Californians should get to choose who repairs their electronics and appliances, but state lawmakers are sliding toward protecting manufacturers monopolies instead.

Anyone who has bought a television, toaster or anything else with a warranty is likely familiar with the sinking feeling that occurs when it breaks right after the warranty expires. It used to be that people could call a local fix-it specialist who would show up with the right wires, compressor or whatever to repair the ailing device. Handy individuals might even make repairs themselves.

That sort of low-key repair that extends the life of an appliance is a lot rarer today because manufacturers want their customers to use officially approved vendors for repair. Some manufacturers even install digital or electronic passkeys so that only their hand-picked service centers can work on a device.

Theoretically that ensures that repairs are done to manufacturer specifications. In practice, it mostly prevents any competition and lets approved repair shops charge whatever they want, cutting in manufacturers for a piece of the action.

Thats if the parts are available at all. Anyone who has wanted to get something repaired has likely heard something like, Sorry, I could fix this, but the manufacturer doesnt make the part anymore. Maybe I can find an expensive one on the used market. Its cheaper to buy a new one. That works just fine for a manufacturer happy to sell the latest model. Its less ideal for people trying not to buy expensive new appliances every few years and for the landfills where old appliances land.

California law offers consumers some protection when it comes to parts. Manufacturers must continue to provide parts and service for three years on products that cost $50-$99.99 and for seven years on those that cost more than $100. If a refrigerator goes kaput in the first seven years, parts have to be available.

What the law doesnt address is the monopoly part of the system. A manufacturer can still insist that the owner go to an officially sanctioned repair shop.

State lawmakers could change that. Senate Bill 244 would require manufacturers to provide parts and related documentation to any repair shop that wants them. Those shops would have to pay fair rates, but they could then woo customers with better prices, better service or faster repair times. A related bill, SB 271, would extend the system to powered wheelchairs.

North Bay Sen. Bill Dodd is the lead sponsor on the wheelchair bill and a co-sponsor on the broader right to repair legislation. The bills are part of a national movement toward empowering consumers to do what they want with the products theyve already paid for.

Inexplicably, some senators may not want to give consumers a choice when it comes to repairing their expensive appliances. Both bills have landed in the Senate Appropriations Committees suspense file. Thats an opaque process that often leads to a bill quietly dying without explanation or even a vote.

The suspense file isnt a final death sentence. Lawmakers could and should revive these pro-consumer bills. People who spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on an appliance should be able to use it for many years and get it repaired where they want.

You can send letters to the editor to letters@pressdemocrat.com.

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PD Editorial: Give Californians the 'right to repair' - The Santa Rosa Press Democrat

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IrelandUruguay, Eastern Republic ofUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuela, Bolivarian Republic ofViet Nam, Socialist Republic ofWallis and Futuna IslandsWestern SaharaYemenZambia, Republic ofZimbabwe

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How much does it cost to be a landlord? - Northwest Georgia News

Some of the most common reasons to repair a washing machine include water leaking, not filling the washer or not draining, the basket not spinning, noisy bouncing or banging, and problems with the door or gasket. Depending on your specific issue, you can expect to pay more or less for your repair. If the problem is water-related, you may need to replace the inlet valve, drain hose, or pump. The inlet valve or drain hose, which control water flowing into and out of the machine, are generally cheaper fixes, costing about $130 to $140 on average. The pump, however, can cost around $350 or more, including parts and installation services. Mechanical issues can be cheaper to fix; a new door and lock costs between $110 and $280, a new belt averages around $150, and bearings cost about $200. One of the most expensive pieces to replace, besides the pump, is the drum, which can range between $350 and $550, almost the cost of a new washer.

These average prices include the installation and service fee, but of course, those rates can range wildly depending on where you live, your washer brand, and the average cost per hour. In some cases, you may be able to save money by calling a local handyman or performing minor fixes like a door latch by yourself, but it's best to call a professional if you're having problems with the motor, pump, drum, or electrical wiring.

