Refrigeration systems are one of the most important investments made when building and operating a food retail business. The performance, effectivity, and efficiency of these systems used to store, maintain, and display food products, are critical to the success of a food retail business. That is why when looking for refrigeration service providers to make repairs, installation, and maintenance in your retail store, it is important to be thorough about your vetting process involving the proficiency of the provider’s technicians. Asking the right questions before making a final decision in contracting any service provider can lead to long-term benefits. To guide you, here are 4 things you need to ask before hiring a provider to service your store:

Are the Technicians Qualified and Certified to Handle Specific Types of Refrigerants?

When installing and making repairs to our refrigeration systems, we only want the best technicians to handle our equipment, right? As retailers who consider refrigeration equipment as their bread and butter in running a food retail operation, looking for highly qualified and certified refrigeration technicians should be at the top of your list. With the advancements in refrigeration technology and the increasing use of natural refrigerants, requiring technicians with the appropriate certifications will help ensure they have undergone the necessary training to handle these sometimes complex refrigeration system needs.

What is the Degree of Their Experience and Expertise?

The best refrigeration technicians have extensive knowledge and years of experience under their belt. That is why when looking for refrigeration technicians, it is not enough that they come from a reputable refrigeration service company—the technicians themselves must have a wide range of experience and a high level of expertise.

How Much is the Overall Cost?

Refrigeration services, such as installing new systems, remodels, and repairs, can have a significant impact on your budget depending on your retail store’s needs. That is why in order to avoid sticker shock, discussing the overall cost, or at least an estimate of the cost, of the refrigeration service and equipment needed before commissioning service providers can save you time and a lot of money. There are certain types of refrigeration systems available that may have a high first cost but are very cost-efficient in the long run and offer a lower total cost of ownership (TCO). The most important thing is knowing which specific system fits your store’s needs best and this is where a knowledgeable refrigeration technician can help you with your decision.

How Efficient and Timely Is Their After-Sales Service?

Looking for a trusted refrigeration service company with highly qualified and certified refrigeration technicians is only half the battle. It is also important that they offer a very efficient and timely after-sales service. Since refrigeration systems require regular maintenance and upkeep as well as repairing any problems that may arise in normal operation, it is logical to partner with technicians that provide quality after-sales service. The level of commitment a service provider gives its after-sales service is indicative of its desire to build long-term relationships with customers.