Finding a trustworthy and reliable generator service provider can seem overwhelming, but doing so is crucial for keeping your business productive and powered up. Luckily, a great generator service provider is easy to spot if you know the questions to ask and the qualities to look for. This is why we’ve compiled this list of the seven questions you should ask your commercial generator dealer to make sure they’re the right company for you. If a prospective service provider is unable to answer these questions completely and confidently, we suggest that you look elsewhere. An excellent generator service provider is out there – by familiarizing yourself with these questions, you’ll be well-equipped to find them.
1. “How long should I expect to wait for a response/follow-up?”
If you call a generator provider, be sure to ask them how long you can expect before receiving a follow-up. Generally speaking, look for a company that pledges to follow up within 24 hours – and who sticks to that. If a service provider doesn’t respond when expected or gives you a long-anticipated wait time right off the bat, it’s a red flag pointing to inefficient services down the line.
2. “How much will I be charged for X service?”
Of course, price quotes vary depending on the type of work that needs to be done. That being said, always work with a generator service provider who gives you clear answers about pricing before any work is done. If a company offers vague quotes or avoids answering your questions about price, look for someone else.
3. “How many brands of generators does your company offer?”
The best answer to this question may surprise you: it’s better to work with a company that specializes in one brand of generators than to go for a provider who deals in them all. Specialization allows service providers to become experts about everything to do with their generators, indicating more efficient and effective service down the line (and more reliable questions to your product-specific answers).
4. “How big is your team?”
Florida gets a lot of storms – and, it follows, a lot of power outages. It’s critical to choose a generator service provider who can handle high-volume work, and that starts with having a large enough team. Always ask your generator provider about the size of their team, as well as their average response time to emergency calls (especially during hurricane season).
5. “Does your company have any awards or distinctions for service?”
This is a big one. All generator service providers will claim to be the best, so it’s up to you to call them on it. Inquire about any distinguishments a generator provider has received that point to the quality of their services. For example, GenerX is a “Premier Dealer” in Generac Generators, which is the highest possible distinction a service provider can receive. It points to exceptional customer service, large inventory, and high standards of service. Make sure that your generator service provider can verify their claims about being great at what they do.
6. “What are your procedures/availabilities in the immediate aftermath of a hurricane?”
A generator service provider can’t be considered truly reliable unless they stay put when the storm hits. A surprising amount of companies opt to close their doors or limit operations after a hurricane when customers need them most. Make sure your generator provider has procedures in place to help them be as effective and present as possible when the storm hits.
7. “Why?”
Don’t be afraid to ask your generator provider to give you detailed reasons for every price quote, recommendation, and piece of advice they give you. Asking why is the ultimate way to gauge a service provider’s expertise. If they are unable to provide a concrete reason for their recommendations, look instead for someone who can. Having open, transparent communication with your generator provider is critical to keeping you informed of what’s going on and what your options are.
We hope that this list of questions you should ask your commercial generator dealer helps you to find the best possible service provider for your business. Your company deserves the best, and keeping these questions in mind will help make sure that you get it. If you’d like to learn more about what sets GenerX apart or to get a free quote on generator installation, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.