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Here's How Much It'll Cost You To Repair Your Washing Machine - House Digest

The new custom-built DCH ToolBox Service Platform - DigiFix leverages the OutSystems platform to streamline electrical appliance after-sales service workflows for customers and DCH staff

HONG KONG, May 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading Asian distributor, Dah Chong Hong Holdings Limited("DCH") has partnered with OutSystems, a global leader in high-performance application development, to transform electrical appliance after-sales services via a custom-built platform DCH ToolBox Service Platform - DigiFix. The platform has automated overall service processing time, providing greater flexibility and visibility for customers, staff and management by centralising communication on a single field service portal.

DCH's operations extend across 13 Asian economies and cover a wide range of product categories including motor, food, healthcare, electrical and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs). Before deploying the OutSystems platform, data and service details were managed independently by separate business units, with each business developing customised applications to handle unique requirements. To strengthen visibility and drive synergies while maintaining necessary flexibilities, DCH has prioritised system modernisation and integration across the organisation.

Transforming the Electrical Appliance After-sales Service Experience for Customers and Employees

One of the key processes that DCH aimed to enhance was its customer after-sales experience for electrical appliances.

Leveraging OutSystems low-code capabilities, the IT department developed the DCH ToolBox Service Platform - DigiFix, a field service portal and mobile app centralising communication among customers and DCH team members. The platform simplified customer experiences and internal workflows, offering greater flexibility and visibility. Customers can now book and change repair appointments online at their convenience. Enhanced workflows have accelerated the service process and streamlined technician communication. Moreover, customers can use digital payments and share feedback directly on the platform.

The benefits brought by DigiFix include:

"Building the DCH Toolbox Service Platform DigiFix on OutSystems was a game changer in our service. The low-code platform enables us to customise our portal and connect systems across cloud platforms," said Alan Chung, Chief Information Officer, Dah Chong Hong. "DigiFix redesigned the entire customer after-sales service process for better overall customer experience while giving our teams and management the visibility and flexibility they need. Our developers appreciate the agility and speed in application development enabled by OutSystems."

Technicians can see their assignments, report project status and fast-track billing processes through DigiFix.

The Digital Transformation Continues

In addition to DCH Toolbox Service Platform - DigiFix, Chung's team also redeveloped the IT systems that support the company's management. They developed a new HR & finance portal, and replaced existing ITSM and internal workflow systems with OutSystems-built solutions.

Chung continues to leverage the OutSystems high-performance low-code application development platform to accelerate the digital transformation journey of DCH across the company's subsidiaries, includingLaputa Technologies (Laputa). With OutSystems low-code capabilities, Laputa provides consulting and implementation services for cloud-based solutions and application development, helping companies in Asia streamline operations, grow and stay connected. They are now an OutSystems registered partner, offering services to 100+ customers in Greater China, APAC and EMEA with 400+ successful projects delivered.

"A high-performance low-code development platform enables businesses with a complex organisational structure like DCH to modernise and integrate their IT systems without compromising management visibility or business divisions' flexibility," said Mark Weaser, Vice President for Asia Pacific, OutSystems. "Gartnerforecasts that 70% of new enterprise applications will be developed using low-code/no-code technologies by 2025[1]. As a Gartner-recognised leader in enterprise low-code applications, we would like to help businesses transform experiences for customers, staff and the management team with excellent flexibility, agility and speed in application development."

[1]Gartner Says Cloud Will Be the Centerpiece of New Digital Experiences

About OutSystems

OutSystems was founded in 2001 with the mission to give every organization the power to innovate through software. The OutSystems high-performance low-code platform gives technology leaders and developers the tools to rapidly build and deploy their own business-critical applications. The company's network spans more than 600,000 community members, 400+ partners, and active customers in 87 countries across 22 industries. OutSystems is "The #1 Low-Code Platform" and a recognized leader by analysts, IT executives, business leaders, and developers around the world. Some of the most well-known brands use OutSystems to turn their big ideas into software that moves their business, people, and the world forward. Learn more at http://www.outsystems.com.

