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Questions to Ask Before Hiring a TV Repairman in New York City

Watching TV is a favorite American pastime and accounts for more than half of the time many New Yorkers spend on leisure activities. However, coming home after a long day of work to find out that your TV is broken or having it suddenly conk out in the middle of your favorite show can be very upsetting. While it may be tempting to attempt a DIY repair, hiring a qualified TV technician guarantees that the job will be done according to the manufacturer's specifications. A good TV repairman will ensure that:

  • Your warranty is protected.
  • Genuine parts are used.
  • You are protected from repair-related electrical hazards
  • You save money on an immediate replacement

Asking your prospective TV repair technicians the following questions is your surest bet to finding a skilled and experienced TV repairman in NYC who can complete your repair satisfactorily without any hidden fees:

Do You Repair All Types of TVs?

It is essential to ensure that your prospective TV repairman is familiar with the make and model of your faulty TV, especially concerning the following key features:

  • Screen Type: Most modern TVs typically come with Flat Screens or Curved Screens. Curved screens offer a good view regardless of your position in the room, unlike flat screens, which typically require you to sit directly in front to get a good view.
  • Technology Type: the most common TV technologies include:
    • Direct View/Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT): these are the earliest type of commercially available TVs, and they are typically bulky, have smaller screen sizes when compared to other types of TVs, and consume a lot of energy. However, they are relatively cheaper than newer generation TVs, can work with any resolution or device, and have a better refresh rate.
    • Plasma: these are relatively cheap and give clearer, more contrasted images than tube TVs. However, the resulting image quality offered by these TVs tends to decrease over time. Plasma TV technology is also considered obsolete.
    • Digital Light Processing (DLP): these are usually longer lasting than plasma TVs and slimmer and more lightweight. However, new brands of these types of TVs are no longer readily available.
    • Liquid Crystal Display (LCD): these TVs are thin, lightweight, and have low energy consumption. However, their view angles are not good, and they typically have lower refresh and response rates than tube and plasma TVs.
    • Light Emitting Diode (LED): these TVs save even more power than LCD TVs and also produce sharper and better images. However, they are also more expensive. This TV technology also has more modern variants, like OLED, QLED, and AMOLED TVs, which offer even better images for less power consumption.
  • Brand/Model Specific Extras: these include features like Voice Activation, High Dynamic Range, Ultra-High Definition, and internet connectivity/Smart TVs

Always confirm that your intended TV repairman has the knowledge and skill to handle the specific type of TV brand you own and expertly fix any faults. Make sure that you confirm this before they start any work and that any agreements reached between you and the TV repair technician are made in writing.

Do You Deal with All the Brands of TV?

Several brands of TVs are readily available in NYC, and these include:

Brand Highlights Drawbacks Calling Card
Samsung Impressive TV quality
4K & 8K options
Smart TV options
Pricey QLED and QD-OLED
Sony Great sound and picture quality
HDR and Smart TV options are readily available
Eco-friendly
Pricey Cognitive Processor XR Chip and mini-LED
LG Sleek designs
Affordable models
Smart TV options
No HDR 10+ support OLED
Hisense Great value at low prices
Sizes of up to 100" available
Processing issues Variety
TCL Roku and Google compatible
Up to 8K
Affordable options
Processing and picture quality may not be up to par with pricier models Value
Vizio Affordable
4K resolutions
OS may lag and be buggy Quantum

Considering that these brands generally have varying specifications and features, verifying that your preferred TV repair company has technicians who are conversant with your TV's specific make and model before signing any agreements with them is important.

Note that many professional NYC-based TV repair technicians have the knowledge and skill set needed to fix a wide range of TV brands and operating technologies. Nonetheless, it is always a good idea to ascertain that the particular technician working on your TV specializes in and has ample experience fixing your TV with regard to its specific brand, operating technology, and screen type.

Can You Advise if I Repair or Replace My TV?

