My DH dropped his electric beard trimmer a little while ago. It was an expensive one that we had paid almost $60. for. The comb type attachment on it broke. We contacted the company and found out that the part was only $5.00; however they wanted $15. shpg and handlg for it! So DH and I went to BBB and looked at a trimmer by the same manufacturer. It had the attachment and some others that were exactly the same as ours. It was $19.95 and I had a 20% off coupon! So we got our part plus some spares for less than the manufacturer wanted!

So it isn't always cheaper to buy the part. You have to look at the alternatives all around you!