Suppose an appliance in the home is on its last leg. In that case, there is a particular urgency to getting a replacement, especially in the holiday season. And new appliance shortages are no joke!
After all, cooking outside on the grill only works when the weather is just right.
A cooler won’t keep your entire refrigerator full of food cold for months.
And forget about drying your clothes on a clothesline!
Today, we hear the question over and over again. Are appliance shortages ever coming to an end?
Well, that is a tricky question. Many factors go into your appliance production and shipping. But to get your appliances repaired so they last as long as possible, call on the experts at Atlanta Appliance Services.
Why There Are Appliance Shortages
The pandemic has been brutal on several industries. Folks rushed out to purchase freezer units so they could stockpile food for the quarantine. Therefore, this shift in supply and demand caused a significant backup for factories of appliances and more.
NPR said it like this,
“Shortages have hit all kinds of major appliances: dishwashers, dryers, dehumidifiers, even some of the microwaves. That’s because the pandemic threw a monkey wrench into both their supply and demand.”
As people everywhere lost jobs and stayed home, the industries predicted that the spending would slow. However, that did not prove to be the case. Then, the factories were left to determine the need on the market in the coming year as well.
Then, when factory workers began getting sick, production slowed again. Then those factories were forced to shut down and adjust their procedure for a safe return.
Now that we are ending the second year of the COVID-19 virus and its variants, manufacturers are busy catching up with the demand.
The Big Holdup
Staying home in 2020 and 2021 created a significant shift for businesses, both positive and negative. Some companies soared to fantastic new levels while restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues, cruises, and airlines suffered greatly. The convergence of the effects of the pandemic on manufacturing looks a bit like this.
- Record low-interest rates increased demand for new homes and new appliances.
- Online shopping increased exponentially.
- Shipping companies struggled to keep up with the increase in demand.
- Illness and pandemic layoffs created a kink in production.
- Factories are now struggling to find workers for the factories.
- And then there is the increased use of appliances resulting in more wear and tear.
However, as the demand continues to increase, the availability of new products is still limited. So, what naturally happens? As we use our appliances more than ever, they begin to break down sooner than ever. But never fear, Atlanta Appliance Services is here.
When You Need an Appliance Now
Obviously, we depend on appliances to help us manage the tasks of the day. And when one breaks down, all productivity can come crashing down.
So, here is what we suggest you do when you need an appliance now!
- Try an Independent Dealer: Instead of going to a big box store, try an independent dealer. They typically do not deal with third-party shipping and have more accurate delivery estimates. And often, they have loaners for while you are waiting for your appliance to come in.
- Research Your Appliance Preference: If you still want to look at the big stores for your device, do your research. Look at each of the stores and call for availability. You may end up paying a bit more, but you will get it sooner if you find one in stock.
- Maybe a Substitute Will Work? There are many name brands that people desire for the look they want in their homes. But often, that name brand has a less expensive version than a non-name brand. And again, you may pay a little more than what you wanted to pay, but if it is there in store… bonus!
- Please Don’t Wait for the Best Price: While we generally suggest patience when shopping for appliances, availability is critical here. So, if you find the instrument you need, don’t wait. go ahead and put your name on it.
- Floor Model Anyone? You never know whether they will sell the floor model until you ask, so ask.
- Place Your Order, Then Keep Shopping. Often you can cancel an order if you find another option that is more readily available.
- Schedule Pick Up Rather Than Delivery. Picking up your appliances in-store or at the warehouse reduces the additional change of hands and speeds up the process.
Repair Instead of Replace
Rather than replace an appliance at the first sign of trouble, consider having it repaired. But remember, safety is imperative when it comes to appliance repair. Keep safe when dealing with a broken appliance by observing the following steps.
- Make sure there is no risk for fire or the like. Shut off the water if needed and get food to a safe place.
- Then call for appliance repair. And in the Atlanta area, call Atlanta Appliance Services to come out right away.
- While the repair is essential, you may want to have other appliances inspected and serviced at this time.
- If your repair technician says you will need a new appliance, check local stores and refurbished appliance centers for an immediate replacement.
- When you are ready to purchase a new unit, be prepared to wait.
Appliance Shortages and Atlanta Appliance Services
The fact is that the appliance shortages are improving but at a very slow pace. It will take time for factories and suppliers to catch up on production and shipping. Your local appliance repair service can be a real lifesaver in these times.
When searching for a reliable appliance repair technician in your area, you’ll want a company with experience and proper training. You can count on the expertise and professionalism of the team at Atlanta Appliance Services.
Should you have any problems with your home appliances or need to get started with a regular appliance maintenance program, our service team can come out to you. There we will give you an estimate and your appliances a once over and get you started on a service plan. That way, you may never have to face that halt in productivity in your busy household again.