Two of these + shipping = $50. Oy.

“These” being roller assemblies for my dishwasher.

They’re small plastic parts that keep the top rack of my dishwasher on the track. As you can see, years of washing had deteriorated the plastic.

(old one on the left, new one on the right)

This meant that almost every time you pulled the top rack out, it fell off the track, sending the dishes southward.

(If you pulled it out just right, it would stay on the track. But 0% of my children could manage this feat.)

Mr. FG poked around on the internet and found the replacement part. We ordered two because it’s clear that another of these pieces is starting to wear out as well.

So, for the moment, I have a functioning dishwasher rack and one backup roller assembly.

I do think it’s completely ridiculous that this small piece of plastic costs $20. I don’t know a lot about plastic manufacturing but I just can’t imagine that it costs anywhere near $20 to produce one of these.

And since most of the part stores were charging around the same price, I think the manufacturer must be the one pocketing most of the profit.

Anyway, I feel really annoyed about having to fork over $50 for two pieces of plastic.

On the other hand, $50 is a lot less than the price of a new dishwasher.

And installing little plastic pieces is a lot less work than replacing a dishwasher.

So, you know, it could be worse.

I just wish replacement parts were more reasonably priced….it would make it a lot easier to choose repair over replacement.
__________________________

Do you get frustrated by the price of replacement parts? And have you ever had to think long and hard about whether it was worth it to repair something?

(I did when I bought a part for my blender. I’ve now spent half the blender’s value in replacement parts!)

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Venjeana

Tuesday 17th of July 2012

Once my son broke the little plastic piece in the microwave that the glass plate sits on and without it the plate won't turn. The microwave was almost new, so I didn't want to toss it. I went to the manufacturer's website to order the part, not only was it around $30 it was on back order. I ordered it anyway and after waiting 3 months for it to still not be off back order I went out and bought a new microwave for about $100. The old one I recycled at a place that takes applicances.

Paula in the UP

This is one of my pet peeves! Everything is made to replace the whole item rather then just get it fixed or replace a part. If you do choose to repair, the parts are expensive and if it's not something you can do for yourself, labor is costly! It just a lose, lose!! All that said I would NOT be without my dishwasher!!!! We sold our first home and move to our current home mainly because there wasn't a spot for a dishwasher. HA HA!

Anita

Saturday 14th of July 2012

I completely agree with supporting excellent local businesses. The few extra dollars you spend ends up going for peace of mind, amazing customer support, etc. It is really frustrating that a tiny peice of plastic could cost so much but it is probably because they simply are not made in the sort of excess that would drive the cost down. At least, you have the solace that you are saving your dishwasher AND that you're buying a specialty item vs. some peice of junk that too many where made, never sold, and ended up in a landfill unused.

Meredith

We're going through that right now with our car. It's a hand-me-down from my in-laws and has needed a new head gasket for about a year now. That repair costs upwards of $2,000, and the car is only worth about $5,000. Plus, our second child is 6 months old, and the car is a station wagon. We want at least one more child, which means we'll probably need something with a third row. So, we're basically having to try to plan our entire lives in order to decide 1) whether to repair this car or trade it in, and 2) what kind of vehicle to get next if we do get rid of it.