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.

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 Mount, Bottom (freezer) Mount, and select Side-by-side refrigerators — Whirlpool products that deliver innovative features consumers want:

* Reliable external ice and water dispensing through the door
* Freezer drawer support structure that allows easy organization and compartment access

For more information see the Whirlpool Press Release.

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 bottom cover.

Remove the bottom cover. Move the wire harness down out of the way. remove the pump from the base of the washer and pull it forward. Hang the lip of the pump over the edge of the bottom cover that you’ve laid flat in front of the washer. Open the pump and drain into the cover. Don’t overflow it!

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 built-in card reader. With on-screen menus, the frame is easy to use and capable of automatically receiving photos sent by camera phone or through an online CEIVA account.

Brandmotion iPod Speaker System

Brandmotion, a current “Made for iPod” Apple licensee, and authorized iPod accessory manufacturer created a self-charging, high-quality iPod docking system with dual stereo speakers for use with the centralpark(TM) connection. The docking station is specifically designed for use in the kitchen with four large membrane-type buttons for easy use and cleanup. The docking station is manufactured to securely hold any size iPod and withstand the frequent opening and closing of the freezer door.

Cozi Family Organizational Software

Cozi, a free software and Web service which helps busy families manage their schedules, create shopping and to-do lists, organize household chores and stay in communication, is one of Whirlpool brand’s latest partners. When used with the centralpark(TM) connection, Cozi is able to provide easy-to-use solutions in the middle of the action, right on the refrigerator. In addition to Cozi’s calendar, photo and messaging features, Whirlpool consumers will find it especially helpful to add items to the Cozi Shopping List right from their kitchen and then receive the list as a text message on their mobile phone, when away from home. With Cozi, families stay coordinated, schedules are updated, groceries are purchased — all in an effort to simplify and enjoy family life.

Quartet(R) Qnote(TM) Message Center by Acco Brands

The Quartet(R) Qnote(TM) Message Center enables families to share and communicate important messages from the kitchen. Quartet, maker of visual solutions for over 50 years, designed the Qnote Message Center specifically for the centralpark(TM) connection. The message center, made of durable tempered glass, offers a superior dry-erase writing surface and ambient surface illumination to bring messages to light. Interchangeable templates offer customizable layouts to meet each family’s individual lifestyles and unique tastes. A digital clock with date and timer, and a sliding storage drawer to keep documents like schedules and menus handy, are all part of Qnote’s organizational features.

To see more about the Centralpark connection system goto whirlpool.com/centralpark.

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 management and employees. Appliance Canada will operate as a separate division of Leon’s Furniture Limited acting as its wholesale distribution arm for sales of major appliances to builders and apartment landlords. It will also continue the retail selling of higher end appliances to the public.

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.

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 with Cozi family organizational software, helps clear refrigerators of sticky notes, traditional notepads and calendars, while keeping grocery lists and schedules organized. Equipped with Wi- Fi, the Clio Vu can be removed easily from the centralpark connection digital hub and brought on trips to the corner coffee shop or on other errands and activities. Using touch screen, keypad or handwriting input, consumers are easily able to update their schedules and keep track of their home happenings without the clutter. Clio Vu users also have the freedom to watch movies and look up recipes and other information online while working in the kitchen.

This product should be available later in 2008.

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.

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 Ford Defense: “As the largest appliance maker in the world, you can have any appliance you want as long as its white. The rest of you can suck lint.”
-The Alfred E. Newman Defense: Management …… not terribly bright.
-The Best Offense Defense: “We hate KBIS”
-The Alka Seltzer Defense: “I can’t believe I ate the whole Maytag, we need to cut the budget”.
Perhaps (if true) it’s a combination.

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 the cable company?)”

Check out this blog where a Sears customer talks about her service call. Do companies actually make customers wait all day long?!? This is 2007 – we all have cell phones. Give a two hour time frame the day of the call – then call the customer if you are going to be late. Don’t make us look like the cable company.