About Dah Chong Hong Holdings Limited

Dah Chong Hong Holdings, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of CITIC Limited (stock code: 0267.HK), is an integrated trading and distribution company operating in Asia, supported by an extensive logistics network. DCH is a leading distributor and dealer of motor vehicles in Greater China as well as a provider of a full range of associated services. DCH's consumer business comprises the manufacture, retail and distribution of food, healthcare, electrical appliances, beauty and lifestyle products. DCH employs 16,000 staff with operations in 13 Asian markets. For more details, please visit http://www.dch.com.hk.

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Dah Chong Hong Leverages the OutSystems High-Performance ... - PR Newswire Asia

A cafe where visitors can bring their broken furniture and appliances to be fixed for free is coming to Brixton.

On Saturday, June 3, a repair cafe is opening on Brixton Road which will provide a space for people to revive their damaged items, instead of throwing them away.

Repair Caf Lambeth will serve the local community and help to reduce waste sent to landfill.

Following the launch, the Repair Caf will then be open every first Saturday of the month from 10 am 1 pm.

Locals can take along anything that is broken, from clothing and textiles to electrical appliances, musical instruments, bicycles, furniture, wooden objects, and more to be fixed by the in-house experts. Part of a worldwide initiative made up of over 2,500 Repair Cafs, the Lambeth program is committed to promoting a circular economy and helping people save money and resources.

The cafe is also looking for passionate volunteers with a range of skills to be a part of this new initiative. Those skilled in clothing and textile repair, electrical appliance repair, bicycle repair, furniture and wooden object repair, or any other repair-related talent are invited to donate their time to help get the Lambeth cafe off the ground.

Those who dont have repair skills can also volunteer as hosts, welcoming visitors or providing welcoming coffee, tea, biscuits, and cake.

Olga Osuch, a spokesperson for the event, said: Repair Caf Lambeth marks the start of an exciting journey towards sustainability and community-building in the local area.

We believe in the power of community and Repair Caf Lambeth is a fantastic opportunity for people to come together, learn new skills, and make a difference. Its something we have needed in the area for a while, but we need everyones help to make it a success. We invite volunteers to join our community and help us build a more sustainable Lambeth.

Want to sign up as a volunteer? Please email [emailprotected] outlining in the first instance what kind of repairs you could offer.

This community-led initiative is launching on Saturday, June 3 at We Are 336, 336 Brixton Road, London SW9 7AA.

The event will run from 10 am 3 pm.

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A cafe offering a free repair shop is coming to Brixton - Southwark News

The home services industry, a $700 billion market in the U.S. alone, encompasses a wide array of trades such as plumbing, lawn care, house cleaning, HVAC, and electrical work that serve as the backbone of modern life. All of the beloved apps and entertainment we use in our homes are irrelevant if the electricity goes out.

Tradespeople and their businesses see ever-increasing demand because they make our homes safe, comfortable, and efficient by providing essential services that enhance our daily lives. Moreover, a successful career in these trades offers a stable and rewarding lifestyle, as evidenced by the growing pride and popularity among younger people.

And, according to the latest studies, well need them.

We see a significant upswing in demand for these services, with a 10% increase since 2021 and as a result, 77% of tradespeople now view labor shortages as a pressing issue. This has paved the way for income growth in the sector, with 83% of individuals in these trades expressing satisfaction or extreme satisfaction with their chosen line of work.

Due to labor shortages, trade businesses are turning to technology to boost efficiency and productivity, allowing them to accomplish more with fewer resources. At the same time, consumers increasingly expect tradespeople to offer their services through digital platforms.

This creates an urgent need for industry innovation, including user-friendly tools for website building, digital payments, quotes, and planning. In addition, homeowners increasingly expect to find, book, and pay for services online. But fewer than half of home services businesses even have a website and for most of those that do, their website is usually just some pictures and a phone number to call. As a result, trades businesses in the market need to adapt swiftly to meet this consumer demand.

Lets explore the factors contributing to the digital transformation of the home services industry and how this shift benefits both tradespeople and consumers alike.

