Why Checking Pricing Against Suppliers Is Essential – And Often Overlooked

Picture this: the extra funds for that new boat, hiring an additional mechanic, installing a new hoist, repainting the workshop floor, or even taking your family on that dream holiday. These are the kinds of opportunities that slip through your fingers when you fail to check your supplier pricing regularly. While it may seem like a minor detail, ensuring that you're getting the best price on every part can make a significant difference to your bottom line.

In the fast-paced world of automotive workshops, there’s always pressure to get the car out as quickly as possible. With so many moving parts—both literally and figuratively—certain tasks can easily be overlooked. One of the most common? Checking your pricing against suppliers.

Many workshop owners trust their suppliers implicitly, often extending years of loyalty to a company that “takes care of them.” But ask yourself—have you really checked? Are you sure you're getting the best deal, or are you just chasing your own tail, losing profits in the process?

In this post, we’ll explore why regularly checking your supplier pricing is crucial, how misplaced loyalty can hurt your bottom line, and why having a Virtual Service Advisor (VSA) handle this task can keep emotions out of the equation and ensure you’re getting the best deal.

I get it… yes we love to build relationships but it's not one sided.

1. Why Checking Supplier Pricing is Often Overlooked

Let’s face it—when a car is on the hoist and you need parts fast, the last thing on your mind is comparing supplier prices. It’s easier to just order from the supplier you’ve always used. They know you, you know them, and the process is familiar.

But here’s the problem: relying on convenience (convenience is not just the supplier down the road, often their competitor a couple blocks away and you are not losing time in order to receive the part) means you might be leaving money on the table.

• Time Pressure: The car needs to get back on the road. No one has the time to shop around, especially when you’re juggling a full day’s workload.

• Loyalty Bias: Many workshop owners believe, “My supplier has always taken care of me.” But have you checked their pricing lately?

• Emotional Attachment: It’s common to think, “I don’t want to damage the relationship. They’ve been reliable for years.” However, the truth is, suppliers don’t expect complete loyalty—they expect good business practices.

2. Loyalty to Suppliers: A Double-Edged Sword

Building long-term relationships with suppliers is important, but it can also become a double-edged sword when it blinds you to the fact that their pricing may no longer be competitive.

• The Myth of “They Take Care of Me”: While it’s comforting to believe that a long-time supplier is always giving you the best deal, the reality is that pricing can shift over time, and you may not be getting the value you think.

• The Exact Same Product: 99.98%, you’re buying the same part that other suppliers offer at a better price. There’s no difference in quality—just in the margin you’re making.

• Suppliers Won’t Hate You: Here’s the truth—suppliers are in the business of selling, and they expect workshops to shop around for the best deals. They won’t go broke or harbour resentment if you decide to compare prices or even switch occasionally.

Ask Yourself: When was the last time you checked to see if your loyalty was truly paying off? Have you ever considered what it could mean for your profit margins if you had a system in place to regularly compare prices?

3. The Benefit of Having Someone Else Handle Pricing Checks

One of the biggest barriers to checking supplier pricing is time. Most workshops are too busy to sift through quotes or negotiate better deals. This is where a Virtual Service Advisor (VSA) can make all the difference.

• No Emotional Bias: A VSA isn’t emotionally tied to a supplier relationship. Their sole job is to ensure you’re getting the best price possible, without the loyalty bias that might keep you locked into an uncompetitive deal.

• Consistency: VSAs can regularly check prices, compare suppliers, and keep track of trends over time. This ensures that you’re not overpaying for parts just because you haven’t had a moment to shop around.

• Maximising Profits: By having someone dedicated to looking out for your best interests, you ensure that your profit margins are maximised without sacrificing quality.

4. What Happens When You Don’t Check?

When you fail to check pricing regularly, you risk:

• Losing Margins: Every dollar you overpay for parts is a dollar taken away from your profits.

• Relying on Outdated Pricing: Just because a supplier gave you a good deal last year doesn’t mean it’s still the best deal today.

• Missed Opportunities: Suppliers often have sales, promotions, or discounted rates that you might miss if you’re not actively comparing prices.

Simply put, you can’t afford to assume that the price you’re paying is always the best price. Without regular checks, you could be leaving significant amounts of money on the table.

5. Why a VSA Can Save You More Than Just Time

The best part of having a VSA handle pricing checks is that it removes the task from your already busy day while directly impacting your bottom line. Here’s how:

• Time Savings: You no longer have to spend time comparing suppliers or negotiating prices. A VSA does that for you.

• Increased Profitability: By ensuring you’re getting the best price on every part, your margins improve, increasing your overall profitability.

• No More Second-Guessing: With a VSA checking prices regularly, you can rest assured that every purchase is made with your best interest in mind.

Conclusion: Let’s Talk About the Numbers

When was the last time you checked your pricing against other suppliers? Do you really know if you’re getting the best deal or are you relying on assumptions based on old relationships? The reality is, you’re likely missing opportunities to improve your profit margins.

The good news is, this doesn’t have to be complicated. With a Virtual Service Advisor on your team, you can ensure that pricing checks are done consistently and without bias, allowing you to make more money without doing any extra work.

Ready to start maximising your profits? Book a consultation with Workwise Auto Solutions today and let us show you how our VSAs can help you take control of your supplier pricing and boost your workshop’s profitability.