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Questions to Ask Before Hiring a TV Repairman in Detroit

For most people, TVs are a source of entertainment, news updates, and family bonding, and it is understandably frustrating to find out your TV won't come on or see it trip off during your favorite program. However, when this happens, it is best to engage the services of a professional TV repair technician and avoid trying DIY repairs. Professionals will not only help you avoid repair hazards like electrocution, but they can also help preserve your TV warranty, procure genuine spare parts, and guarantee that you get a decent repair service.

However, before committing to a repair technician, you should ensure this technician is certified, insured, and experienced. You can ensure this by getting answers to the following questions:

Do You Repair All Types of TVs?

TV specialty is something you must confirm with your TV repairman before hiring them for your TV needs. Different manufacturers sometimes use unique design styles and add several features to their TVs to enhance their customers' viewing experiences. Without sufficient knowledge of these peculiarities, your repairman may end up damaging your TV.

Most modern TVs are categorized by:

  • Screen Type: TV screens are primarily flat or curved. Flat-screen TVs are the more popular of the two types, mainly for their wide-angle viewing and lighter weight. They can also be wall-mounted. However, curved screens also have a couple of perks, including a more captivating viewing experience, less screen reflection, and aesthetic appeal. Viewers' choices ultimately depend on their preferences.
  • Technology Types: Popular TV technology types include:
    • Digital Light Processing (DLP) TV: This is one TV type that has been in the TV market for a while now, and it uses optical semiconductor chips and light reflection technologies to project images to viewers. This TV type is known for its longevity, lightweight, and decent 3D compatibility, especially compared to direct-view TVs. However, DLP TVs do not offer the best wide-angle viewing experience.
    • Direct View (DV) TV: DV TVs are also part of the early generation of TV technologies, with a bulky build, high energy consumption, and poor angle view. However, they are affordable, have a decent refresh rate, and have good receptors.
    • Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) TV: LCD TVs are often flat screens and lightweight, with a bright image output and low power consumption. However, the disadvantages of this TV type include a slow refresh rate and response time.
    • Plasma TV: As the name implies, this type uses Plasma to project images. Plasma TVs have a fast frame response and decent-quality color rendering, and they are affordable. The drawback of this TV type is that image quality reduces over time unless the TV is maintained properly.
    • Light Emitting Diodes (LED) TV: LED TVs are one of the most popular TV types recently, mainly because they are progressively lighter, project clearer and high-quality images, and have faster response and refresh rates, all at a lower energy consumption rate than most TV types. However, LED TVs can be costly. Other improved variants of this TV type include OLED, QLED, and MicroLED TVs.
  • Extra Features: These extra features include internet connectivity, Ultra High Definition, voice activation, and second monitor compatibility.

Essentially, your TV repairman must know which screen and technology category your TV falls under and have experience handling such TVs. You can confirm this by requesting proof of experience, such as evidence of previous work, a certification, or customer references.

Do You Deal with All the Brands of TV?

Considering how TV manufacturers typically include unique features and some design styles in newer television models, it helps to know what brand your TV repairman is most familiar with. While some repairers have experience handling most TV brands, others are familiar with fewer brands. In any case, ensure your TV repairman has experience handling your TV brand and even your model.

Popular TV brands include:

Brand Highlights Drawbacks Calling Card
Sony TV Smart TV and HDR availability
Quality image and sound output
Expensive Cognitive Processor XR Chip and mini-LED
Hisense TV Relatively affordable
4K options
Has LED, QLED, and ULED variants
Issues with image and sound processing Variety
Samsung TV QLED options
Smart TV availability
High-quality pictures
Expensive OLED
LG TV Has affordable models
Comes in sleek designs
Smart TV and 4K and 8K resolution options
Lacks HDR10+ support OLED
Vizio TV Available, affordable models
HD, UHD, OLED, and QLED options
OS issues and lagging Quantum
TCL TV Available screen sizes up to 98 inches
Compatible with Google and Roku
Affordable models
Processing issues Value

Can You Advise if I Repair or Replace My TV?

