The costs for a service call vary, depending on location. Larger metropolitan areas have higher costs, and areas with higher costs of living such as California and New York also have higher service fees. In 2010, the average cost for a service call was between $75 and $125.
Some appliance repair technicians use a low service fee as a marketing device. In various cities, a homeowner may find a service that advertises $29.99 service fees or $35 service calls. These can be great deals and a way for a small operator to catch the attention of a homeowner. However, they may also be a classic bait and switch tactic.
Some shops advertise no service fee or no fee for estimates. However, visiting a home and giving a bid does take time, and therefore costs money. If a homeowner chooses a shop that prices this way, be sure the technicians do not charge mileage charges or some other undisclosed fee. Also, make note of the bid costs. The cost for the visit may be integrated into higher labor charges for the same repair.