Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM OCTOBER 2026 36 T he United Appliance Servicers Association is excited to announce that the UASA Most Professional Servicer Contest is open for entries. Every day, thousands of appliance service professionals enter customer homes, representing their companies and the appliance service industry. The image we present by how we communicate, our vehicles and uniforms, and the experience we provide our consumers affects how they view our profession. The contest was created to recognize companies that are raising the standard. But we also want to encourage service companies to look hard at their professional image and ask: "How do our customers see us?" PROFESSIONALISM BEGINS BEFORE THE SERVICE CALL Our first interaction with the customer often happens before a technician arrives. It may begin online. Is your website current and easy to navigate? Does it clearly explain who you are, what you service, and how the customers can contact you? Is each vehicle clean and professionally identified? Does the technician arrive in a professional uniform? Do they communicate clearly and courteously and respect the customer's home, to build trust? Customers may not understand electronic controls, inverter technology, or diagnostic procedures, but they certainly under- stand professionalism. WHAT MAKES A MOST PROFESSIONAL SERVICER? The contest recognizes appliance service businesses of multiple sizes, allowing companies to compete with organizations like their own. The judges look at each entrant's web design, uniforms, vehicles, and professional appearance. Professionalism isn't about being the biggest. A one- or two-technician operation can earn a reputation for providing an outstanding customer experience. Professionalism means holding high standards and following them consistently. That's what the contest celebrates! DEALERS SHOULD PAY ATTENTION, TOO Whether you operate your own service department or depend on authorized service companies, a professional service experience will affect how your customers see you. When a customer has a problem, they might not remember the technical details, but they'll certainly remember whether they were well cared for. If you work with an outstanding independent servicer, please encourage them to enter. And if your dealership operates an exceptional service department, consider entering your organization. MORE THAN WINNING A CONTEST The value of a Most Professional Servicer Contest award goes beyond the prizes. There are major bragging rights – it will boost your status among your customers and community. You can display the award on your website, on social media, in advertising, and in the showroom. It will give potential customers a reason to choose your company. It carries internal rewards, too – it reinforces the standards you've worked hard to establish. But even if you don't win, there's value in participating. Check the judging criteria, and use them to evaluate your operation. Look at your service vehicles through the customer's eyes. Review your website. Check your technicians' uniforms. Call your office and listen to how the phone is answered. Review the emails and texts your customers receive from you. Ask yourself: Would I be impressed and pleased if this company came to my home? SHOW THE INDUSTRY WHAT YOU'VE BUILT Appliance service is a skilled profession. UASA believes companies like yours deserve recognition. Take pictures. Show us your vehicles, your technicians, your web- site – and anything else that speaks to your professionalism. This is your opportunity to show the industry what you've built. Please visit www.unitedservicers.com/awards/ most-professional-servicer for information and to submit your entry. David Smith, President United Appliance Servicers Association (UASA) S E R V I C E D E P A R T M E N T RO ARE YOU ONE OF THE MOST PROFESSIONAL SERVICERS IN THE INDUSTRY?

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