ensure your customers are receiving parts that last. Your reputation is on the line.

While, say, a Samsung dryer heating element can run about $25 on Amazon and $80 at a parts supplier, I have yet to have an Amazon heating element last nearly as long as the OEM part.

No. At least, none of the ones I use do. And I would urge you to stay away from parts companies that want a monthly fee. The big-name parts companies know that they make money by having you buy more things through their business.

Depends on the supplier. Most will have in-store locations, and most all offer shipping. Your best bet is to search Google for appliance parts stores near you. I, for instance, live in Montclair, NJ, and there are two Marcone locations nearby. When I lived in Austin, Texas, there was one Marcone, and an Appliance Parts Company location. 

In most cases, yes. Marcone, from what I remember, does not sell to the public. You need to have an account, and you need to buy the parts on your account before you're able to swing by their location to pick it up.

Having an account also affords you access to better pricing.

Yes! Having accounts with multiple vendors increases your ability to obtain parts. Often, you will look up a part with one vendor just to see they're out of stock. Then you check another vendor, and it's in stock. 

Some suppliers have different credit approval methods. When you're just starting out, it might be tough to obtain credit. Having multiple accounts increases your chances of having one approve some level of credit, which will then help gain credit through others.

You should also keep in mind the terms of holding an account. One parts supplier I have an account with requires that you purchase about $500 per months in parts to retain an account with them. This is given the small profit margin they make on sales. $500 a month sounds like a lot, but when you're doing 3-5 jobs per day, you meet that requirement pretty quick.

In addition to having accounts with appliance parts suppliers, I recommend setting up an account with at least one company in the HVAC section. Those companies have great prices on the industry-standard tools of the trade, and you'll find the best prices on refrigerant.

For appliance parts, all you need is proof that you run a legitimate business. This typically can be in the form of an EIN or a DBA.

You only need special licensure when you're looking to buy refrigerant, or other restricted items. You can still obtain a business account with HVAC suppliers (such as Johnstone), but they won't sell you gas without having your EPA credentials on file.