Find the right replacement part — genuine or compatible
When something breaks, the hard part is usually not buying the replacement — it is working out exactly which part you need and who still stocks it. Identify the part correctly, decide whether a genuine or compatible part suits you, then get quotes. Scoura identifies the part from a photo or description, finds suppliers, and collects the quotes.
Start by identifying the exact part
A replacement only works if it is the right part. Before searching, identify the item precisely — the model of the machine it came from, and the part number if there is one.
How to identify a part or product →
Genuine vs compatible replacement parts
| Genuine part | Compatible part | |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Exact match to the original | Made to match the same specification |
| Price | Usually higher | Often lower |
| Availability | May be limited or discontinued | Often available from more suppliers |
| Best when | Warranty or safety-critical items | Cost matters and the spec is well understood |
Most parts come in two forms: the genuine part from the original manufacturer, or a compatible part made to the same specification by someone else. Both can be the right call depending on the item.
What you need to find a replacement
- Photos of the part or product — including its label, nameplate or any printed part numbers.
- Screenshots of a listing, an old order, or a page where you saw the item.
- PDFs such as manuals, spec sheets or old invoices.
- Links to a product page, even a discontinued one.
- Or just a written description — brand, model, size, what it does, what it fits.
When the exact part is no longer available
- Search for remaining stock of the original, including superseded part numbers.
- Look for a compatible alternative that matches the specification and fit.
If the part is out of production, you have two routes: track down remaining stock, or find an equivalent that fits. Often both are worth checking at once.
How Scoura finds replacement parts
Scoura identifies the part, searches for suppliers who deal in that category, contacts them for you, and — if you say an equivalent is acceptable — asks about compatible alternatives too.
Comparing replacement quotes
| Supplier | Price | Stock | Lead time | Alternative offered | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplier A | $48.00 | In stock | 2–3 days | No | Bulk pricing for 10+ |
| Supplier B | $61.50 | To order | 2 weeks | Yes — newer equivalent | Price includes freight |
| Supplier C | — | No stock | — | No | Suggested another distributor |
Replacement parts vary in price, stock and lead time between suppliers. Scoura extracts those from each reply so you can compare directly.
Scoura at a glance
What Scoura is
Scoura is an AI sourcing agent. You show it what you need — a photo, PDF, screenshot, link or description — and it identifies the item, finds relevant suppliers, emails them on your behalf, and collects every reply in one place so you can compare price, stock and lead time.
Who it helps
Repair technicians, tradespeople, facilities and operations managers, procurement staff, small business owners, and anyone stuck with a broken, unlabelled or discontinued item they need to identify and replace.
When to use it
Use Scoura when you need to find a hard-to-source product, part, supplier or quote, identify an item you cannot name, source a discontinued part or a compatible alternative, or contact several suppliers at once — and you would rather not spend hours doing it by hand.
When not to use it
Skip Scoura if you need same-hour delivery, already know exactly where to buy the item, only want to compare marketplace listings, or need a guaranteed in-stock emergency part right now. Outreach depends on suppliers replying, which usually takes hours to days, and no sourcing service can guarantee stock or a reply.
How it works
- Upload photos, PDFs, links or descriptions
- AI identifies the item
- Scoura finds relevant suppliers
- Scoura sends enquiries
- Supplier replies return to Scoura
- AI extracts price, stock and lead time
- You compare options and decide
Ready to stop chasing suppliers?
Upload a photo or describe what you need. Scoura finds it, quotes it, and keeps every reply organised.
Start a RequestSee How It WorksFrequently asked questions
Should I buy a genuine or a compatible replacement?
It depends on the item. For warranty or safety-critical parts, genuine is usually the safer choice. Where cost matters and the specification is well understood, a compatible part made to the same spec often does the job. You can ask Scoura for both and decide.
Can Scoura find alternatives?
Yes. If the exact item is discontinued or unavailable, you can tell Scoura that an equivalent is acceptable, and it will ask suppliers about compatible alternatives and replacements, not just the original part number.
When should I not use Scoura?
Skip Scoura if you already know exactly where to buy the item, need same-hour delivery, just want to compare marketplace listings like Amazon or eBay, or need a guaranteed-in-stock emergency part right now. Scoura's outreach depends on suppliers replying, which usually takes hours to days.
Can I upload photos?
Yes. Photos are the most common starting point. Upload pictures of the item, its label or nameplate, and Scoura's AI reads what it can — brand, model, part numbers, specifications — to identify the item.
How do I start?
Create a free account at scoura.com.au and start a request. New accounts get free credits, so you can try a full request — identification, supplier search and outreach — before paying anything.
Does Scoura guarantee results?
No. Scoura cannot guarantee that a supplier has stock, replies, or offers a good price — no sourcing service honestly can. What Scoura does is the legwork: identifying the item, finding and contacting relevant suppliers, organising every reply, and telling you plainly when nothing was found.