We can thank (yes, thank) the COVID-19 pandemic for shifting not just how we work but the way we live, especially when spending on on-demand services. For the last three years, consumers have forced the entire economy to prioritize meeting them where they are.

At first, the pandemic was a health and safety matter, but operating predominantly online has expanded businesses opportunities to save money and generate revenue simultaneously. And importantly, consumers enjoy and have come to expect all of the options that are available now.

We witnessed expansive innovation within the U.S. home services industry when it grew by more than 3 percent in 2020, despite the countrys economy shrinking by 3.5 percent in the same year. And the trend continues. The home services industry saw a growth rate double that of the rest of the U.S. economy between 2021 and 2022.

As we look to the future, the industry shows no signs of slowing down. For instance, house cleaning services are expected to grow by 17% in the coming years. Lawn and landscaping, another critical sector, generates $176 billion annually in the U.S., employing over 1.3 million people across 650,000 businesses. This sector has enjoyed a consistent 8% growth rate annually over the past five years.

With much of the world returned to pre-pandemic activity, the evolution of the home services market will rely on expanding its reach by continuing to learn about its omnichannel presence. That involves reaching customers how they prefer, including booking appointments online, communicating via text message, and offering contactless payments.

So who are we talking about when we say home services? Its any profession that helps make the quality of life at home better. These professions include plumbers, landscapers, cleaners, pest control experts, handypersons, electricians, painters, floorers, roofers, pavers, tilers, locksmiths, contractors you know, the people who make things work.

People are increasingly choosing to go into these trades instead of pursuing traditional college degrees for many reasons, which Ill spell out.

Starting your life with a mountain of debt is not an attractive outlook for many people. So if young adults can help it, they avoid it. In contrast, trade schools or apprenticeships typically cost less. As a result, they take less time to complete, making them a more affordable education and skill development option.

Theres a constant demand for skilled tradespeople. These jobs are essential to maintaining and improving infrastructure, homes, and commercial properties. This demand often translates to increased job stability and opportunities for long-term careers. Youll always need plumbers, contractors, and other professionals to literally keep your house in order.

When homeowners compare how much they spend on home services contractors each year from roofing to HVAC, to appliance repair, to lawn care they usually find the total is much more than almost any other category in their annual budget. The upswing bodes well for the stability and demand in the trades.

Many individuals want the hands-on learning approach provided by trade schools and apprenticeships as opposed to traditional colleges more theoretical and lecture-based style. In addition, trade programs usually take considerably less time to complete than a traditional four-year college degree, allowing people to enter the workforce more quickly and start earning a living sooner.

Skilled tradespeople can often earn competitive salaries, especially as they gain experience and establish a reputation for quality work. In some cases, trades income potential can surpass jobs requiring a traditional college degree.

These careers also offer a pathway to becoming self-employed or starting a small business, giving people more control over their work, income, and lifestyle. It isnt uncommon to see a business owner in the trades making the sort of high income and lifestyle that would command respect even outright awe from someone with advanced college degrees.

Entrepreneurs must embrace various tools and technologies to run a successful and efficient trade business. One essential element is a professional website featuring an integrated booking system, allowing clients to schedule appointments and access important information about the company quickly. Equally important is implementing customer relationship management (CRM) software, which helps manage and nurture customer relationships, leading to better retention and increased sales.

These businesses also need job management tools like software solutions that help assign tasks, monitor progress, and facilitate communication among team members to streamline the overall operation. And integrating invoicing and payment processing systems not only saves time but also ensures prompt payments from clients.

AI has opened the door to virtual assistants and utilities that can answer the phones and book new jobs, take payments, and answer questions while the tradesperson is out on the work site. Lastly, digital marketing tools, including social media management and email marketing, effectively promote the business and attract new clients.

The digital transformation of the home services industry promises significant economic growth, job creation, and technological innovation in a new e-commerce era. As businesses adopt innovative tools and strategies, they can improve efficiency and customer satisfaction and secure a competitive edge in this rapidly changing landscape.