Although modern TVs can last up to 100,000 hours, some faults do occur. Fixing these faults is usually more economical, especially if the TV is still under warranty. However, there are instances when replacing the TV with a newer one is much better. Examples include:

  • Hardware issues
  • Physical damage to the TV
  • You have used the TV for a couple of years
  • The issue has happened multiple times
  • Repair costs are close to newer TV prices

Be that as it may, seeking professional advice before deciding whether to repair your TV or get a new one is best. This is why seeking a credible and experienced repair company for your TV repairs is important. Professional TV repairers typically advise TV owners right away to get a new TV in situations where they know repairing a faulty one is not worth it. Nonetheless, some tips to help determine if replacing your TV is a better option include:

  • Manual troubleshooting: You can check your manufacturer's TV manual or webpage for available information on handling any faults peculiar to your TV model.
  • Research fixes: It is likely that you are not the first person experiencing the same issue you are having with your TV. Some issues are easy to fix with guidelines available online. Ideally, check credible websites and online forums associated with your TV brand.
  • Reconcile other considerations: Examples of such considerations include checking the difference between repair and newer TV costs and whether your faulty TV is still befitting for your home. These considerations will largely depend on individual preferences.

Are All Your Repair Experts Certified?

Besides hands-on experience, certifications are another indicator that a TV repair company has adequately skilled technicians, and it is best to request certified technicians for your service. In addition to their skill, certified technicians are usually more professional since most organizations include professional training in their certification courses. TV repair technicians obtain certifications from several organizations, depending on their area of specialty, the organization's training flexibility, and networking perks, amongst other things.

Credible organizations include the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET) and the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA). Some TV repair technicians are also factory-certified. This means they have obtained industry-specific training from a TV manufacturer on troubleshooting and repairing the manufacturer's devices. Getting a TV repairman with such a certification gives additional assurance that you will receive a quality TV repair service.

Note that you should always verify any claims of certification by requesting proof and confirming this proof with the issuing organization. It also helps to hire a TV technician who has direct contact with your TV manufacturer's support team in case they need technical assistance.

Do You Offer Same-Day Repair Services?

For most people across the country, watching TV is their favorite pastime activity. Having a faulty TV can mess with your routine, and this makes it crucial to know how long it may take to get it fixed. Some TV repair companies offer same-day repair services, but this typically depends on the fault needing repair. Common TV faults include:

  • Distorted images
  • Power failure
  • No sound or images
  • Flickering images
  • Static screen or noise
  • Out-of-proportion or ill-sized images
  • Poor syncing between image and audio
  • Screen lines

While some of these issues can be fixed in a day, others require more technical considerations and possible spare part replacements. Other repairs that may take more than a day include:

  • Panel replacements
  • Broken screens
  • Circuit board issues
  • Processor board issues
  • T-con board replacements

In any case, ensure your TV repair technician gives you a definite repair date if the repairs take more than a day. Be wary of technicians unwilling to give a definite date, as they may hold on to your TV longer than necessary to hike repair bills. Also, make sure the technician gives you a written estimate for their services, which must include the cost of parts that will be replaced. This way, you can avoid situations where dishonest technicians later demand a cost way above what was agreed.

You can request that same-day repairs be done in your home. This arrangement will ensure you can monitor the technician and avoid the cost or time spent moving the TV set.

Do You Hold the Relevant License for TV Repair Technicians?

TV repair technicians in Detroit are required to obtain an Electrical Contractor license from the Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering & Environmental Department (BSEED) before they can offer their services within the city. A technician who fails to do so engages in unlawful contracting and risks getting fined or serving a jail term.

The requirements for obtaining this license include the following:

  • Being at least 18 years of age
  • Passing a licensing examination
  • Submitting a completed application form along with a valid Driver's license or Michigan State ID
  • Paying relevant application fees

Interested persons can explore the Detroit BSEED's Electrical Licensing Procedure guidelines for information on other requirements. To submit an application, interested persons must complete an Electrical Contractor license application form and submit it, along with the required documents, to:

Buildings, Safety Engineering & Environmental Department
Electrical Inspection Division
2 Woodward Avenue, 4th Floor, Room 408
Detroit, MI 48226

Applicants can contact the BSEED's Electrical Inspection Division at (313) 224-3228 or (313) 628-2661 for more inquiries on licensing procedures. Likewise, homeowners can contact these numbers for inquiries on verifying a TV repair technician's license.

In addition to fixing TVs, some Detroit TV technicians also offer other services related to viewing entertainment. These services typically include:

TV mounting and installation:
$150 - $250
TV setup:
$50 - $100 per hour
Smart device setup:
$100 - $1,500
Remote repair:
$10 - $50
Phone repair:
$50 - $500
Computer repair:
$50 - $100 per hour
VCR system repair:
$40 - $150
Home projector repair:
$150 - $300
Home theater and sound bar repair:
$120 - $400
Household appliance repair:
$100 - $250

You can always confirm with your TV technician if they offer any of these services or other repair services related to your personal entertainment. Note that the above estimates vary; it is best to confirm with your technician the exact amount they would be billing. Also, be sure to review multiple estimates so you have an idea of the average charges for your service.

