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Asking four sellers for the same part can give four prices that differ by double. The reason is that each of them sells a different type. This article explains the four types and the right use for each.
The four types
1. Genuine dealer
A part from the brand's authorized dealer in Egypt, in the company box and with the dealer's warranty. It is the most expensive type, and it makes sense in two cases: the equipment is still under warranty, or the contract requires dealer parts.
2. Genuine imported
Exactly the same part from the same factory, brought in from outside the dealer's channel. The quality is the same, and the difference is in the supply chain. This is the best choice for most workshops and equipment owners.
3. Approved alternative
A part from another specialized factory that is well known worldwide, such as the large filter makers. This is a factory with a name and standards that supplies large companies. For consumables, an approved alternative does the same job at a clearly lower cost.
4. Used
A part removed from another engine or machine. It makes sense in one case: large rare parts whose new replacement is very expensive or unavailable, provided it is properly inspected before purchase.
Where counterfeits fit among the four types
A counterfeit is fraud, not a quality grade. It is a part made to look like the original in shape and box, and sold as genuine. An approved alternative announces itself as an alternative, while a counterfeit claims to be genuine. That is the only difference that matters.
Five signs that reveal a counterfeit before installation
• The box: faded printing, changed colors, or spelling mistakes in the foreign name.
• The weight: a counterfeit part is usually lighter, because the material is cheaper.
• The engraving: the number on a genuine part is engraved evenly. On a counterfeit it is shallow or uneven.
• The finish: rough edges, or visible tool marks.
• The price: a very large difference from the market with no clear reason.
Decision table: each part and its suitable type
Part | Recommendation | Reason |
Filters (oil, fuel, air) | Approved alternative | Specialized filter factories give the same performance, and the part is replaced regularly |
Belts and hoses | Approved alternative | Same reason |
Pistons, rings and bearings | Genuine imported or dealer | Any mistake in sizes here sends the engine back to overhaul |
Cylinder head | Genuine imported or dealer | A critical and expensive part, and saving on it makes no sense |
Injectors and injection pump | Genuine | Manufacturing precision affects fuel consumption and performance |
Large rare parts | Inspected used | When a new one is unavailable or its cost is unjustifiably high |
Buyer protection on Spark FU
• Every listed part clearly shows its type: genuine dealer, genuine imported, approved alternative, or used. Publishing a part without a classification is not allowed.
• A seller who sells a counterfeit as genuine: we refund double the part's price, and the seller is removed from the platform permanently.
• Every seller on the platform has a commercial register and a tax card, and our team has seen their stock.
• A part that does not match can be returned within 7 days.
Frequently asked questions
Question | Answer |
Does an approved alternative shorten the engine's life? | Not for consumables. For precise overhaul parts, genuine is safer. |
How do I verify the seller's claim? | Ask to see the box and the part before paying, and compare the number. On the platform the classification is written and the seller is contractually responsible for it. |
Is genuine imported legal? | Yes, as long as it is imported through the proper channels and with an invoice. |
Is there a warranty difference between the types? |