🛠️ Why We Charge a Diagnostic Fee

(A Transparent Look Into Professional Appliance Repair)

If you’ve ever needed appliance repair and seen a $129 service fee just to have someone show up, your first thought might be, "Why am I paying before anything’s even fixed?"

It’s a fair question, and one we hear often.

At Cavalry Appliance, we welcome the question. In fact, we think it’s the question smart homeowners should be asking. Because when you know what’s behind that number, you start to understand the difference between professional repair and risky guesswork.

So let’s pull back the curtain. Here’s everything that fee covers, why it exists, and how it’s designed to protect you: your time, your money, and your peace of mind.

What Is a Diagnostic Fee?

A diagnostic fee is a fixed price you pay to have a trained, professional technician inspect your appliance, determine the problem, and provide a quote for the repair.

At Cavalry Appliance Service, our standard diagnostic fee is $129 plus tax, which includes:

• 🚐 Travel to your home within our service area,

• 👨‍🔧 A thorough diagnosis by a trained, uniformed technician, and

• 📋 A written, flat-rate repair quote using the national “Blue Book” for Appliance Repair.

Have more than one appliance issue? We’ll inspect additional appliances during the same visit for half price per unit.

Our Real Costs: It Actually Costs Us More to Show Up

Believe it or not, it costs us $132.55 (based on our 2024 annual numbers) just to send a technician to your home.

That includes:

• Skilled, W2 employees (not DIYers, contractors or general trade persons)

• Tools, uniforms, and fully stocked, well-maintained service vehicles

• A friendly administrative support team and parts manager

• Professional, trade-specific, scheduling and dispatch software

• Access to manufacturer service bulletins and diagnostic tools

• Full liability insurance and worker’s comp

• Ongoing education and paid sick leave for our team (so they don’t feel pressured to visit your home when they aren’t well)

In short: we’re not making money on the initial diagnosis, we’re investing in doing the job right from the start.

The Hidden Costs of Hourly Pricing (You Pay for Inexperience)

Some repair companies charge by the hour. At first, that might sound like a fair deal, until you realize that you’re often paying more for inexperience.

Less experienced techs often take longer to troubleshoot and longer to complete repairs. That means:

• 🕒 More time = more money out of your pocket

• ❌ Higher chance of guesswork and return visits

• 💸 Final bills that are unpredictable and inflated

With Cavalry Appliance, you never pay more because a job takes longer. We use a national flat-rate guide to quote all repairs, so you know what to expect up front—no matter how long it takes us to diagnose and repair your appliance.

This also means no pricing guesswork, no clock-watching, and no surprises or “made up from thin air” estimates.

What Happens If We Get It Wrong?

Let’s be real: Even the best-trained techs get it wrong sometimes. Appliances can be complex, intermittent issues can be tricky, and sometimes a problem only reveals itself in layers.

So here’s our promise:

• If we misdiagnose something and a part we installed doesn’t solve the problem, we remove the part and don’t charge you for it.

• If we miss something during a visit, you don’t pay an additional diagnostic fee for us to come back and your final price will reflect only the repairs you truely need and nothing more.

• We offer a 90-day labor guarantee: If the same appliance has the same problem again, we return and fix it for free.

• Any part we supply and install comes with a lifetime part warranty. That means that if the same part fails, you don’t pay for it to be replaced, we do.

If a new problem arises with that appliance (that wasn’t misdiagnosed), or you call about a different appliance entirely, that’s considered a new issue and is charged accordingly.

It’s not just a warranty- it’s our word. And when it’s our mistake, we own it. Period.

Cavalry Crest Club: Premium Coverage, Real Savings

Want to protect your appliances and your wallet all year long?

Join our Cavalry Crest Club:

• 🛡️ Pay $199 + tax once for a full 12 months of diagnostic coverage

• 🚫 No diagnostic fees for any service calls during your membership

• 💸 15% off all parts and labor if you choose to go ahead with repairs

• 🗓️ No limit to how many times you use it during the year

This is the perfect option for families with aging appliances or anyone who values reliable, affordable service throughout the year.

P.S.  If you’re in an extended area or own high end or elite appliances, you can either enjoy $129 off of each diagnostic visit, or join our Elite Crest Club Membership ($499/year) and avoid the additional fees (detailed below👇) altogether.

Specialty Fees and Extended Service Areas

Our base diagnostic fee is $129, but there are a few situations where extra charges apply:

• 🗺️ $50 surcharge for homes in extended service areas (you’ll be told in advance)

• 💎 Premium appliance surcharge for high-end, elite, RV, and marine appliances, due to their specialized diagnostics and service requirements

But here’s the key: Every diagnostic fee is quoted before we show up, and all repair costs are explained and approved before any work is done.

No surprises. No games. Just clear pricing and straight answers.

“Free” Diagnostics Usually Aren’t

We’ve all seen the ads: “Free service call with repair!”

Sounds great, right? But here’s the reality:

• You’ll often pay more for labor or parts later

• Diagnoses may be rushed or unclear

• There’s usually no warranty or accountability if the repair fails

• If they guess wrong? You pay for it, again and again

We think there’s a better way: charge a fair price for an expert diagnosis and stand behind the result.

What Your $129 Actually Gets You

Here’s a breakdown of what you’re truly paying for:

✅ Professionalism: Uniformed, trained, background checked, and respectful techs
🧠 Expertise: Modern tools, manufacturer software, and continuing education
📋 Transparency: Flat-rate quotes and clear communication
💸 Protection: Labor guarantee, lifetime part warranties, insurance, and no hidden fees
💙 Integrity: When we get it wrong, you don’t pay for it

Before You Hire Any Repair Company, Ask These Questions:

1. What does your diagnostic fee include?

2. Do you charge by the hour or use flat-rate pricing?

3. What guarantees do you offer if the repair doesn’t work?

4. Will I see the full repair quote before I agree to anything?

5. Are your techs insured, trained employees or subcontractors?

If they can’t answer clearly, that’s your sign to keep shopping.

In short, we charge a $129 diagnostic fee because we believe in doing things right from the start.

It’s not just about showing up- it’s about showing up prepared, informed, and committed to earning your trust.

Whether you're a first-time customer or a Cavalry Crest Club member, we want every interaction to feel fair, honest, and professional.

If you're looking for appliance repair done right  (not rushed, not vague, not upsold) we’d be honored to serve your home.

Warmly,

Your Cavalry Appliance Service Team

252-772-1264