How to Be a Good Host to an Appliance Repair Technician

The Do’s and Don’ts for Making Service Calls Less Awkward

Inviting a stranger into your home can feel a bit awkward, even if said stranger is a Hometown Hero coming to repair your appliance. Some homeowners feel the need to make small talk, others think they need to keep the technician entertained, while some just hover, pretending to be busy on their phone. It can be hard to know exactly what to do –  it’s not like there’s any official guide on best practices for when your technician arrives… until now! We spoke with a few of our technicians to get the inside scoop on what customers should do – and avoid doing – so the home visit is as comfortable and efficient as possible for everyone involved!

DOs

• To set our techs up for success, when scheduling your service, provide necessary access information like gate codes, as well as any photos or videos relevant to the issue.
• While setting up your appointment, let us know if you’re not personally footing the bill so the payment can be worked out in advance. 
• Prior to arrival, clean the working area. For example, if your tech will be repairing your dishwasher or garbage disposal, please clean out the space under the sink. 
• This may seem like a no-brainer, but make sure you are home during the entirety of your scheduled service.
• We love animals, but please put your pets away in a separate room until the technician has finished the job.
• Upon arrival, provide as many details as possible around your appliance’s issue: when did it start malfunctioning, how long has the problem been persisting, any funny smells or sounds you’ve noticed, etc.
• Give your tech the room once he starts working, but stay within earshot, just in case he has a question for you.
• Have keys available for appliances that require coins, like laundromat washers.

DON’Ts

• Say you’re five minutes away when you’re 10 miles from your home. We get it – life happens and sometimes you’re running late, but your full transparency helps our techs properly manage their day, and they often run on a tight schedule. 
• Schedule your service when the area is busy, such as an appliance in a break room at lunchtime, or your dishwasher in the morning while you’re trying to get the kids out the door.
• Unplug your fridge. Rule of thumb: never disconnect your refrigerator from power unless directed to do so by a Hometown Hero tech. 
• Leave valuables lying around. We don’t want to get blamed if your family heirloom or wedding ring falls down the garbage disposal. The less cluttered the working area is, the better. 
• Be nude or nude-adjacent. It’s your house, but it’s our office. 
• Leave the house while the tech is working.
• Leave a teenager in charge as we need an adult for decisions and payment. 
• Allow your pets to roam free. We’re animal lovers, but it’s dangerous to have them sniffing around the workspace. 
• Be rude to the tech. Kindness costs nothing but means everything.  
• Record your tech. We’re appliance repair technicians, not Brad Pitt! 
• Hover around the tech throughout the appointment. When you pretend to awkwardly clean the cabinets, we’re both uncomfortable. 
• Cook or clean near the appliance that the tech is servicing. 
• Constantly ask questions during the appointment. Our technicians’ brains work better when they can concentrate. Rest assured, there will be time for questions when the job is finished. 
• Chat excessively with your technician after the job. Once the repair is complete, questions have been answered, and payment has been processed, our techs have to skedaddle and be a hero to the next customer. 

When your Hometown Hero arrives, it’s all about striking a balance between hospitality, professionalism, and giving them the space they need to get the job done. By following these simple do’s and don’ts, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free experience, for both you and your technician.

Does any of your appliances need some TLC? Give us a call today to schedule your appointment! We look forward to being your hero.