Do You Offer Genuine Spare Parts?

Some of the major things that go into the quality of a TV repair service are the technician's skill and the quality of spare parts used, especially when the service requires replacements. The best way to get quality parts is to source them directly from the TV manufacturer or a manufacturer-certified shop. The advantages of doing this include the following:

  • Parts obtained from manufacturers or manufacturer-certified shops are usually more durable than generic parts
  • This usually aligns with manufacturer and installation warranty requirements
  • You avoid the risk of getting fake items or items incompatible with your TV system
  • You can reach out to the manufacturer's support team for technical assistance in installing the parts

Note that genuine spare parts are usually more expensive than generic ones. Also, there are instances where it may be challenging to find them, such as when your TV model is out of production or is a limited edition model. You may need to settle for generic or secondhand parts in such instances. When getting spare parts for your TV, purchasing them from stores with warranties or return policies is best. This way, you are assured of the quality of the product and can get a refund or a different one if it turns out subpar.

Are Your Repair Services Covered by a Warranty?

Another thing to consider before hiring a TV repair company is whether a warranty covers their services. A warranty is a legal promise or undertaking that the service you will receive will be satisfactory and adequate. Consequently, you are entitled to certain remedies if this does not turn out to be the case. These remedies include TV replacements or free repairs.

However, note that not all issues are covered by warranty. Examples include:

  • Damages that are the fault of the TV owner
  • Superficial or insignificant damages
  • Damages from natural disasters
  • Damages from power surges
  • Regular wear and tear

Also, a TV warranty's timeframe, scope, and liability exclusion depend on who is offering it. Warranties offered by TV manufacturers typically last for one year and cover defects that are not the purchaser's fault, such as manufacturing defects or processor issues. Likewise, warranties offered by TV repair companies have varying timeframes and cover cases of poor workmanship. Therefore, always go through and understand any warranty offer before agreeing to the terms.

Note that some TV stores offer extended warranty plans. The idea is to have an extra warranty besides the one from your manufacturer. Although extended warranty terms are similar to those offered by your manufacturer, you should also go through them and confirm the timeframe and scope of the warranty and excluded instances. Below are some of the pros and cons of getting an extended warranty:

Pros of Extended Protection Plans Cons of Extended Protection Plans
You can tailor the plan to your preference and budget They can be expensive, and you likely may not need one
They offer additional protection outside of manufacturer warranties There may be some delay before you can make a claim
You won't need to handle repair details You may be unable to choose your preferred TV repair company or technician

How to File a Complaint Against a Bad TV Repair Service in the Detroit

The Consumer Protection Division of the Michigan Attorney General's Office is responsible for receiving and addressing consumer complaints across the state, including Detroit. Complaints against a bad TV repair service can be directed to this Division by an aggrieved person.

Generally, Detroit homeowners are advised to be careful and thorough when searching for TV repair technicians near them. This is necessary to avoid dishonest technicians and scammers. These scammers typically prey on unsuspecting homeowners and elderly residents to swindle them of their money, and common scam tactics they use include:

  • Adding unnecessary spare parts in billing estimates
  • Receiving money for genuine spare parts but using generic ones instead
  • Getting paid upfront and refusing to complete the repair
  • Causing damage to other TV parts to rack up repair costs
  • Using fake license information or stealing a valid license

Nevertheless, you can protect yourself from these scammers and get the services of a legitimate TV repair technician by doing any of the following:

  • Ensure you hire only licensed technicians. You can verify a technician's license by contacting the Detroit BSEED at (313) 224-3228 or (313) 628-2661.
  • Get and review multiple estimates from different technicians
  • Verify that your preferred TV repair technician is insured
  • Check reviews of your preferred technicians before hiring them. You can request referrals from previous clients or check consumer websites like Yelp, Better Business Bureau, and Google Review
  • Do not hire door-to-door technicians
  • Have a written agreement with your technician
  • Do not pay for your service upfront
  • Keep records relevant to the service, including payment receipts, estimates, correspondences, and any signed contract.
  • Check for available warranties.

Any TV owner who falls victim to a scammer or dishonest TV repair technician can submit a consumer complaint against this technician to the Michigan Attorney General's Office. Complaints are submitted to the Office's Consumer Protection Division online. Complainants can also contact the Division at (517) 335-7599 for alternative ways to submit a complaint and other related inquiries. Callers within Michigan can contact the Division at (877) 765-8388, which is toll-free.