Video Diagnosis vs. Calling a Local Repair Company
Get honest answers about your appliance before you commit to a repair company — and their diagnostic fee.
Here's the problem with calling a local repair company: they charge $89-150 just to show up, they're booked 3-5 days out, and once they're in your kitchen, they have every incentive to sell you a repair — whether you actually need one or not. That's not a knock on repair techs. It's just how the business model works. A $49 video diagnosis gives you the same answers without the pressure.
Side-by-side comparison
| TruePro Video | Local Service Call | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $49 flat — nothing hidden | $89-150 diagnostic fee, often applied only if you hire them |
| How fast | Same-day or next-day appointments | 3-5 business days in most markets |
| Objectivity | We don't do repairs outside SoCal — no upsell incentive | Diagnosis + repair from the same company = built-in conflict of interest |
| What you get | Written diagnosis report with parts list, cost estimate, and repair-vs-replace recommendation | Verbal estimate, maybe a handwritten invoice |
| Money-back guarantee | Full refund if we can't diagnose it | You pay the diagnostic fee regardless |
| Hands-on repair | No — diagnosis only (unless you're in SoCal) | Yes — they can fix it on the spot if you approve |
TruePro is best when
You want honest answers before committing to a repair company. You want to know what's wrong, what it should cost, and whether it's worth fixing — before anyone has a financial incentive to sell you something.
Local Service Call is best when
You already know the appliance needs hands-on repair and you just need someone to do the work. Or it's an emergency (gas leak, flooding) that needs immediate physical attention.
Why people get a video diagnosis first
Most people don't call a repair company because they want a repair. They call because they want answers. Is it serious? How much will it cost? Should I just replace it? A video diagnosis answers all of that for $49, and you can use that information to shop around for the best repair price — or decide you don't need a repair at all.
What a video diagnosis can't do
We're honest about the limitations. If your dryer needs a new heating element, we can tell you that over video and walk you through replacing it yourself. But we can't physically install the part for you (unless you're in our Southern California service area). For most people, knowing exactly what's wrong is the hard part — the repair itself is often straightforward.
Use both — and save money
Smart homeowners get a video diagnosis first, then call a local company armed with the exact diagnosis. You'll know if their quote is fair. You'll know if they're recommending work you don't need. And if the local company's diagnostic fee is $150, you just saved $100 by knowing what to expect.
What you'll get
- Written diagnosis with specific part numbers
- Cost estimate for DIY and professional repair
- Repair-vs-replace recommendation based on your appliance's age and condition
- If it's a simple fix, step-by-step guidance to do it yourself
Simple pricing
Pick your level
Both include a written report with diagnosis, parts list, and fix-vs-replace recommendation.
Diagnosis
$49
15 minutes
- Live video call with Simon's team
- Expert diagnosis of your appliance issue
- Parts list with part numbers & prices
- Fix-vs-replace recommendation
- Written report emailed to you
Best for: "Tell me what's wrong and what I need"
Guided Repair
$79
30 minutes
- Everything in Diagnosis, plus:
- Step-by-step repair walkthrough on video
- Real-time guidance as you do the repair
- Safety checks before & after
- Extended time if needed ($29/15min)
Best for: "Walk me through fixing it myself"
Can't diagnose it? You don't pay. · In SoCal? $49 credited toward in-home repair.
FAQ
Can you really diagnose an appliance over video?+
About 85% of appliance problems can be diagnosed by sight and sound — the same things a tech checks in person. We'll ask you to show us specific parts, listen for sounds, and check readings. If we can't figure it out over video, you get a full refund.
What if I need an actual repair after the diagnosis?+
You'll have a written report with the exact problem, part numbers, and cost estimate. Use that to get quotes from local companies, or if you're in SoCal, your $49 video fee gets credited toward our in-home repair.
How is this different from calling a repair company for a quote?+
Most repair companies won't diagnose over the phone — they need to send someone out. That's their diagnostic fee. We do the diagnosis live over video, so you get real answers without the $89-150 trip charge.
What if the local company disagrees with your diagnosis?+
It happens rarely, but you'll have our written report to compare. If you want, book a second video consult and we'll review what the local tech said. Our diagnosis comes with a money-back guarantee — most local companies don't offer that.
Diagnose by Appliance
Need in-home repair?
In SoCal? Your $49 video fee is credited toward an in-home repair.
Learn about in-home service