USA The e-Servicer Newsletter
    United Servicers Association 
For Appliance Service Professionals
  July 2013
 Greetings!

FamilySummer is in full swing. It's time to slow down and relax. During the Dog Days of summer (and all of the other summer days, too), there's no better place to slow down and relax than a park or the beach with an ice cream cone.  Since 1985, America has celebrated July as the nation's official Park and Recreation Month. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month. He recognized ice cream as a fun and nutritious food that is enjoyed by a full 90 percent of the nation's population. In the proclamation, President Reagan called for all people of the United States to observe these events with "appropriate ceremonies and activities." So whether your vacation is one day, one week or all month long, grab an ice-cream cone and take some down-time to rejuvenate. You, your family and your business will be better for it. We hope you have a safe and happy summer vacation wherever you go.

 

Happy Summer Vacation America!

The USA  e-Servicer Newsletter Team

 

Special Repair Trick for an Intermittent LE Error Code on LG Front-Load Washers (Hint: It's NOT the Hall Sensor)  

By Samurai Repair Man, www.ApplianceGuru.com   

Samuari 7-2013

As most professional Appliantologists know, the infamous LE error code in LG front-load washers is usually caused by a bad hall sensor, also called a rotor position sensor or RPS.  The hall sensor is easy to test and replace.  

 

Okay, so let's say you replaced the hall sensor because, for whatever reason, you believed it was bad and you're still getting that ding-dang infernal LE error code.  What then?

 

Unbunch thy panties and fret thou not, my fine young apprentice.  Come with me now on a journey of Total Appliance Enlightment™ more...

Avoid the Rut ! 

By Paul Mac Donald, USA Executive Director

Bored CSR

Customer service is all about solving someone else's problems. It's the start of a relationship that can last for a long time with recurring experiences driving revenues, profits and employment longevity.  

 

It all starts with the customer service representative that answers the phone; the CSR. A CSR is a powerful, challenging and rewarding job; or can be. It's powerful to know that a CSR has the means to return normalcy to a customer's daily routine. It's a challenge every day to exceed customers' expectations for a myriad of reasons. It's rewarding when customers and employers show sincere appreciation for efforts of a job well done.   more...

12 Social-Media Mistakes That Entrepreneurs Make  

By Colleen DeBaise, www.entrepreneur.com  

Social Media Mistakes

In this week's column, our Team Digital answers: What's a big social-media mistake that business owners make?

 
Ignoring social media altogether, because they don't have time to understand its impact. They write it off in the name of focusing on other more pressing priorities -- or they misinterpret social media as distractions, silly networks and apps that kids use. Another mistake business owners make is they jump in to all of the hottest social properties without considering the importance of behavior. Let's stop talking about social media and start talking about how customers can connect, learn, share.   more...

 

5 Ridiculous SEO Myths that People Believe   

By Pratik Dholakiya, www.smallbiztrends.com  

5 SEO Myths

The SEO industry is wrought with folklore. Much of what is said doesn't come with the evidence to back it up. Granted, we're not immune to truisms of our own, and sometimes it's not a bad idea to put intuition first. But there's a difference between truisms or ethical stances and opinions masquerading as facts. I'd like to debunk a few SEO myths today, so let's get started.

more...
Jennifer's Warranty Tip  
#40 Be Prepared"
Warranty Tips

You wouldn't send a technician out to do service calls without tools and you shouldn't do warranty or contract work without a claim processor.

 

I can count on two hands the number of times that I have heard about companies that are doing warranty work but aren't filing any claims. Or companies that are filing claims but have multiple rejections that sit for months without correction or even a second thought. Even worse, company owners that discover the person they hired to process claims for them has been throwing them in the trash or hiding them in desk drawers.

more....

2013 RSM program

Members of USA and local appliance repair companies will gather in 20 cities for the Fall Regional Service Meetings (RSM). USA is proud to announce the 2-day workshops where factory trainers from top manufacturers like Whirlpool, Electrolux and Bosch will demonstrate new features and technology in home appliance repair to bring technical training to service technicians.

 

Networking and learning from your peers helps everyone in the home appliance repair industry grow and succeed. The United Servicers Association http://www.unitedservicers.com, is a not for profit trade association dedicated to helping the industry achieve excellence.

Technician Training The two-day workshops are focused on bringing appliance repair technicians together to learn the latest techniques in repairing home appliances as well as improve their service businesses. The WHEEL OF SERVICE will be presented and includes business management topics such as Presentation, Operations, Technology, Numbers and the Internet.    

The registration fee of $149 includes 5 meals, training materials and a first year membership in the United Servicers Association. The workshops take place in different cities from Sept 5th through Dec 5th. Appliance service technicians and service managers should register early for discounted hotel accommodations. Register online at http://www.unitedservicers.com/

 

The USA 2013 Fall RSM program is made possible by the national sponsorship of Mr. Appliance, NEW, Rossware Computing and Fred's Academy as well as a local Parts Distributor in each market and the generous support of the technical trainers from participating appliance manufacturers.

How Much Time Do Your Field Techs Waste Each Day?  

By Megan Van Vlack, www.thesmartvan.com

Tech 2
Deanna Gillen, the editor of The Field Service Blog has some interesting statistics on worker productivity: the average employee spends up to two hours of an 8-hour work day posting to Facebook, shopping on Amazon, job searching on LinkedIn or engaged in another non-work activity.