This shift will redefine how tradespeople conduct business, opening up new opportunities for those seeking financial independence and a rewarding career beyond traditional office roles.

As a founder in this thriving industry, I am excited to witness our tradespeople and businesses remarkable progress and resilience. Together, we will continue to innovate and adapt, embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead to forge a prosperous future for the home services industry.

Brig Graff is co-founder of Trady, a free, AI-powered website builder, CRM, job management, and pricing tool for trades businesses and home services contractors.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by ThisIsEngineering; Pexels; Thank you!

Brig Graff is Cofounder of Trady, a tech company that builds AI-powered software for trades businesses. Brig has also been an executive at multiple successful unicorn tech companies that have gone public, including Domo and Omniture. Previously, he was the global leader of Adobe's Solution Architecture team, and was head of e-commerce at Overstock.

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Welcome to the E-Commerce Era of Home Services - ReadWrite

The thing about microwaves is that while they may look like simple boxes, they have some complicated electronics and arent a candidate for most DIY fixes. Thats because a microwave can hold an electrical charge of thousands of volts in its capacitors for hours or even days after it has been unplugged. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that people have been electrocuted trying to repair their microwaves. So dont try it.

While some microwave problems render them inoperable, not every problem requires an immediate repair. A chief complaint our members reported about their microwaves was that they were too noisy. Thats not something you can fix, and microwaves run in such short bursts that its likely you can tolerate the brief interruption. If the turntable stops turning, you can live with that for a while and rotate the food yourself so it heats evenly. But if the door wont shut or the control panel breaks (two of the top three most common problems reported), youll need a repair.

Finding the right person to repair your microwave isnt easy, perhaps because there are so many options. You can call the retailer where you bought it, call the manufacturer, or find an independent repair service in your area. Before reaching out, check to see if your microwave is under warranty (most manufacturers offer a one-year warranty). If its covered, the repair may cost less or even be free. In our survey, nearly half of the OTR microwaves that were professionally repaired were covered by a warranty.

In our member survey, we found that owners of OTR microwaves were roughly divided between having the repairs done by manufacturers, independent repair shops, and DIYers, with a smaller number reaching out to retailers for help. Our 2021 survey shows that when a repair was attempted, 86 percent were successful.

The best way to avoid a costly repair is to maintain your microwave, to begin with. Keep it clean, including the filters underneath, which can get gunky with cooking grease. Dont run it when empty, dont put anything other than food and microwave-safe dishware inside, and dont slam the door. (The door latches have to align for the microwave to work correctly.)

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Should You Repair or Replace Your Broken Over-the-Range ... - Consumer Reports

Thomas L. Bogdan, 75, passed away Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Penn Highlands Mon Valley Hospital. He was born March 2, 1948, in New Eagle, son of the late John R Bogdan Sr. and the late Mary Dinsick Bogdan. He was a graduate of Mon Valley Catholic High School and a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. Tom served as a staff sergeant in the 509th Organizational Maintenance Squadron B-52 Wing stationed at Pease Air Force Base in New Hampshire. He was part of deployments to Andersen AFB, Guam and Thailand during the Vietnam War. Tom spoke fondly and frequently about his years in the Air Force. Many a long phone call or afternoon on the front porch of the farm was spent recalling his experiences during his enlistment and the airmen he served with. Following his time in the Air Force, Tom attended California University of Pennsylvania and worked for many years in appliance repair throughout the Pittsburgh area. He most recently worked at Sacred Heart Cemetery as a groundskeeper. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Donald Bogdan. He is survived by his brothers, John R. Bogdan Jr. of Keyser, W.Va., and Anthony Bogdan of Carroll Township; and two nephews, John and Paul Bogdan. Arrangements have been entrusted to ANTHONY L. MASSAFRA FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE INC., 40 Second St. Ext., Donora, PA 15033, 724-379-6900, where private services were held on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. Entombment was at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Monongahela, with full military rites accorded by the Mon Valley Honor Guard and Firing Squad. To share a condolence please visit http://www.massafrafuneralhome.com.

