The Marketing Myths of Gray Market Bearings

There are certain rumors concerning "Gray Market Bearings" or "Grey Bearings" circulating the global Bearing Industry and many are surprised about statements from some manufacturers' attorney's theory as to what properly describes a Gray/Grey Bearing.

Depending on the motives behind the legal argument into "Gray" trading, the basic commercial reality in marketing of Bearings will depend on what price the purchaser is prepared to pay.

In an effort to clarify some of the misinformation, BICC President, Ian McPherson, said there are a number of grounds where there is no "Material Difference" when determining a Grey or Blue or Yellow Bearing.

“Firstly, marketing forces from traders will sought the final accepted price and this will depend on the condition of any product and consideration into any "Material Difference" is always a main factor,” Mr McPherson said.

“Secondly, based on the USA Appeals Court finding in September 2005, it was concluded in "SKF vs Others", that Gray Market Bearings are not "Materially Different".

Mr McPherson said in order to fully address the issues surrounding Grey Market Bearings manufacturers must address them directly.

"If the concerns of Grey Market Bearings are real and do exist, then the original Manufacturer has a duty in the interests of the Consumer and Safety to buy back or immediately request for a full recall similar to the Automobile Industry,” Mr McPherson said.

“For Bearing Producers to simply manufacture a product & Walk away from any or all obligation only to blame others is totally outrageous.

“It will be interesting when the US Government finally releases its stockpile of unwanted estimated four million bearing pieces on the Commercial Market; will that be deemed as a ‘Counterfeit’ or ‘Lubrication’ problem?

Mr McPherson said another issue that was clouding the efforts of organisations like the BICC is a lack of background in the bearing industry for some of those offering legal advice to bearing manufacturers.

“A case in point would be to note that the lubrication process when fitting bearings, is different to that of a preservative grease,” Mr McPherson said.

“Perhaps some bearing Lawyers should do further training when entering or making advice to the Industry.”

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