Get Quotes from Top TV Repair Services in Seattle, WA

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a TV Repairman in Seattle

Americans spend over half of their leisure time watching TV. Your TV having technical problems is the last thing you want to happen while watching TV. If it happens, you can hire a professional TV repairman to fix it efficiently and satisfactorily. This expert will be able to diagnose and repair the problem according to the manufacturer's specifications. Also, this professional can advise you on fixing or replacing the TV.

To confirm if your preferred TV repairman in Seattle is skilled and experienced to handle your particular TV issue, make sure that you ask them the following questions:

Do You Repair All Types of TVs?

To ensure your TV issue is diagnosed and resolved efficiently, you should hire a TV repair technician who is familiar with the model and make of your device, especially key features like:

  • Screen Type: Modern televisions come in two different types: flat screens and curved screens. With curved screens, you can enjoy a good view regardless of where you are sitting, unlike flat screens, which require you to be in front to get the best possible picture.
  • Technology Type: the most common TV technologies include:
    • Direct View/Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT): This early television model is typically bulky and has smaller screens than their more modern counterparts. These also work with various devices and have a better overall refresh rate. They consume a lot of energy and are generally cheaper than their newer counterparts.
    • Plasma: Although they provide better contrast and clarity than tube televisions, plasma models tend to produce less desirable images over time.
    • Digital Light Processing (DLP): These televisions are usually longer-lasting and more lightweight than their plasma counterparts. Unfortunately, new models are not available on the market.
    • Liquid Crystal Display (LCD): These televisions are generally lighter and more energy-efficient than their plasma and tube counterparts. However, they do not have the best view angles and have lower response rates.
    • Light Emitting Diode (LED): These televisions use less power than their LCD counterparts. They also produce better images and are more expensive. Modern models with more energy-efficient technologies like QLED, OLED, and AMOLED offer even better picture quality.
  • Brand/Model Specific Extras: Some of these televisions' features include Internet connectivity, Voice activation, and Ultra-High Definition.

Before you agree to work with a TV repair technician, make sure that you confirm that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle your specific brand of television. Also, ensure that the agreements between you and the technician are written.

Do You Deal with All the Brands of TV?

Several brands of TVs are available in Seattle, and these include:

Brand Highlights Drawbacks Calling Card
Samsung Impressive TV quality
4K & 8K options
Smart TV options
Pricey QLED and QD-OLED
Sony Great sound and picture quality
HDR and Smart TV options are readily available
Eco-friendly
Pricey Cognitive Processor XR Chip and mini-LED
LG Sleek designs
Affordable models
Smart TV options
No HDR 10+ support OLED
Hisense Great value at low prices
Sizes of up to 100" available
Processing issues Variety
TCL Roku and Google compatible
Up to 8K
Affordable options
Processing and picture quality may not be up-to-par with pricier models Value
Vizio Affordable
4K resolutions
OS may lag and be buggy Quantum

Before signing any contract with a TV repair company, make sure that they have technicians knowledgeable about your device's specific model and make. These individuals should also be able to answer questions regarding your TV's features and specifications.

Many Seattle-based TV repair technicians have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle issues related to various TV brands and operating systems. Nonetheless, when choosing a TV repair technician, it is important to consider if the technician has the necessary experience to fix issues related to your TV's specific brand and type.

Can You Advise if I Repair or Replace My TV?

Modern TV models typically have life spans between 30,000 to 100,000 hours or the equivalent of 10 to 15 years with regular use. Although it is usually a better idea to fix a faulty television, in some cases, a total replacement is necessary. For instance, in situations when:

  • The TV is more than ten years old
  • The TV has developed a hardware issue
  • There has been physical damage to the TV
  • The problem has to do with the TV's panel
  • The TV has been fixed for the same issue at least more than once

One of the most critical factors you should consider when choosing a reputable and reliable TV repair technician in Seattle is their ability to provide you with immediate assistance. The TV repair technician can tell if you need to repair or replace the TV. However, before calling a TV repair technician, you should first ascertain if the issue is worth fixing by taking the following steps.

