Hunting for used parts does not have to be stressful
We all know what the traditional search for a used car part looks like. You call your tenth scrapyard of the day, describe the same part for the tenth time, get replies like "I don't have it, call again in a week" or "I have it, but I don't know the price, come over and we'll see." You spend hours on the phone and on the road, and at the end you may not even find what you needed.
The PoDi platform was built to make this process simple, fast and transparent. Instead of you chasing suppliers, suppliers come to you. Instead of calling them one by one, your request goes out to all relevant suppliers at the same time. Instead of agreeing things verbally, everything is documented and easy to review.
The whole process fits into four steps, from sending the first request to picking up the part. Here is how it works and how to get the most out of each step.
How PoDi works in 4 steps
Step 1: Send a request for a part
It all starts with your request. You go to the new request page and enter the details of the part you need:
- Vehicle make and model - e.g. Volkswagen Golf 5
- Year - e.g. 2007
- Engine type - e.g. 1.9 TDI (BXE)
- Part name - e.g. water pump, alternator, front bumper
- OEM number (if you know it) - e.g. 038 121 011A
- VIN number (optional but recommended) - for accurate identification
- Additional notes - colour (for body panels), variant, specific requirements
The more precisely you describe the part, the more precise the offers will be. The OEM number is especially useful because it removes any room for confusion.
Do not know the OEM number? No problem. Describe the part in as much detail as you can, and suppliers on the PoDi platform will usually identify it from the vehicle data.
Step 2: Suppliers send offers
Your request goes out to the network of verified used parts suppliers on the PoDi platform. Every supplier who has the part sends you an offer that includes:
- The price of the part
- Condition of the part (new/used, mileage of the donor car)
- Photos of the part
- Delivery information (price, time)
- Warranty (if offered)
Offers usually start coming in within a few hours, and for popular parts sometimes within a few minutes. For rare parts it can take a day or two as suppliers need to check stock.
Step 3: Compare and choose
Once you have offers (usually 2 to 5 for popular parts), compare them on:
- Price - but do not automatically pick the cheapest. Look at overall value
- Condition of the part - photos and description tell you how worn the part is
- Supplier reputation - ratings and reviews from previous buyers
- Delivery cost - sometimes a cheaper part with expensive delivery works out more expensive overall
- Warranty - a part with a warranty is a safer choice, even if it is a little more expensive
- Supplier location - a closer supplier means faster and cheaper delivery, or the option of personal pickup
Step 4: Arrange the purchase with the supplier
Picked an offer? You arrange the purchase, payment and delivery (or personal pickup) directly with the supplier who sent you the offer. When the part arrives, inspect it, check it matches the description, and have it fitted to the car.
Why use a platform instead of searching directly?
Some people ask: "Why not just call a scrapyard directly?" Here are the concrete benefits of the platform approach:
Time saving
Instead of calling 10 suppliers and explaining what you need to each one, you send one request and it goes to all of them. What would otherwise take you half a day now takes 5 minutes.
More offers equals a better price
When you have offers from several suppliers, you can compare and pick the best. Without a platform, you usually call 2 to 3 places and accept the first decent offer because you do not have time to keep calling. With a platform, the market works for you.
Transparency
Everything is documented: the request, the offers, the prices, the agreements. No verbal agreements that get forgotten or changed. If something goes wrong, you have a record.
Access to a wider network
You probably know 3 or 4 scrapyards in your area. The platform gives you access to suppliers across the whole region and beyond. A part that no one in your town has might be sitting in another region.
Ratings and reviews
On the platform you can see ratings and experiences of previous buyers with a given supplier. This is information you cannot get when you call a random scrapyard out of the directory.
Who is the PoDi platform for?
PoDi is not only for professional mechanics or scrapyards. The platform is designed for everyone who needs a used car part:
Car owners
Need a part for your car? Send a request and compare offers. You do not need to know anything about car parts beyond what has broken. Suppliers on the PoDi platform can identify the right part from the vehicle data.
Mechanics and workshops
Independent workshops use PoDi to source used parts for their clients. Faster sourcing means shorter waits for the client and better service.
Scrapyards and suppliers
If you have used parts to sell, PoDi gives you access to buyers actively looking for exactly those parts. Instead of waiting for someone to call you, the buyers come to you.
Enthusiasts and restorers
Restoring an oldtimer or building a project car? Used original parts are often the only option for older models. PoDi helps you find those hard-to-source parts.
Tips for a successful purchase on PoDi
Here are tips that will help you get the best experience:
1. Be precise in your request
The more information you provide, the better the offers. "Bumper" is too vague. "Front bumper for VW Golf 7, 2015, black (LC9X), without parking sensors" is excellent because the supplier knows exactly what you need.
2. Include the OEM number when possible
The OEM number removes any room for confusion. How to find it, we covered in our guide on TecDoc and cross-reference.
3. Check photos carefully
Photos of the part tell you about its condition. If there are no photos, ask the supplier for them before buying. Never buy a part you have not at least seen in a picture.
4. Ask about the warranty
Many suppliers offer a 30 to 90 day warranty on used parts. A warranty is a sign that the supplier stands behind the quality of the part.
5. Consider personal pickup
If the supplier is nearby, personal pickup lets you inspect the part before paying and saves on delivery costs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the platform free for buyers?
Yes. Sending a request and receiving offers is completely free for buyers. You only pay for the part you buy, directly to the supplier.
How do I know a supplier is reliable?
Every supplier on the platform has a profile with ratings and reviews from previous buyers. PoDi assigns a VERIFIED badge after a basic check of the profile and contact details.
What if the part does not fit?
If the part does not match the description or the vehicle, contact the supplier. Most suppliers offer replacement or return. Always check the return policy before buying.
Can I sell parts on the platform?
Yes. If you have used parts to sell, register as a supplier and start responding to buyers' requests. Your parts get access to buyers from across the region.
How quickly do offers arrive?
For popular parts (filters, brakes, alternators for common models), offers usually arrive within a few hours. For rare parts it can take a day or two.
What it looks like in practice
Say you need a front bumper for a particular model and year. Instead of doing the rounds of scrapyards and checking availability by phone, on the PoDi platform you send one request with accurate vehicle data. In most cases, offers from suppliers across the region start arriving within a few hours. You can compare price, location and condition of the part, pick the offer that suits you, and collect the part in person or by delivery. Depending on the part and model, the saving versus new parts often runs into hundreds of euros.
Try it and see for yourself
The PoDi platform connects you with suppliers of used car parts. The goal is to make finding parts at competitive prices easier, without wasting time touring scrapyards.
If you need a used part, send a request and see for yourself. Sending a request takes a couple of minutes, and comparing offers can save you hours of searching and hundreds of euros. And if you have parts to sell, join the supplier network on the PoDi platform.
PoDi. The platform that connects you with suppliers of used parts.