 

 "In a perfect work, our field technicians would be hard at work, 100% of the time," writes Gillen, citing a new infographic from Nice Systems, an Israel-based digital management solutions company. "[I]t's unrealistic to think that our field technicians won't ever fall victim to the inevitable time-suck that is apparent across all jobs, industries and titles."    more... 

 

USA Logo Contest  4 Finalists 

Vote for Your Favorite NOW

Logo Contest

We asked you to help us redesign our logo to give it a fresh new look and you responded. Based on your voting, we've narrowed the pack to just 4 entries. Vote now to select the final logo for USA. Voting will remain open until we have a clear winner.

 

Click here to vote for your favorite logo design 

 

United Servicers Association Inc.
A non-profit trade association for appliance repair professionals.
3105 N. Ashland Ave. Suite 199, Chicago IL, 60657
www. unitedservicers.com          1-800-683-2558 
ChatUSA Helps with Whirlpool Washer Repair
Chat USA
I want to thank everyone who chimed-in and tried to help. I know that my name is not well known around ChatUSA but I joined this association because  I'm new and can use all the support that I can get from its members. I wish I had something to contribute myself. I know that there are people better qualified to help me and others like us so that we can make our industry a good, reputable industry. So please be generous with your advice and knowledge to anyone who needs it. 
Thanks again to each and all of you. 

Mohammed Fizazi
Ascend Appliance Services

 
Not on ChatUSA? Login to your USA profile and subscribe today! Here's how

 

Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Captain Toolhead
Captain Toolhead

USA Executive Director Paul Mac Donald caught up with Captain Toolhed aka Mike Staats at Starved Rock State Park in Illinois to present him with the 2013 USA lifetime Achievement Award. Mike was unable to attend the 2013 ASTI earlier this year when the award was officially 

announced.

Here is what Mike had to say: "Words seem unable to express my humble thanks for the lifetime achievement award you presented to me on behalf of USA. The award itself is a beautiful piece and sits in a prominent place on my desk. As you know, time has a way of moving briskly and catching you unaware of the passing years. Now, in the autumn and winter of my life, I will look at the award and recall the memories. Thank you."

 

 

Congratulations Mike! Independents everywhere learned so much from you in your Appliance Service News Column "Agitate and Spin". The industry is better today thanks to your dedicated efforts over many years. 

Email Marketing USA Discount
Good news for you! We've teamed up with Constant Contact. That means we can bring you a proven, 
Constant Contact
powerful and cost effective way to stay in-touch and stay connected with your customers. In fact, Email Marketing complements your current marketing and takes advantage of what loyal and satisfied customers can do for your business - referrals and repeat business.

 

Sign up through the link below to receive the member benefit of 20% off a six month prepay, or a 25% discount on a full year prepay. If you`re already a Constant Contact customer, email paul.m.macdonald@unitedservicers.com your CC user account name and we`ll have the member benefit applied to your account.

Try it Free for 60 days! 

 

Save $6.75/pair
 USA Members Only

Pro Shoe Covers
PSC
www.proshoecovers.com
Thanks to Solar Refrigeration & Appliance Service, A USA member in New Orleans, we've scored a great deal on Pro Shoe Covers just for USA members. Only $10/pair, an incredible $6.75/pair savings. Click on the Shoe picture above to order yours today. Enter the Discount code USA10and put your USA membership  ID number in the "Order Notes" box that will be on the shipping method page to get this amazing price. Pro Shoe Covers are constructed with a premium nylon material. This same material is used to manufacture such items as luggage, tarps, backpacks, and hammocks. The fabric is strong and permanently sealed with a finish that offers a moisture barrier so you do not leave wet or dirty tracks. The sole is made from a rugged, waterproof, non-slip material. 
Pro Shoe Covers are double stitched and reinforced to ensure a long life.

Made in the USA

Pro Shoe Covers are very easy to care for and have a long life expectancy, usually between 6 and 9 months, depending on how they are cared for. They look professional and your clients will be impressed when you slip them on prior to entering their homes.
 

Advantages of Pro Shoe Covers:

  • Machine washable
  • Slip resistant soles on wet and dry surfaces
  • Soles will not leave scuff marks on flooring
  • Reusable shoe covers - average lifespan 6 to 9 months
  • Four sizes available that will fit shoes and work boots 4 to 17
  • Waterproof materials-no wet or dirty tracks
  • Easy on ... easy off
  • Reusable shoe covers - go green!
  • Long life span
  • Sizes can be mixed when ordering by the dozen
Product Detail Sheet
2013 RSM Locations
Training
This year's USA Regional Service Meeting Program will include technical & business management training on Thursdays & Fridays in a city near you.

 

This  is a Final list of cities and Dates 

 

Register on-line at www.unitedservicers.com

 

         City                       Start date

  1. Saddle Brook, NJ 09/05
  2. Charlotte, NC      09/19
  3. Cleveland, OH     10/03
  4. Indianapolis, IN   10/17
  5. Miami, FL            10/31
  6. Nashville, TN       12/05
  7. Portland, OR        09/19
  8. Seattle, WA         09/26
  9. Sacramento, CA  10/31
  10. Boston, MA         11/07
  11. Santa Ana, CA     11/21
  12. Chicago, IL          09/05
  13. San Antonio, Tx   09/12
  14. St. Louis, MO       10/03
  15. Denver, CO         10/17
  16. Boise, ID             11/07
  17. Atlanta, GA          11/14 
  18. Vancouver, BC     09/05
  19. Calgary, AB          10/17
  20. Toronto, ON         10/10
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