Many modern TV brands typically have a lifespan of 30,000 to 100,000 hours or 10 - 15 years with regular use. Even though it is usually a cost-effective solution to fix your faulty TV during its lifespan instead of replacing it, a total replacement may be the better option in some situations. Examples of situations include:

  • The TV is more than ten years old
  • There has been physical damage to the TV
  • The problem has to do with the TV's panel
  • The TV has developed a hardware issue
  • You have fixed the same issue at least more than once

You should always seek out reputable and reliable TV repair technicians in NYC because they are more likely to inform you right off the gate whether your TV fault can be fixed or if you need to replace the TV. However, you can also ascertain if your TV's fault is worth fixing and avoid being scammed by dishonest TV repair technicians who are more interested in charging diagnostic and service fees by taking the following actions:

  • Troubleshooting: check the TV's user manual and manufacturer's website to see if it provides any information on the fault as well as potential solutions to it
  • Research costs: research cost estimates for fixing the TV fault and weigh this against the cost of an actual TV replacement. Many professional TV repair services in the NYC area offer free cost estimates, and you should consider getting this information from up to three of them.
  • Miscellaneous considerations: sometimes, factors like moving into a newly constructed or remodeled home may require you to get a brand new TV instead of fixing an old and faulty one

Are All Your Repair Experts Certified?

Ascertaining whether your preferred TV technicians have the right technical background and hold professional certifications is crucial in determining their suitability for the task at hand. Professional TV repair technicians in the New York Metropolitan Area typically obtain formal training and certifications from international organizations and local trade schools like:

  • The Electronics Technicians Association International
  • The International Society of Certified Electronic Technicians
  • LaGuardia Community College

Note that you should always verify any credentials your TV repair technician claims to hold. In addition, you should ensure that your preferred TV repair service has a direct line of contact with the manufacturer of your TV brand and can get technical support from them when necessary.

Do You Offer Same-Day Repair Services?

The average American watches at least four hours of TV each day. Considering that a large majority of Americans cannot go a day without their TVs, it is crucial to find out how quickly your faulty TV will be fixed. Common TV faults include:

  • No sound or picture
  • It powers off on its own
  • Distorted images
  • No longer connects to the internet
  • Lines appearing on the screen
  • Remote control no longer works
  • Poorly synced audio or video
  • Color blanching or leaking
  • Dark and dull pictures
  • Ill-fitting images
  • Out-of-proportion images
  • Grayed-out screen

While many of these defects are relatively minor and can be fixed in less than a day, getting confirmation from your TV repairman is always a good idea. It is also crucial to find out if the repairs can be done at your home or if the faulty TV will have to be taken to the TV repairman's workshop. Some common TV fixes that typically require more than one day and have to be done at the TV repairman's workshop for effective service delivery include

  • Broken screen replacements
  • Fried circuit board replacements
  • Dead motherboard replacements
  • TV panel replacements

Consider it a red flag if the technician seems hesitant to provide a definite timeline for the repair work or give you an estimate of the fees you may accrue if the repairs last more than a day.

Do You Hold the Relevant License for TV Repair Technicians?

NYC-based TV repair technicians must obtain an Electronic and Home Appliance Service Dealer License from the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) before providing their services to city residents. Noncompliance with this licensing requirement can result in penalties of up to $500 in fines and other civil and criminal sanctions.

Applications for these DCWP-issued licenses can be made online or by submitting a Basic License Application Form to the department in person at:

DCWP Licensing Center
42 Broadway
Lobby
New York, NY 10004
NYC Small Business Support Center
90-27 Sutphin Boulevard
4th Floor
Jamaica, NY 11435

Applicants are typically required to meet certain eligibility criteria, which include providing proof of business registration, submitting a Sales Tax Identification Number or an Application Confirmation Number, and paying all stipulated fees.

Note that applicants who choose the in-person application option must schedule an appointment beforehand with the DCWP, either via email or by calling (212) 436-0441.

You should always confirm that your intended TV repair technician has been aptly licensed by the DCWP. You can check this on the department's Check a License platform before they start any work.

Many professional NYC-based TV repair technicians also offer interested parties several other appliance and electronics-related services, like:

TV mounting and installation:
$100 - $300
TV setup:
$50 - $120 per hour
Smart device setup:
$150 - $1,500
Remote repair:
$10 - $45
Phone repair:
$50 - $650
Computer repair:
$100 - $1,000
VCR system repair:
$45 - $125
Home projector repair:
$125 - $375
Home theater and sound bar repair:
$100 - $320
Household appliance repair:
$50 - $450

Note that the actual cost of these services is primarily determined by the make and model of the appliance in question. Nevertheless, always confirm that your preferred TV repair technician also offers any additional services you may need when making hiring arrangements with them, and make sure that you agree on the costs of these services.

