Back to Situations
Appliance Repair

Inquiring About Repair Costs and Warranty

The customer asks about potential repair costs, service fees, and whether the appliance is still under warranty, and what the warranty covers.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Customer (Female)
Hi, I'm calling about a dishwasher that's stopped working. Before I schedule a repair, could you give me an idea of the service call fee and potential repair costs?
2
Service Representative (Male)
Certainly. Our standard service call fee is $85, which covers the technician's visit and diagnosis. That fee is waived if you proceed with the repair. As for the repair cost, it depends on the issue and parts needed. Do you know if your dishwasher is still under warranty?
3
Customer (Female)
That's what I was wondering. I bought it about a year and a half ago. Is there a way to check if it's still covered, and what does the standard warranty typically cover?
4
Service Representative (Male)
Yes, we can definitely check that for you. Can you provide the brand and model number of the dishwasher, and preferably the purchase date? Generally, a manufacturer's warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for a specific period, usually one year. Extended warranties might cover more.
5
Customer (Female)
Okay, let me grab that information. So, if it is under warranty, are parts and labor both covered, or just parts?
6
Service Representative (Male)
For most manufacturer warranties, both parts and labor are fully covered for issues arising from manufacturing defects. However, it typically doesn't cover accidental damage, misuse, or issues caused by improper installation.
7
Customer (Female)
Got it. That's helpful. I'll get those details and call you back to schedule the visit. Thanks for the information.
8
Service Representative (Male)
You're welcome. We're here to help when you are ready. Have a good day!

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

dishwasher

A machine that cleans dishes automatically; useful when talking about home appliances.

service call fee

The cost charged for a technician to visit and check a problem; common in repair services.

warranty

A guarantee from the manufacturer that covers repairs for a certain time; important for buying products.

diagnosis

The process of finding out what is wrong with something; used by technicians to identify issues.

technician

A skilled worker who repairs machines or appliances; often called for home services.

defects

Flaws or problems in a product from manufacturing; covered under warranty.

parts

Components or pieces that make up an appliance; repairs often involve replacing them.

labor

The work done by a technician to fix something; charged as a fee in repairs.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Before I schedule a repair, could you give me an idea of the service call fee and potential repair costs?

This polite request asks for cost estimates before committing; useful for negotiating services. Uses 'could you' for polite questions and 'give me an idea of' for approximate information.

Our standard service call fee is $85, which covers the technician's visit and diagnosis.

Explains a fee and what it includes; helpful for customer service. 'Which covers' is a relative clause adding details about the fee.

Do you know if your dishwasher is still under warranty?

A yes/no question to check coverage; practical for repair calls. 'Under warranty' means protected by guarantee; use indirect questions like 'do you know if' for politeness.

Can you provide the brand and model number of the dishwasher, and preferably the purchase date?

Requests specific information politely; essential for verification. 'Preferably' softens the request, meaning 'if possible'; lists items with 'and' for clarity.

Generally, a manufacturer's warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for a specific period, usually one year.

Describes what warranty includes; useful for explaining policies. 'Generally' means 'in most cases'; 'covers' followed by objects shows what is included.

For most manufacturer warranties, both parts and labor are fully covered for issues arising from manufacturing defects.

Clarifies warranty details; good for reassurance. 'Both...and' connects two items; 'arising from' means 'caused by', common in legal or service contexts.

However, it typically doesn't cover accidental damage, misuse, or issues caused by improper installation.

States exclusions; important for setting expectations. 'However' contrasts information; lists exceptions with commas and 'or'; 'doesn't cover' is negative form.