What Does an Appliance Repair Technician Need Before Going on a Call?

No matter how big or small your business is, there are some common things you should be doing as an appliance repair technician to prepare for your next call. Keep reading for things to remember as you prepare for the day and each call coming your way!

Start of the Work Day Checklist

Whether you start each day with a morning meeting or get a head start on your daily calls, having a solid routine to begin your work day is important!

Here are a few things you should keep in mind as an appliance repair technician when you start off your day:

• Go over your scheduled calls for the day
• Make sure your tool bag and truck are organized and ready
• Have commonly used parts in your truck for easy fixes

Although many companies have a receptionist or secretary who handles the calls as they come in, you need to know what your day will look like overall and have a plan in place. The more organized you are when you start your day, the easier it will be to handle the unexpected!

Appliance Repair Technician Call Checklist

Additionally, you should also have a plan in place before each individual call that comes your way. Each customer will have a different job to do, so you are basically having to “reset” your progress and start fresh! In order to do this effectively, consider using the following checklist:

• Re-check your tool bag - One of the best ways to do this is to ensure each tool has a “place” in your bag. That way, you can easily scan to see if anything is missing.
• Create a receipt - If you used any parts on a previous call, make note of those so they can be billed to the customer.
• Restock on supplies - Stop by your shop to restock any parts you used on your last trip (if needed).
• Give an ETA - Call the customer to let them know you are on your way.

Then, once you arrive at the call, here is a basic process to follow:

• Check-in with the customer - Get additional details about the repair and make necessary adjustments to the work order to ensure the customer is happy with the result.
• Follow safety procedures - Always follow safety procedures and regulations when working on foodservice appliances, such as wearing protective gear, disconnecting power sources before working on equipment, and ensuring that the equipment is securely positioned before working on it.
• Communicate with the customer and your service manager - Don't forget to let your customers in on the nature of the repair work that you need to do, the estimated time needed to finish the job and any necessary parts that may be required.
• Test your handiwork - Once you’ve finished the repair, test the equipment to verify it’s functioning correctly and make any adjustments to improve its performance.
• Do a thorough clean-up of your workspace - After completing the repair work, clean up any tools, parts or trash and leave the work area tidy and clean.
• Offer follow-up support -  Answer any questions the customer might have about the repair work or provide additional maintenance advice.
• Don't forget the bill - Follow your company’s billing procedure to receive customer payment

Go the Extra Mile

Although these are some basic checklists you can follow as an appliance repair technician, going the extra mile with your customers can turn a big problem into a pleasant experience!

For example, GrooveHQ shares 15 ways to provide great customer service while on the job. Some of these include setting clear expectations, going above and beyond to meet customer needs and having quality communication standards. Overall, keeping a professional and polite manner is a great way to ensure a good customer experience!

Lastly, avoiding common appliance repair technician mistakes can make a huge difference for your customers! Check out this blog post for the top mistakes to avoid while on a call.

Don’t forget to check back here for more technician tips!