  • Troubleshooting: Check the manufacturer's website and the TV's user manual to see potential solutions to the issue.
  • Research costs: Before you decide on repairing or replacing your television, you should compare the estimates of fixing with the cost of a new one. Several TV repair shops in Seattle provide free estimates, and you should ensure you compare at least three of them.
  • Miscellaneous considerations: Some people get a new TV because their home has recently been renovated or constructed.

The above steps will help you avoid getting scammed by a TV repairman who is more concerned with charging you for diagnostic and service fees.

Are All Your Repair Experts Certified?

When choosing a TV repair technician, ensuring they have the credentials and training to handle your job efficiently is essential. In Seattle, most technicians are trained and certified by various trade schools and international organizations like:

  • The Electronics Technicians Association International
  • The International Society of Certified Electronic Technicians
  • North Seattle College

Make sure that the person you hire for TV repair has the necessary credentials and take steps to authenticate them with the relevant issuing organization. Also, confirm that your preferred service has a direct link with the manufacturer of your TV brand and can get technical support from them when needed.

Do You Offer Same-Day Repair Services?

Americans typically spend around four hours a day watching TV. Since most people cannot go a whole day without their televisions, knowing how quickly a faulty set can be fixed is essential. The most common TV issues include:

  • Distorted images
  • No sound or picture
  • Ill-fitting images
  • Grayed-out screen
  • It powers off on its own
  • Dark and dull pictures
  • Out-of-proportion images
  • Lines appearing on the screen
  • Remote control no longer works
  • Poorly synced audio or video
  • Color blanching or leaking
  • No longer connects to the internet

Although many of the issues that affect your television are minor and can be fixed in a day, it is best to get confirmation from the repairman that they can. Also, it is essential to check whether the repairs can be performed at home or will have to be handled at the workshop. Some of the most common TV repairs that require a lot of time are done at the workshop like:

  • TV panel replacements
  • Broken screen replacements
  • Fried circuit board replacements
  • Dead motherboard replacements

Before you agree to a repair deal, ensure that the technician provides a definite timeline and an estimate of the fees incurred if the work lasts more than a day.

Do You Hold the Relevant License for TV Repair Technicians?

To operate a TV repair company in Seattle, the business owner must first obtain a Business License Tax certificate. These are issued by the License and Tax Administration of the Seattle Department of Finance and Administrative Services. However, TV repair companies with an annual gross income that does not exceed $2,000 are exempted from obtaining this certificate.

Applicants can apply for a business license in Seattle online through the State of Washington's FileLocal portal. To use this platform, the applicant must create a user account and provide a valid UBI number issued by the state's Department of Revenue. Alternatively, applicants can mail in a completed Application for Business License Tax Certificate Form to the following:

License and Tax Administration
700 5th Avenue
Suite 4250
PO Box 34214
Seattle, WA 98124-4214

For more information regarding the application process for a business tax certificate, you can contact the Seattle License and Tax Administration at (206) 684-8484. Before hiring a cleaning service in Seattle, ensure it has the proper licenses to operate in the city. You can check the licensing status of your preferred company through the city's License and Tax Administration Find a Business portal.

Many skilled TV repair technicians in Seattle offer their customers a wide range of services. Besides repairs on TV sets, they also provide other electrical and appliance-related services such as:

TV mounting and installation:
$100 - $300
TV setup:
$50 - $120 per hour
Smart device setup:
$150 - $1,500
Remote repair:
$10 - $45
Phone repair:
$50 - $650
Computer repair:
$100 - $1,000
VCR system repair:
$45 - $125
Home projector repair:
$125 - $375
Home theater and sound bar repair:
$100 - $320
Household appliance repair:
$50 - $450

Note that the exact cost of these services can vary depending on the model and make of the appliance. Confirming that the TV repair technician you choose also provides other services you may require is generally recommended. If they are, ensure you agree on the cost of these services and also find out if the technician offers discounts for multiple services.

Do You Offer Genuine Spare Parts?

