Generally, Summit "brand" parts are factory seconds that didn't pass the standards from the manufacturer, and are private labeled under their name. It may only be a minor blem that you might not even notice, but it's not something that compromises performance.

 

Do you have some source for the "seconds" theory? Summit techs told me just the opposite, but I guess they could be fibbing.

 

Sheer numbers for starters. Out of all the statements out there on the internet about Summit brand being seconds, I've never seen one that states their parts aren't seconds, and nothing to be found about the true origin of any specific part. And it makes sense. Why would a manufacturer sell their perfectly good part at a greater discount, and allow it to be private labeled (they'd have to give permission or it would be counterfeiting), only to have it compete right next to their own product by the same seller? Because it's better than taking a total loss and tossing the piece in the can. And, what would you expect a Summit employee (who's either sworn to secrecy or just plain doesn't know the origin) to say? Again, "seconds" doesn't mean it's a bad part.

 

Bingo....it's all about the mighty dollar.

 

Hey, better to get a dime on the dollar (or whatever they are getting), than to get nothing.
Private labeling is nothing new, and it's not limited to the auto industry.

 

Trust me, it's everywhere, we do it here and we're a boiler company. All we do is add a different color jacket and sell it for a little cheaper.

Look at Miller Welders, they make the Hobart brand on the same line and sells at a cheaper cost. Sure it got less bells and whistles, but it's the same quality as the Miller.

Now if Walmart starts to sell seconds, we're in trouble....

 

You're suggesting something might not pass the (non-existent) quality control in China? Good luck with that! lol

 

right...That and the fact private label is 100% profit or 100% shrink (loss) so it will always be cheaper. sellers only make a % off of margin on brand named product so of course they push private lable to sustain max profitability.with most products you are paying for brand name not expenses versus profit., (mark up)

 

Oh but Walmart does!!! You ever see some shoes that look just like a pair of Nike's that would sold in the mall?

 

Trust me, I'm just joking about "quality" items at Walmart.....

Even some of their employees are "seconds".....or at least some of the one's I dealt with.