Dale’s Appliance Service

This is a ‘mixed feelings’ review.
I called Dale because of the few reviews I was able to find, his were quite good, focusing on honesty and not trying to sell you what you don’t need. The one negative review discussed how he wasn’t familiar with an appliance model but took a few days to come back and tell the caller — so they wasted time waiting for no purpose.
I called Dale and explained our problem. He sounded a offended that we had first looked at resolving the problem ourselves. (Too bad — I have that right.) He wasn’t familiar with the error code, or the model and said he would have to look into it, but it would be next week. Sure, fine.
I waited. I waited one week. And then I called him back. He had no clue who I was. I re-​explained everything to him again. Again — I got a sense that he was a bit miffed. I might be misinterpreting things. He ended up telling me he can’t possibly fix the stove as the wiring could be all screwed up and he could spend hours on it and get nowhere, especially as the literature that came with the (20 year old) appliance was missing. I said «so what I’m hearing is you are not interested in doing this repair» to which he agreed. I said «thank you!» and hung up.
By the way: I called another place that got good ratings, spoke to the guy for all of two minutes at which point he said «I can’t help you, as based on what you’ve told me so far, you need to deal with an authorized warranty shop for that error. Some of the codes are proprietary». That two minute conversation was pleasant, without any tones of frustration in it and I was really happy with that repair shop! I’ve bookmarked their site as it is clearly a customer service oriented one and they will be the first place I call next time I need repair. I found the recommended warranty authorized shop and they are coming out in two days.
So — at the end of this whole long store, here is my conclusion: Dale is honest but perhaps a bit disorganized. Perhaps his business has grown to the point where he needs help, I don’t know. Dale may want to consider how he delivers his message. (It’s ok to say you can’t do the job — just do it quickly and with a smile. Alienating customers is always a no-​no.)
Will I return (i.e. — call him again): No.
Will I recommend him: Unlikely