Purchased GE refrig 6 yrs ago from DVD. Ice maker started leaking water in freezer so I placed a service call. Serviceman was late for appt (11am-2:30pm) & didn't bother to call he'd be late. While watching ice maker cycle he mentioned that a replacement would cost abt $180 (bottom line). Apparently their infamous 5/10 warranty only covers the condenser after 5 yrs. 10 mins later he confirmed it needed to be replaced. He had a unit on the truck but when he brought it in he told me it would cost $248 bottom line. What could I do, it had cost me $35 just for the service call to diagnose the problem...I told him to fix it. It only took him 10 mins to replace the unit. After he left I felt I had just been taken so I did some online investigating. Turns out the actual unit has an MSRP of $125. He charged $152 with tax (available online for $105 from authorized dealer including tax & shipping). Found DIY video truly only takes 10 mins, 1 easy excess screw & electrical plug, pull unit out, plug new unit it, screw back it place & your done. He charged $88 for labor. Subtract the$35 service call fee that's $53 for 10 min work ($318/hour labor rate). I'm done using DVD for any future non-warranty work.
RESPONSE FROM Dick Van Dyke Appliance World:
I apologize you feel that you were overcharged for the service you received. Our service technicians are factory trained to accurately diagnose and repair any appliance. The training that is required to offer such a comprehensive well educated employee does require that we pay a competitive wage.
The service technician gives his ETA’s to our dispatch department at the beginning of their day. Unfortunately, the technician is unable to give exact times because of the nature of service industry.
I looked at the vehicle tracking information on my service truck and discovered that your information is imprecise. The service technician was actually in your home roughly 30 minutes. In thirty minutes time he diagnosed and replaced your faulty Icemaker.
We appreciate your patronage and look forward to meeting your needs in the future.
John Shepherd
Sr. Vice President
Dick Van Dyke Inc.
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