N.E.W. Purchases Servicebench

NEW Customer Service Companies, Inc. has purchased Servicebench. (NEW is a privately-held, independent third-party administrator of extended service plans, buyer protection services and product support programs.)  I’m not sure that we as service techs will see any changes though. My wish list for Servicebench is that they take advantage of the mobile technologies out there and make Servicebench more accessible from mobile communication devices. Maybe a new parent company will make this happen.

From the Servicebench Press Release.

About N.E.W. Customer Service Companies, Inc. (NEW)

NEW is the leading provider of extended service plans, buyer protection services and product support, providing coverage to more than 100 million consumers worldwide. Founded in 1983 with headquarters in Sterling, Va., NEW provides award-winning post-sale consumer care for leading retailers, consumer service providers, wireless carriers and financial services firms. For more information, please visit NEW at www.newcorp.com or call 1-800 WHAT’S NEW (1-800-942-8763).

About ServiceBench

ServiceBench is a leading provider of service management solutions that integrate post-sales service activities including service call management, field service management, parts management, claims management and service contract management. The ServiceBench on-demand system easily enables service transactions between manufacturers, retailers or extended warranty providers and their network of parts suppliers, distributors and service providers. ServiceBench solutions provide the essential foundation to manage the service chain for profit and competitive advantage. ServiceBench’s existing investors include JMI Equity, Valhalla Partners and NextGen Capital. For more information, please visit www.servicebench.com.

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Whirlpool to Sue LG Over Copyright Infringement

Yesterday, Whirlpool filed copyright infringement proceedings with the International Trade Commission against LG. The press release does not state the specific technology that Whirlpool feels has been infringed but it seems to be with their refrigerators.
The patents protect proprietary technologies associated with the fastest growing segments in refrigeration — French Door Bottom [...]

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Duet Washer Repair

This is a tech tip for anyone servicing a Whirlpool Duet Washer. Quite often we end up having to drain the washer through the pump. Normally this would be messy, wet job. However Whirlpool was kind to us by providing a built in drain pan to drain the pump into – the [...]

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More on the Whirlpool Fridge with Built-in Computer

The Whirlpool Corp. press release gives more information on the onboard computer systems planned for their refrigerator.
In addition to the Clio(R) Vu by Data Evolution (see previous post here), other included gadgets are:

CEIVA Digital Photo Frame
Designed for the centralpark(TM) connection, the frame is Wi-Fi ready and features an 8″ high- resolution LCD screen with a [...]

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Leon’s Furniture Ltd. Purchases Appliance Canada

This news came out a couple of weeks ago – but for those of you who don’t know, Leon’s has purchased Appliance Canada.
Here is a news excerpt from Yahoo Finance:
Leon’s Furniture Limited is pleased to announce that it has completed its purchase of the assets of Appliance Canada Ltd. and retained the services of their [...]

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Frigidaire Sweepstakes – Win Free Appliances

Frigidaire is having a draw for free appliances called 90 Years of making Life Easier. Loads of free appliances available to be won. Check it out at their Sweepstakes Home Page.
The contest is only open to Canadians and ends March 31st.

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Whirlpool Fridge with a Built-in Computer

Computer manufacturer Data Evolutions Corp announced today that they’ve won a contract to produce computers that are to be installed in Whirlpool refrigerators. Although computer technology has been used in appliances for years, this will be a little different as this computer will be there to assist consumers with their kitchen management.
From Marketwire:
Clio Vu, pre-loaded [...]

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My Dryer is Squeeling

Whirlpool, KitchenAid and Inglis dryers all have this style of idler pulley. This one was squeeling and was quite worn. I did a close up of the wheel shaft where you can see it has worn the hole oblong.
  

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Whirlpool out of the ‘07 KBIS?

Rumor has it that Whirlpool Corp will NOT be attending the 2007 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show in Vegas. Huh? Why not? Oh yes – they don’t need to be there – they don’t have any competition. Anti-competition laws – yep they work good!
The Appliance Advisor also speculated on some reasons why:
-The Henry [...]

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As bad as the Cable Company?

Hey guys – all you tech’s and service companies out there – is this you?
“After 20 minutes on hold, I was offered two times for a service visit – oops, we are disconnected, redial, get put on hold and 20 minutes later I’m offered Thursday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (Is Sears owned by [...]

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