I need someone quick, should I try an immediate call-out repairman?

It’s very frustrating when faced with loads of washing to do and a faulty washing machine or a freezer full of defrosted food. It’s tempting to use anyone who can come the quickest. But don’t be too desperate. Desperate people tend to be less discerning and more likely to be targeted by cowboys. There are repair people that advertise immediate same-day service.

Often they claim to not only come the same day, but with no call-out charge, and give a free estimate too. On the face of it this does seem too good to be true and in some cases it is (Free estimates and no call out charges are they realistic?).

I’ve come across many customers who have found that although someone came out straight away, they simply took the washing machine to the workshop and kept it for several days.

Quite a few of the companies that advertise same-day service with free estimates and no call-out charges operate by having a couple of men who simply travel round in a big van, collecting washing machines to take back to the workshop all day.

Also, coming out straight away isn't much use if they don't carry the spare parts. People that repair most makes of washer are more likely to take longer to fix your washing machine than a specialist in your make, who maybe can't come out until the next day but has more chance of fixing it on the first visit. The more makes of washing machine someone repairs, the less parts they can carry.

I am not saying all immediate repair services will be like that, but make sure you ask if they take washing machines away first. Washing machines should not normally need to be taken away for repairs. Just don’t be so desperate to get your appliance repaired that you reject your regular repairman for one that can rush out within hours but maybe leave you without your washing machine for several days.

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