Quick Survey Question

[Htech12]

Quick Question to the appliance repair techs among us:

When you go on a service call for appliance repair, what percent of the time do you have to use a replacement part to fix the problem?

And if you do have to use a replacement part, what percent of the time do you already have the part in your truck vs ordering it?


I would really appreciate answers.

Thanks!

[johnboy3]

Can't put it into percentages, but over the last 30 years the number that can be fixed with no parts has gone up a lot.  Many today are just correcting user errors...recalibrating and the like.  BUT, on those that need parts replaced, the number that can be finished on the first call has gone WAY down.  We used to have a lot of universal parts that could be used on many models and even different manufacturers.  Not that way anymore!

[Htech12]

@Johnboy3

Thanks for the reply.

 Do you think you would delay a lot of repairs if you didn't bring and parts with you to service calls? How many times now do you actually have a part in our truck that needs to be replaced without waiting for a new one to be ordered?

[johnboy3]

First, my answer for this is not what it would be if I were younger and trying to build a business,  I'm 74 and only take calls for Monday through Wednesday, max. 3 calls per day.  I have been surprised at how long people will wait for service.  Anyway, I don't want to carry much inventory as I probably will completely retire soon.  About all I carry on the truck are dryer and range (coil) elements, Bearing kit for Cabrio and Bravos, actuator, cam kit and capacitors for VMWs, defrost timers and thermostats.  There are 2 parts distributors I can access within about 15 miles of most of my calls, so that helps!

[rbmappltech]

I would say about 60% of my calls that require parts  I don't have parts for. I carry basic parts for Samsung dryers and other dryers. Also some washer parts, cook parts and dishwasher parts b-metals and sensors for fridges and some other stuff.. Also I try to prescreen my calls first, that also helps allot. If you can do a good job prescreening that will help with first time completes. Back in the day when Whirlpool was king, it was pretty easy to carry most basic parts. Now days with all the different brands names out there it's difficult to carry just the basic parts.
I know first time completes are good, but that is getting more challenging as time goes on. Unless you work on one brand only. Or you are a tech that works for a major appliance company. 

[tuscaloosaappliancerepair]

I would estimate over 50% of appointments require replacement parts. I'm a one-man show so I don't have too much inventory on-hand which requires a lot of return trips unfortunately.