In an era of information overload, figuring out which appliance brand to buy can be an overwhelming experience, but it doesn't have to be when you visit Judd & Black! That's because our appliance experts are ready to help. In this month's blog, we've asked Chad, Sales Manager at Judd & Black, to answer questions about assisting customers to choose their brand and purchase with confidence.
What does Judd & Black look for when choosing which brands to carry?
Chad: At Judd & Black, we have large showrooms that include over 30 of the top brands. It's a big selection, but it's not just about carrying a big name; for us, it's about building partnerships with brands that provide quality products worth investing in and that work well with us if the appliance ever needs to be worked on in the future. At Judd & Black, we service what we sell, so we work with brands that offer quality products and stand behind their offerings. This partnership is vital because it means a seamless customer experience with efficient post-purchase support.
What makes appliance brands different?
Chad: Appliance brands might seem similar, but some things set brands apart: features, build quality, design, and performance.
- Features - The available features and the real-life impact those features will have on the user are probably the first things people think of when comparing brands. For example, does the refrigerator have ice and water through the door, a quick chilling zone? Is there a sanitize cycle on a washing machine (bye-bye funky smell on the pet bed) or a dryer steam cycle to help eliminate wrinkles?
- Quality - Quality plays a pivotal role, too; this includes how the appliance is built and the quality of its components, like the handles, doors, electrical systems, motors, gears, and belts.
- Performance - This means that the appliance performs as it is supposed to and, ultimately, is what we all want: for the machine to do the job we expect.
- Design - Appliances should function properly, and customers want them to look good in their house.
Brands can excel in different areas, so customers need to make decisions based on what is important to them. That's a big part of my job as an appliance expert.
How do you help customers determine what brands best fit their needs?
Chad: It is a personalized approach you don't usually get by just going online. Understanding customer needs is at the heart of the service provided by Judd & Black. We'll chat with you to learn more about your family and how you plan to use the appliance. We'll ask questions like family size, ages, and lifestyle habits. This helps us to figure out appliance capacity needs and recommend specific features you may find helpful. By tailoring recommendations, Judd & Black ensures customers have options that suit their needs.
What makes a good appliance brand to you personally, and why?
Chad: From a personal standpoint, a good appliance brand offers value for money. It's about investing in a product that lives up to its promises, performs as expected, and does so consistently. Reliable features that work seamlessly and contribute to a hassle-free experience are key indicators of a strong brand. Equally important to me is a brand's commitment to customer satisfaction, backed by an assurance to service what it sells as Judd and Black does. The look of an appliance and good design are also aspects of a brand's appeal for me.
Are there quality brands at Judd & Black for every budget?
Chad: Absolutely. Judd & Black believes in catering to a wide range of budgets without compromising quality. Whether you're looking for your first washer and dryer or planning an extensive kitchen remodel, you can find great brands that fit in your budget.
Do you recommend researching brands online or reading reviews?
Chad: Online research is a reasonable starting point for getting general information, but I strongly recommend gathering information from more than one source. Reviews can be helpful in getting an idea of what fellow consumers’ experiences were like, but their circumstances aren’t always your circumstances, so keep that in mind. In addition to reading reviews, other sources I recommend looking into include searching the manufacturer’s website, talking with friends and family who might have experience with what you’re shopping for, and of course, talking with a Judd & Black representative either on the phone, in our store, or even through our online chat feature. The more places you can get reliable information from, the better your chances are of making the right decisions for your household.
What about if something stops working after I've had the appliance at home for a while?
Chad: The good news is that Judd & Black services what they sell. We work with you to check for warranty coverage (including extended warranties you may have purchased) and get your appliance back up and running as soon as possible.
Judd & Black has the only union, factory-trained, and certified appliance technicians in Washington state. You can trust our professionals to keep your appliances running well with prompt, professional service. We serve Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, Island, and San Juan Counties. Our extensive parts department has access to tens of thousands of parts to ensure we can find what you need.
Choosing the right appliance brand involves considering many factors. Judd & Black Appliance Stores is happy to stand out in the industry by helping customers with this process. Customers can make informed decisions on appliances that enhance their daily lives by understanding individual needs, focusing on quality and service, and offering diverse options.
For over 80 years and four generations, our appliance experts have created a positive shopping experience for our customers. We're your hometown appliance store.
Find a Washington area Judd & Black location near you and visit us today.