When hiring a TV repair technician, ensuring they are certified, have the technical know-how, and can provide you with genuine OEM TV components is essential. These components are typically more costly than generic ones, but they provide the following benefits:

  • Better quality and durability
  • Compatibility with your TV
  • Compliance with your existing warranties

Getting the proper components for your TV is very important to ensure it will work properly. Unfortunately, in some cases, a TV repairman may not be able to supply you with genuine OEM components. This happens when the OEM parts manufacturer has officially discontinued its production. If this occurs, you might have to use generic components instead. Usually, it takes around three to four days to get the parts to you, depending on the availability of the parts and if they can be sourced locally.

Are Your Repair Services Covered by a Warranty?

A warranty is a legally binding document that guarantees that your television repair was performed correctly and with high-quality components. In Seattle, many TV repair technicians do not hesitate to provide their clients with such guarantees. As such, you should consider it a red flag if your preferred TV repair technician hesitates or refuses to provide you with a warranty.

TV repair technicians often provide terms and conditions depending on the device's model and make. Warranty term ranges from three-month to one year. In most cases, these warranties do not cover certain damages that can occur due to the following:

  • Cosmetic damages
  • Power line surges
  • Normal wear and tear
  • Shipment-related damages
  • Improper installation
  • Burn-in and image retention
  • Misuse, improper maintenance, vandalism, or natural disasters

Many manufacturers provide their customers with recommended technicians who can fix certain issues with their televisions. However, in some instances, you may have to return the TV to the manufacturer for repairs or replacement.

Some major retailers, such as Best Buy and Walmart, provide store warranties that cover certain issues and defects outside the manufacturer's warranty. For instance, these plans provide additional coverage for accidental damages. The coverage and scope of these plans are determined by the outlet or store that issues them. Some of the advantages and disadvantages of this type of protection are listed below:

Pros of Extended Protection Plans Cons of Extended Protection Plans
Provides additional coverage for TVs Can be quite expensive
Can be used after the original manufacturer's warranty expires Cost is not usually justified for low-end TVs
Offers extra peace of mind Repairs covered usually cost less than the actual plan

Make sure to request a copy of the warranty you are offered so that you can understand its terms and conditions and avoid taking any action that could void it.

How to File a Complaint Against a Bad TV Repair Service in the Seattle

In Seattle, residents can file complaints with the State of Washington Attorney General's Office regarding problematic TV repair services.

Some of the common tricks and scams used by con artists posing as TV repair technicians in Seattle to trick their victims include:

  • Requesting full payment upfront and prefers payment in cash
  • Lying about their credentials and experience
  • Intentionally damaging other parts of the TV to charge more
  • Suddenly, discovering more severe damage and requesting additional fees to fix it
  • Claiming that the TV cannot be fixed and needs replacing
  • Using generic parts for the job despite collecting money for OEM parts

To confirm that you are hiring a legitimate TV repair technician, you can take the following steps:

  • Confirm that the TV repair technician will offer you a warranty for their services
  • Keep an eye on the technician while the repair work is happening in your home.
  • Make sure you collect and keep the receipt for any purchased parts safe.
  • Ask for an estimate and an inspection. Before signing on with them, you should also compare their costs with other companies' estimates.
  • Check out reviews of other customers about the TV repair services you prefer by visiting websites such as Google Review, Better Business Bureau, and Yelp.
  • Make sure that they have the necessary licenses, credentials, and insurance.
  • Ensure you do not pay the entire amount upfront and avoid paying in cash.

If you have a complaint about a TV repair service or a scam involving this type of business in Seattle, you can file a consumer complaint with the Washington Attorney General's Office. You can complete a complaint form online or send it in a completed pdf version of the complaint form to:

Office of the Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
800 5th Avenue
Suite 2000
Seattle, WA 98104-3188

You can also call the Attorney General's Office on their toll-free number at 1-800-551-4636 or (206) 464-6684 between 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays to make inquiries about filing a complaint. Note that this number can only be used by residents of Washington State and cannot be used for official filings.