Whether a part on your aircraft is damaged or worn, it’s logical to look to the aftermarket for a replacement. While the buying decision might be based on the high price of OEM replacements, there are many benefits to aftermarket replacements. For one, the part could be made from more serviceable material, including fiberglass. This could also yield a weight-saving advantage.
Still, there are some caveats. Not all replacement parts will easily bolt on. There’s fit and finish considerations, plus you’ll want to source aftermarket parts from a reliable and experienced manufacturer, while ensuring the part has proper FAA certification. You could end up spending more money if your shop has to modify the part to make it fit or obtain FAA approval to put it on.