Lack of spare parts, especially OEM parts, for manufactured goods is pretty much a direct consequence of just-in-time manufacturing throughout the supply chain. The less expensive the item means the non-availability of parts is only offset by the fact that some parts are commonly used in both multiple models and some parts are standardised (though of course again this level of commonality or standardization is least likely for cosmetic parts). Often at best you _can_ likely get non-standard parts during the period that an item is covered under a full warranty, but even then you might only get a complete replacement item (which may differ slightly, especially in cosmetic aspects). One exception to even standardized parts are critical functional OEM parts auto parts which are forbidden for "older" automobiles in the EU. This is done in an attempt to get older polluting or unsafe vehicles off the road. In the world of appliances a good independent repair technician can probably source "compatible" parts, even for cosmetic parts, due in no small way to the number of times people will choose not to repair an item, thus allowing its parts to be salvaged by anyone with the time, interest, and storage capacity. Where OEM parts are available one often pays severely for their storage and distribution. I have an antique motorcycle made by Honda. I can still walk into any Honda dealership today and find the parts diagrams and lists on the computer there, and there are a good number of parts I can still order from them, if I'm willing to pay this premium for the OEM part. The premium is high. I made the mistake of ordering a very standard 6mmx20mm bolt for about 100 times the price it would have cost had I got it from anywhere else, but it came in a little plastic bag labeled with the Honda logo and the Honda part number specific to my antique bike model and year, and for all I know it was likely air-mailed from Japan. BTW, the bike is a 1984 V45 Magna -- still very serviceable, but tending towards requiring third-party parts now, and firmly in the antique category under BC law.