Industry Tips
Appliance Sales & Service
When a home appliance needs repair, first examine warranties for your current appliance including any extended service warranties you may have purchased. If the appliance is out of warranty, then making repairs, especially costly ones, must be weighed against the expense of replacement.
Before making a service call, consider these things: Does the company have experience with your type and brand of appliance? What is the basic charge for an in-home service call whether repairs are made or not? Is the charge for a service call applied to the cost of repair? How long is the company willing to guarantee their repairs? Get multiple estimates and request that replaced parts be returned to you. In some cases, these parts may be credited to the cost of the repair and are kept for rebuilding. Note: if you leave the appliance for repair and the repair estimate exceeds $25, your written or oral authorization is required.
If replacement seems the only realistic option, try to get some distance from the situation before committing to a new purchase. Comparison-shopping is highly recommended and should include brand comparisons between competing stores, especially when stores guarantee "lowest prices."
If you decide to buy, note that sales contracts should include all terms of purchase: installation, removal of the old appliance, delivery charges and date, financing terms, and reference to warranties for the new appliance. Make sure you understand all terms of the sale.
And finally of course, keep all records and receipts for future warranty reference.
