News From United Servicers

e-Servicer

February 2014

ASTI Fever Mounts as Event Nears

The Appliance Service Training Institute, Feb 26th www.asti.us

This excerpt from the popular chat forum Service Tech Help says it all.

This post from Joe Bischoff on STH.com

If you haven't registered for the ASTI yet, there is still plenty of space and time. Details and online registration at www.asti.us

Elimination of Parts Discount Alarms USA Members

Jan 1, 2014 - Sub Zero cancels discounts to non-authorized servicers

With growing concerns over consumers lack of choice and USA member complaints,

United Servicers Association has formally requested a meeting with Sub-Zero to discuss Sub-Zero's Service of the Future and wholesale parts policies. It's our belief that these policies are limiting consumer choice resulting in

higher repair costs.

Most Professional Service Contest Entries Needed!

Enter for a chance to win $1000, contest closes Feb 15, 2014

Anyone could win as the pool of entries is low. Odds of winning are extremely high! Enter today!

Based on professional impressions, entries will be judged by a panel of 5 ind

ustry judges and awarded points from 1-5 in the following 4 areas of their business: technician uniform, service vehicle, store front and on-line presence. Semi-finalists will be displayed at the Appliance Service Training Institute in San Diego, Feb. 26 through March 1, 2014. ASTI attendees will vote for their most professional entry in each category. The entry with the most peer votes in each category at the ASTI will be crowned the best of United Servicers Association at the United Servicers Awards Banquet on Friday Feb. 28, 2014. Only one entry per service company allowed.Complete Details

Sub-Zero Group, Inc. and Gorenje Group announce

North American business alliance

Sub-Zero Group Inc. to become the exclusive importer and

Master distributor for ASKO cleaning appliances in North America

Madison, WI, February 3, 2014 - Sub-Zero Group Inc., the industry leader in premium appliances with the Sub-Zero and Wolf brands, and Gorenje Group, manufacturer of the Swedish global ASKO brand of premium appliances, are now announcing a new distribution agreement cemented by the formation of new company, ASKO Distribution North America, LLC. The new company, affiliated with Sub-Zero Group, Inc., will become the exclusive North American importer and distributor of ASKO residential dishwasher and laundry products. Read more

LG set to unveil new appliances that can "chat" to you on "WhatsApp", as its full year revenues grow
By Andrew Sadauskas, www.smartcompany.com

Consumer electronics giant LG has posted an increase in revenues and full-year profits, along with an increase in smartphone shipments, as it prepares to unveil a new feature allowing users to use popular mobile messaging apps, such as What'sApp. Read more

Jennifer's Warranty Tip #45 - The CURRENT Most Common Frigidaire Claim Rejection

By Jennifer Webert - Mid-America Service

Reject Code * 18 - Incorrect/Insufficient Claim Information - Reject Text: Please resubmit the claim with an expansion on the explanation of service performed

In January, Nicole Collum of Echols Appliance Repair Service LLC, brought this newest and most common rejection from Frigidaire for discussion on Chat USA. The topic brought much emotion and discussion. (If you missed the chat string, then this is a reminder of the solutions that were brought to light.). Read More

5 SEO Trends Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know for 2014
By Jason DeMers, www.entrepreneur.com

"Is SEO dead?" It's a common question within the online marketing world today.

If you're an entrepreneur relying on a strong online presence to connect with customers, you're right to pay attention. It's undeniable that the SEO landscape is changing. Read more

What should my refrigerator controls be set at?"

By Samurai Appliance Repair Man, www.Appliantology.org

How many times have you been on a refrigerator service call and the customer asks you, "What should the controls on my refrigerator be set at?" You notice that they do not have any thermometers in their fridge and do a mental face-palm. Wouldn't it be nice if you had some simple explanation for them and, at the same time, could increase your margin on the job with a quick n' easy add-on sale? Well, that's ezzacly what ol' Samurai's gonna show ya. Come with me now on a journey of Total Appliance Enlightenment™....
Read More

Samsung: Connected appliances are 'a natural progression'
By Luke Johnson, www.trustedreviews.com

With much talk continuing to circulate around connected appliances, such as internet-connected fridges, washing machines and vacuum cleaners, Samsung has claimed that as consumers become increasingly familiar with Wi-Fi enabled devices, it is only natural that appliances are thrown into the mix. Read More

Increase Profits Going Mobile

OePASS Releases Latest Mobile Technician Module

ePASS Software has just released the latest version of their Mobile Technician module. This is a fully integrated mobile system directly integrated into ePASS which allows both live and offline operations. There are a host of impressive features in the system including the ability for a technician to work real-time as long as there is a signal but also work offline when they are out of bounds and the system will automatically synchronize as he drives down the street and hits a hotspot..
Read More

Whirlpool's Q4 Falls Short
www.investors.com

The household appliance maker's EPS rose 30% to $2.97, falling short of views by 6 cents. Revenue rose 6.3% to $5.09 billion, above views for $5.02 billion. N. American sales were up 9% to $2.7 billion. Sales in Latin America rose 8%, excluding currency effects. Sales in Asia fell 7% to $177 million, excluding currency effects, on weakness in India. Whirlpool (WHR) sees '14 EPS of $12-$12.50, the midpoint slightly under views for $12.26. Shares fell 6.6% to 132.22.

Tidbits from Dave

By Dave Antrim - The Appliance Center - Lake Isabella, CA

When working on dishwashers, it's hard to see what's going on inside the dishwasher....... so this is a little trick that I came up with. If you have a smart phone, take a mason jar, tighten the top and put it inside the dishwasher with the video camera light on. You might need to do this in different positions to get the right view but it is a valuable tool.

Back to Basics

By Dave Bird, Instructor - Dyer Appliance Repair

As I was flying home from an appliance service convention, I thought about the conversations I had with both service companies and technicians. They all talked about wanting more training opportunities and specifically for more fundamentals like basic electricity. Some of those technicians had been in the field for over ten years. With their needs in mind I offer this article.