Ok guys.....here's the secret.
Customer service. Pure and simple. Most parts companies have a call center.When you call, some young person answers the phone and asks the model number, and what part you need.Most have never seen a part in thier lives, and have never sat and had conversations with repair techs.If you are looking for advise, they freeze and say "Call a repair tech"
I started in the shipping recieving of a major parts company 30 years ago.Touching and catalogueing parts. I can picture in my mind where the part goes and what it does in relation to the other parts.
I train my people the same way.Even my wife, who does my accounting, can take calls and do look ups and is respected by the technicians who i supply.
I have a big pot of coffee in my showroom, and repair guys stop in numerous times during the day, and discuss thier calls with each other.I always take time to talk with all of them, and learn common fixs for things.
Most times i dont even need a model number to find the part. I am training my young nephew to take over my bussiness eventually, and carry on with this style of customer service. Old school is always better, at least in my type of work.
Thanks again guys. You will ALL get the same treatment when you need parts at my store
Paul