How To Get Home Warranty Work Done FAST - Tips For Agents And Consumers
Home warranties are something I believe in, and yet they are, after all, insurance companies (although usually kinder and gentler) and a 'middleperson'.
When you want NEED the repair done, done right the first time and done fast, being proactive and efficient on YOUR end will help you--or your client--significantly.
When requesting service:
- Request service online. Most warranty companies have portals where the homeowner or agent can request service. USE THOSE BLANK FIELDS that ask for additional explanation! This is a lifesaver when you have a middle of the night plumbing leak or thermostat issue. First in the Q = first to dispatch.
- THEN, call the warranty company's CSR and pay your service fee via CC or e-check. That too should expedite processing--and vendors who get paid fast get the work done fast. It's also great for them to not have to collect the service fee. Saves time all around.
- Ask the warranty company for a LOCAL vendor as close in proximity to the property as possible, unless you have a reason not to. Keep in mind that the companies do not know which zip code is closest. My house is closer to a zip code in another state than 3 local ones.
- Ask the warranaty company for the phone number of the vendor. They often have a 'back office' number that won't go to voice mail.
- Call the vendor. They are faxed the service requests, usually via an office person who may or may not be a 'techie'. There's a good chance, even after the previous steps, that the information they got from the warranty company CSR is incomplete. Tell them a request is en route. And be PLEASANT!
- Provide information to the vendor: the make, model, type of appliance if applicable, and tell them as clearly as possible what is wrong and what parts of the appliance appear affected. Repeat trips are often eliminated when the vendor can arrive with the correct replacement parts.
- Give the vendor DETAILED directions to the property.
- Give the vendor your cell number and/or e-mail address so they can give you an ETA and heads up. Murphy's Law WILL prevail and you will not want to miss each other!
You'll be amazed how easily things get done when you help servicepeople help you...
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