Not all websites give you clear information
While I am not calling out a specific website or websites, I wanted to show what happens.
The situation is one I have seen hundreds of time for more than 15 years.
Here is why this is done. Cross referencing in online stores is an excellent way to bring customers over to the brand you are selling. Not necessarily the brand the website visitor was looking for.
Here is a good example of this:
You will be doing a search for a Gates Branded Belt. You search for this belt and click on the link to the website.
- You go to a page that gives the belt number and Gates brand name in the heading.
- Be sure to completely read thru the description.
- If you don't, you will be thinking you got a great deal on the Gates belt, when in fact, you are going to receive a different brand. Which may or may not be equivalent in size or quality.
What to look for
Look for certain words and phrases like cross reference, replacement, equivalent, similar, equal to, and comparable. If you aren't sure, reach out to the seller to make sure you know exactly what you are buying.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below, and if you’ve have any helpful belt related stories, we’re all ears!