Do You Offer Genuine Spare Parts?

In addition to ascertaining that your preferred TV repairman is appropriately licensed, certified, and has the technical know-how needed for the job, you should also ensure they have access to genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) TV parts. While these parts are typically more expensive than generic parts, these added costs are offset by the following benefits:

  • Better quality and durability
  • Compatibility with your TV
  • Compliance with your existing warranties

These, in turn, go a long way in guaranteeing that your repaired TV will function properly and ultimately save you money in the long run. Note that in some cases, your TV repairman may not be able to source genuine OEM parts for your TV. This usually happens when the production of these parts has been officially discontinued.

In these scenarios, you may have no choice but to use generic parts for the job. Note that it can take up to three to four business days to get the required parts for the job delivered, depending on their availability and whether or not they can be sourced locally.

Are Your Repair Services Covered by a Warranty?

Warranties are legally-binding assurances that your TV repair was handled competently, expertly, and with high-quality, genuine parts. Professional TV repair technicians in NYC do not hesitate to offer their clients warranties, and you should consider it a red flag if your prospective technician seems hesitant to do so.

While these warranties usually range from a minimum of three months to a year, their specific terms and conditions largely depend on the technician that issues them as well as the TV make and model in question. Nonetheless, many of these warranties do not typically cover damages that occur under the following circumstances:

  • Normal wear and tear
  • Power line surges
  • Misuse, improper maintenance, vandalism, or natural disasters
  • Burn-in and image retention
  • Shipment-related damages
  • Improper installation
  • Cosmetic damages

Note that many manufacturers usually provide a list of recommended TV repair technicians to customers who need to fix faults with their warrantied TVs. However, in some cases, the nature of the fault may require that the TV be shipped back to the manufacturer for these repairs or even totally replaced.

Also, some electronic stores and outlets like Walmart and Best Buy also offer store warranties or extended protection plans that provide additional protection outside the scope of the manufacturer's warranty, such as accidental damages.

Similar to manufacturers' warranties, the scope and coverage of these extended protection plans are determined by the store or outlet that issues them. Listed below are some benefits and drawbacks of purchasing an extended protection plan for your TV:

Pros of Extended Protection Plans Cons of Extended Protection Plans
Provides additional coverage for TVs Can be quite expensive
Can be used after the original manufacturer's warranty expires Cost is not usually justified for low-end TVs
Offers extra peace of mind Repairs covered usually cost less than the actual plan

As such, you should always request a written copy of any warranty you are offered and ensure that you read its terms correctly to understand its scope and avoid taking any actions that may void it.

How to File a Complaint Against a Bad TV Repair Service in the New York City

Complaints against bad TV repair services in New York City can be filed locally with the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP).

Some common techniques and scams that con artists and unscrupulous TV repair technicians use to defraud unsuspecting clients in NYC include:

  • Requesting full payment upfront
  • Lying about their credentials
  • Intentionally damaging other parts of the TV to charge more
  • Suddenly, discovering more severe damage and requesting additional fees to fix it
  • Claiming that the TV is totally damaged and needs replacing
  • Using generic or pirated parts for the job despite collecting fees for genuine parts

You can avoid these scams and ascertain the legitimacy of your intended TV repairman by taking the following actions:

  • Request an initial inspection and cost estimate for your repair work from your preferred TV repair technicians. You should also compare costs from at least three technicians before committing to anyone.
  • Look up reviews on your preferred TV repair services online via websites like the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, and Yelp
  • Verify your intended technician's license status and also validate any other credentials they claim to have
  • Never pay the total cost of your required TV repair services upfront, and consider it a red flag if any technician asks you to do this
  • Confirm that you will be offered a warranty
  • Keep an eye on the technician while the repair work is going on
  • Make sure you are given a receipt for any purchased parts

Matters involving bad TV repair services and TV repair scams in New York City can be filed with the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) online or by mailing two copies of a consumer complaint form to:

NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
Consumer Services Division
42 Broadway
9th Floor
New York, NY 10004

Online complainants must register a user account via the department's online platform before filing their complaints. Likewise, pdf complaint forms can be submitted to the DCWP via fax to (212) 487-4482.