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Thomas L. Bogdan - The Mon Valley Independent

Most Americans dont have the financial resources to cover a surprise expense of $400 a car or appliance repair, or a medical bill without taking on debt, according to a new survey.

Just over one-third of respondents said they have cash on hand to cover the expense, and the figure rises to 48% when including those who said theyd use a credit card but pay it off immediately before incurring interest charges, according to a poll conducted by decision intelligence company Morning Consult for Bloomberg News.

The data highlight widespread financial fragility, even in an economy with unemployment near 50-year lows, and the erosion of the savings cushion that some households built up in the pandemic. It also shows how many Americans could be pushed into taking on more debt even as interest rates surge by a relatively commonplace event.

Weve had two really strong years of jobs growth and there has been a lot of coverage of wage compression, with lower-income earners actually experiencing more rapid wage growth, said John Leer, chief economist at The Morning Consult. And despite all of that, there is still a group of predominantly lower-income adults who are extremely vulnerable.

The findings show that millions of families, if they were faced by an unexpected $400 expense, wouldnt be able to pay some of their other bills.

Whats more, the inability to pay isnt confined to the lowest-income households. About 20% of the middle-income bracket those with incomes between $50,000 and $100,000 said they couldnt cover a $400 expense with cash or equivalents. The figure was 8% among who make more than $100,000.

The poll shows that emergency expenses arent that uncommon. Overall, 44% of respondents said they had such an expense in the prior month, with the most frequent cause being vehicle-related costs, followed by medical bills. The median size of an emergency expense was $483, and many respondents reported that theyd been hit with more than one.

The changing structure of the labor market, with more people reliant on gig work, may also be adding to uncertainty around income and making budgeting harder, according to Sofia Baig, an economist at The Morning Consult. Those kinds of work arrangement also leave many families depending on unscheduled and likely higher-cost childcare, which adds to financial strains, she said.

The Morning Consult survey was conducted between April 12-16, among more than 11,000 respondents.

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Most Americans say they lack ready cash to cover a surprise $400 expense - Autoblog

(May 5, 2023) In this weeks article to Spotlight members of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company, we recognize Gold Badge member Danny Chavis. Danny has been the owner and operator of A.D. SEA appliance repair and home improvement company serving Ocean City and surrounding communities for the past 39 years. He has also, for many years, been actively involved with the youth of our community as a coach for Pop Warner football.

Following high school, Danny enlisted in the United States Navy. He served in the Navy for six years prior to joining his family in Ocean City in December 1983. Danny joined the OCVFC on 12/15/87 to continue his community service. He had been impressed with the great brotherhood he witnessed in the OCVFC.

During his 30 years of active service to the OCVFC, Firefighter Chavis served as lieutenant on Engine 712 under the leadership of Captain (now Volunteer Chief) Jay Jester.

He is currently in the process of recertification as a driver/operator for fire apparatus. He also provided his expertise in maintaining and repairing the various appliances found at each of the firehouses.

Danny cites his involvement in an incident on the beach on June 21, 1995. He responded to the scene with members of the OCVFC and OCPD officers to save a 12-year-old young man buried in the sand on the beach at 109th Street. Tragically, the young man did not survive. Danny still recalls the strong emotions he felt upon returning home to see his own 12-yer-old son.

Firefighter Chavis states his greatest accomplishment as a member of the OCVFC is his effort to do his best over the years for the members of the OCVFC and the community we serve. He also welcomes every opportunity to share the experiences and knowledge gained over his many years as a volunteer firefighter to ensure fire safety and prevention for his family, friends, and clients.

We thank Firefighter Chavis for his years of service to protect our Nations freedoms and for his many years of service and commitment to the safety and well-being of our neighbors and visitors to our community.

For membership information or to learn about your volunteer fire company, please visit http://www.ocvfc.com.

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Veteran of 35 years Chavis integral to OCVFC | Ocvfc Volunteer ... - Ocean City Today