FixEm Appliance Repair fixes washers and dryers, ovens, refrigerators, and other large appliances for residential customers throughout most of Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. Owners Moshe Spund and Natan Framowitz have the training and equipment to service all major and minor brands, and they also perform preventive maintenance that’s designed to extend the life span of their clients’ appliances.
Mr. Spund says FixEm Appliance Repair’s customer-oriented business practices have been crucial to its success. “Our clients appreciate the personal touch we bring to their jobs. We’re respectful of their homes and we never hide anything from them. If we have to order parts or we’re unsure if a certain repair will work, we’ll let them know upfront so there are no surprises.”
FixEm Appliance Repair educates its customers about their appliances so they can ensure they’re getting the best possible performance and avoid potential issues in the future. “We believe it’s important for homeowners to know how to maintain their appliances,” affirms Mr. Framowitz. “Just as you can’t drive a car forever without taking it to the shop once in a while, you need to care for appliances to confirm they’re operating correctly. Our clients really value the advice and information we share with them.”
“Our customers are very important to us, so we take the time to make sure they’re satisfied and their needs are fulfilled. Ultimately, our goal is to leave them with more knowledge of their appliances than they had when we first arrived.”
When is an appliance worth keeping and when is it time to invest in a new one?
Major appliances are a big investment, so when your refrigerator starts to thump or your washing machine won’t drain, you’re faced with an important question: to repair or replace?
According to Moshe Spund, co-owner of FixEm Appliance Repair in Oakland, keeping older appliances might be the best move if they’re repairable. “I recommend hanging on to older appliances because in most situations older appliances were built better than newer ones,” he advises. “If the repair costs are reasonable and the appliance will function like new after the repair, the smaller fee and potentially longer life can outweigh the benefits of a new machine.”
Most experts recommend replacing appliances if repairs will cost more than 50 percent of what a new appliance would cost. However, if the repairs are more than you want to spend on an older appliance or if newer models have features you can’t live without (smartphone controls, better energy efficiency), investing in a new appliance may be worthwhile.
But don’t swap old for new too quickly. Even though trading up for an appliance with the latest bells and whistles may be tempting, consumers often find they’ve paid for features they don’t use and incur higher repair costs as a result. “Most people don’t use half of the features on their appliances, and that’s where most of the issues happen,” confirms Mr. Spund. “The more sophisticated the machine, the more computer cores and electronic sensors there are, which increases the chances of needing an expensive repair. Also, since older machines are mechanical, they tend to outlast electronic machines.”
If you decide to purchase a new appliance, make sure you protect your investment by buying carefully. It can be tempting to rush into the decision, especially if you have food melting in a malfunctioning freezer, but you deserve the right item for your specific needs. Experts say you should always look for long-term manufacturers’ warranties, trustworthy brands and stores that aren’t pushy.
Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for appliance repair companies that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For FixEm Appliance Repair, the key to keeping customers happy is educating them so they get the most out of their purchases. “We believe it’s very important for homeowners to know how to maintain their appliances,” affirms co-owner Moshe Spund. “These products need to be cared for in order to have a prolonged life and operate the way that they should. Our customers love that we answer their questions, give them advice and share our expertise.”
FixEm Appliance Repair has been fixing washers and dryers, ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, and other large appliances for residential customers throughout Contra Costa and Alameda Counties since 2014. Mr. Spund and his partner, Natan Framowitz, have the training and equipment to service all major and minor brands, and they also perform preventative maintenance that’s designed to extend the lifespan of appliances.
Unlike less experienced appliance repair companies that rush through jobs and offer few details about their work, FixEm Appliance Repair takes the time to provide a personal touch on every job. “In this industry, not all repairs are obvious and some work requires multiple phases, but we’re always open and honest with our customers about what they need,” says Mr. Spund. “If we need to order a part or we’re not certain a repair will actually work, we’ll let them know upfront. We never hide anything from our customers.”
FixEm Appliance Repair further differentiates itself by acting more like a knowledgeable, helpful friend than a repair company. “We honestly evaluate each repair and help the customer decide whether repair or replacement is the more cost-effective solution,” says Mr. Spund. “We have the confidence to communicate with our clients and provide them with the best possible value. Keeping them satisfied is the most important part of our job.”
