Why do prices on aftermarket seatbelt webbing fluctuate?

Surplus automotive seat belt webbing is used for many different aftermarket applications from truck tarps to boat winches to netting, and even women’s hand bags. Over the years we have seen the price fluctuate drastically. Have you ever wondered why prices on aftermarket seatbelt webbing fluctuate? Like oil, natural gas, and many agricultural products surplus, aftermarket seatbelt webbing is a commodity. In short, price is driven by supply and demand.

When Tennessee Webbing Products was founded nearly 30 years ago, there was very little demand for surplus automotive seatbelt webbing. In fact, manufacturers of seatbelt webbing were discarding their surplus material. Because demand was virtually non-existent at that time, surplus seatbelt webbing could be purchased for almost nothing.

Increased Demand for Aftermarket Webbing

Over the years Tennessee Webbing and a handful of competitors were able to build a thriving market for this material that was once little more than industrial waste. Our success did not go unnoticed.

Once demand started to build for surplus seatbelt webbing, the price increased accordingly. The manufacturers of seatbelt webbing realized their waste was no longer trash, it had value.

The Role of Supply in Aftermarket Webbing

In addition to increasing demand, fluctuations in supply have been the biggest price changer over the past two decades. During the Great Recession the depressed state of the automotive industry meant very little seatbelt webbing was being manufactured. As a result, there was almost no surplus seatbelt webbing available. What little material could be found was being sold at a premium price.

In an effort to make sure we always have enough supply to meet the increasing demand for surplus seatbelt webbing, Tennessee Webbing keeps millions of yards of surplus seatbelt webbing in stock at all times. If the automotive industry takes a down turn, we have enough stock to get us and our customers through.

Though prices on aftermarket seatbelt webbing fluctuate, our goal is to be able to meet the demands of the industry at the most competitive prices. If you use seatbelt webbing for any application call us today for a quote, 1-800-390-4894 or email sales@tnwebbing.com.