How Do I Price My Appliance Repair Contractor Services?

Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
Aug 20
3 min read

Updated: Aug 22

Starting an appliance repair business can be a smart move—especially with the growing demand for reliable home service contractors. But one of the biggest questions new appliance repair contractors face is: how do I price my services

In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors to consider when pricing your appliance repair services, whether you're fixing refrigerators or replacing parts.

Why Pricing Matters in Appliance Repair

Pricing your services correctly is essential for:

Attracting customers without undervaluing your work
Covering your costs including labor, parts, travel, and insurance
Growing your business sustainably over time

Whether you're offering washer repair, dishwasher repair, or microwave repair, your pricing strategy should reflect your expertise, service quality, and business expenses.

Factors That Influence Appliance Repair Pricing

Here are the most important elements to consider when setting your rates:

1. Type of Appliance and Complexity of Repair

Some appliances are more complex than others. For example:

Refrigerator repair may involve sealed systems or compressors
Garbage disposal repair is typically quicker and less technical
Appliance parts replacement can vary widely depending on the brand and availability

Pricing should reflect the time, tools, and expertise required.

2. Labor Costs

Determine your hourly rate based on:

Your experience level
Local market rates
Whether you’re solo or managing a team

A good starting point is to research average appliance repair rates in your area.

3. Parts and Materials

Always factor in the cost of replacement parts. You can:

Charge parts at cost
Add a markup (typically 10–30%)
Offer flat-rate pricing for common repairs

4. Travel and Service Fees

Include mileage, fuel, and time spent traveling between jobs. Many contractors charge a diagnostic or service fee upfront, which can be waived if the customer proceeds with the repair.

5. Overhead and Insurance Costs

Running a business means covering expenses like:

Tools and equipment
Marketing and website
Insurance coverage (more on this below)

These costs should be built into your pricing to ensure long-term profitability.

Insurance Coverage for Appliance Repair Contractors

At Wexford Insurance, we specialize in helping appliance repair businesses get the right coverage. Here are the key policies you should consider:

General Liability Insurance – Protects against property damage or injury claims
Commercial Auto Insurance – Covers vehicles used for service calls
Commercial Property Insurance – Protects your tools, office, or shop
Workers’ Compensation Insurance – Required if you have employees
Equipment Insurance – Covers repair tools and diagnostic equipment

Pricing Models to Consider

You can choose from several pricing strategies:

Flat-rate pricing for common repairs
Hourly rates for complex or unpredictable jobs
Tiered pricing based on appliance type or urgency (e.g., same-day service)

Make sure your pricing is transparent and easy for customers to understand.

Final Thoughts

Pricing your appliance repair services isn’t just about covering costs—it’s about building a sustainable business. By factoring in labor, parts, travel, and insurance, you’ll be better positioned to grow your business and serve your customers with confidence.

If you're starting an appliance repair business and need help with contractor insurance, reach out to Wexford Insurance. We specialize in protecting appliance repair professionals across the country.

👉 Contact Wexford Insurance