In commercial buildings whether you operate one elevator or manage a portfolio of buildings with elevators nothing disrupts operations faster than an out-of-service elevator. And when the elevator service provider tells you, “We can’t get the part,” it can feel like your hands are tied.
At The Elevator Consultants, we hear this frustration daily. Parts delays aren’t just annoying they put your tenants at risk, threaten ADA compliance, can be extremely costly and frustrate tenants or elevator users. Yet many building owners and managers don’t realize they have more control than they think.
Let’s breaks down the real story behind elevator parts lead times, why elevator service providers say they can’t get parts, and what steps you can take starting today to take control of elevator parts availability.
The Growing Problem: Why Elevator Parts Are Harder to Source
There are several forces behind the recent spike in elevator parts delays and understanding them is the first step toward solving the issue.
Global Supply Chain Disruptions
Most elevator parts, from controllers to relays to motor drives, are no longer manufactured in the U.S. Over the last few decades, production has shifted overseas, making parts availability vulnerable to shipping delays, factory shutdowns, and raw material shortages. Pandemic-related disruptions only worsened the issue, and the effects are still lingering. If a component is manufactured in Asia or Europe, even a small delay in one link of the chain can lead to weeks or even months of downtime on your end.
OEM Consolidation and “Planned Obsolescence”
Major elevator manufacturers continually update their equipment lines. While this can lead to more efficient technology, it also means many older components are phased out. It is common to see “older” parts like 3 years old and older being phased out. The “made to break” era is here. When that happens, the OEM may label them as “obsolete,” whether or not a viable replacement or refurbished version exists. Unfortunately, this gives OEMs more pricing power and less incentive to expedite small or isolated part requests.
Market Prioritization and Backlogs
Many elevator manufacturers may prioritize large-scale new construction or modernization projects over service parts. In other words, a bulk parts order for a new 40-story development
will likely be fulfilled before your order for a single door operator or board. This often leaves some elevator service providers and their clients waiting in line.
Why You’re at the Mercy of the Elevator Service Provider
Most building owners rely entirely on their elevator service provider to source and supply elevator and escalator parts. And while that’s a common practice, it also means you’re putting your trust and the performance of your building in someone else’s hands.
Elevator service providers may not have the incentive to aggressively source parts from alternate suppliers, especially if they are the OEM. They might avoid exploring refurbished or aftermarket options because it adds complexity. Even worse, some providers may not be transparent about the availability of parts they may delay replacement schedules unnecessarily or charge a premium for “expedited” service that isn’t well defined. It is a complete unknown.
In the end, this leaves property managers and facility directors stuck in limbo, without a clear answer or plan for resolution.
What Are Your Real Options?
Here’s what most elevator companies won’t tell you: you have more choices than just waiting on OEM lead times. An experienced elevator consulting firm can help you explore several viable options, each with different timelines, costs, and risks.
OEM New Parts
These are components sourced directly from the original equipment manufacturer. They come with warranty support and ensure 100% compatibility with your elevator system. However, OEM parts are seeing long lead times ranging from several weeks to several months, depending on availability and international shipping timelines.
Refurbished and Surplus Inventory
Refurbished parts are often pulled from decommissioned systems and restored to working order. Surplus inventories, maintained by third-party suppliers, may contain new or lightly used parts that are no longer in active production. Both options can significantly reduce lead times and lower costs, while still providing reliable performance especially when vetted by an experienced consultant.
Aftermarket and Third-Party Components
Some companies manufacture compatible components that are not OEM-branded but meet or exceed the original specifications. These third-party or “aftermarket” elevator parts can be a great solution when speed is essential and budget is limited.
Part Repair and Remanufacture
In many cases, the failed component doesn’t need to be replaced—it can be repaired. This is especially true for electronic parts, such as control boards and drives. Qualified facilities can diagnose and remanufacture the part to working condition, often within a fraction of the time required to source a new one. This route is particularly valuable for parts labeled as “obsolete” but still functional.
How an Elevator Consulting Firm Changes the Equation
An independent elevator consultant brings expertise, objectivity, and a much broader network to the table turning a reactive process into a proactive strategy.
Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Network
Elevator consultants don’t rely on a single OEM. They maintain relationships with global brokers, repair facilities, and refurbishers. That means they can find parts faster, often from multiple sources simultaneously, giving you options that your elevator service provider might not explore.
Bid Oversight and Cost Control
Elevator consultants can manage the part procurement process transparently. They review quotes, negotiate pricing, compare suppliers, and validate timelines ensuring you’re not overpaying or waiting longer than necessary.
Technical Expertise and Risk Reduction
Compatibility, safety, and code compliance are critical. An elevator consultant vets all recommended parts and suppliers to ensure everything aligns with your buildings operational needs.
Data-Driven Strategy
An elevator consultant doesn’t just fix the problem they track it to minimize your downtime. They analyze past incidents, review parts performance, and help you build a preventive maintenance and spare parts strategy so you’re never caught off guard again.
What You Can Do Today
Whether you oversee a single mid-rise or a national portfolio, here’s how you can take control of your elevator parts strategy:
· Audit Your Past Repairs: Identify which elevator service delays were caused by long lead times and determine which elevator parts could be stocked, repaired, or sourced differently.
· Consult With an Expert: Bring in an elevator consulting firm to evaluate your current service provider’s sourcing methods and explore alternatives.
· Establish a Parts Contingency Plan: For critical assets, develop a spare parts strategy that includes stocking high risk components or identifying backup suppliers.
· Track Lead Times: Start recording how long parts actually take to arrive. This data will help you identify patterns and hold vendors accountable.
· Plan Ahead: If your elevator equipment is aging or approaching modernization, identify long-lead parts in advance so you’re never caught waiting.
Final Thoughts
Elevator parts availability is no longer a background issue it’s a frontline business concern. Delayed parts mean delayed service, and that leads to frustrated tenants, downtime, and financial loss. While it may seem like your options are limited, the reality is you have more power and options than you think.
By working with a qualified professional elevator consulting firm, you can uncover hidden sourcing opportunities, reduce lead times, and protect your building’s operations. Whether you’re managing 1 elevator hundreds or thousands, the right guidance can turn parts delays from a liability into a strategic advantage.
If your building is facing elevator part delays or if you simply want to avoid them reach out to The Elevator Consultants today. We’ll help you take back control.
Why is my elevator service provider saying a part is unavailable when other vendors seem to have it?
Service providers often rely on specific vendors or OEM channels, and they may not search beyond those primary sources they are allowed. That doesn’t mean the part isn’t available it might simply not be available through their usual supplier. An independent elevator consultant can tap into a broader network, including surplus inventory, refurbished parts, and third-party manufacturers to find alternatives that your provider may not consider.
How long are typical elevator part lead times right now?
Lead times vary widely depending on the type of part and the source. Standard OEM parts can take anywhere from 2 to 16 weeks or longer, especially if manufactured overseas. In contrast, refurbished or surplus parts can often be sourced in days, and repairs may be completed within a few weeks depending on the part and the availability. A proactive strategy that includes alternative sourcing can dramatically reduce wait times.
Is it safe to use refurbished or aftermarket elevator parts?
Yes when properly vetted. Reputable refurbishment shops test parts thoroughly, often to the same standards as new OEM products. Aftermarket parts manufactured by suppliers can also meet or exceed original specifications. That’s why working with an experienced elevator consulting firm is critical they know which suppliers can be trusted.
What are the risks of delaying a part replacement due to availability?
Delaying part replacements can lead to recurring elevator shutdowns, code compliance issues, safety concerns, tenant complaints, and increased liability. A delayed repair can also turn into a more expensive fix if the elevator system is allowed to operate while malfunctioning. It can harm tenant satisfaction and hurt building reputation especially in commercial,
healthcare, or hospitality environments.
Can I stock critical elevator parts on-site to avoid delays?
Yes, and in fact, it’s highly recommended for high-traffic or mission-critical facilities. Stocking a small inventory of high-failure or long-lead parts can significantly reduce downtime. A consultant can help you identify which parts make sense to stock and how to manage that inventory to avoid waste or obsolescence