Tag - appliance parts

05 May

Encompass Appointed Authorized Spare Parts Distributor for Fisher & Paykel Appliances and DCS Grills

Lawrenceville, Ga., May 5, 2022 – Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc., a leading provider of replacement parts and supply chain services for a diverse range of product brands, today announced it has received authorization from Fisher & Paykel to supply factory-certified parts to upgrade, maintain or replace components used in its full line of luxury home appliances.

Under an agreement with Fisher & Paykel, Encompass will serve as an authorized distributor of warranty and non-warranty parts for the manufacturer’s top-quality kitchen and laundry appliances, as well as its DCS brand of premium outdoor grills. The supplier will support Fisher & Paykel’s service network, product dealers and end users through its distribution facilities in Georgia, Florida, Nevada, Ohio and New York.

Encompass has steadily built its appliance parts business over the past several years to become the most OEM-authorized supplier in the country. It is especially adept at assisting high-end brands like Fisher & Paykel deliver exceptional aftersales service to its service network and consumer customers alike.  

“Encompass is very excited to be aligning with Fisher & Paykel to distribute parts for their innovative, luxury home products line,” said Joe Hurley, SVP of Business Development for Encompass. “With Fisher & Paykel, we have further reinforced our position as a simple, fast, one-stop convenient source of parts for major appliance brands.”

Encompass has been singularly focused on enhancing operational efficiency through initiatives such as growing its U.S. footprint, implementing additional warehouse automation and significantly expediting parts delivery. It recently doubled capacity at its Las Vegas facility and opened a new distribution center in Ohio to speed service to customers in the Midwest and West respectively.

“Fisher & Paykel products are designed to stand the test of time and to enrich and improve the lives of our valued customers,” said Fisher & Paykel Spare Parts Manager Curtis Gregory. “As such, it is extremely important for our partners to share our dedication to help keep our products in the best condition possible. Encompass has proven they are just as committed to ensuring our customers are well served and remain delighted with our products.”

In addition to the appliance vertical, Encompass’ distributes repair parts for other products throughout the home such as consumer electronics, HVAC, computer and personal care. Additionally, it offers on-site depot repair, parts warehousing and distribution and complete parts supply management solutions.

About Fisher & Paykel Appliances

Fisher & Paykel, New Zealand’s award-winning appliance brand, has been selling products to change the way people live since 1934. Over time the company has grown into a global organization, now operating in 30 countries with over 4,000 employees and manufacturing in Italy, Thailand and Mexico.

Fisher & Paykel’s design heritage is founded on a pioneering spirit and a culture of curiosity that has challenged conventional appliance design to consistently deliver products tailored to human needs. The company is committed to ongoing research and development with a culture of open innovation, which allows people to work collaboratively to find insights and ideas that connect with customers and respect the planet.

Fisher & Paykel believes everybody deserves good design, because good design is all about making life better. It has built its success on understanding its consumers and designing innovative products such as the award-winning DishDrawer™ Dishwasher – the world’s first dishwasher in a drawer and the class-leading CoolDrawer™ multi-temperature drawer.

A part of the wider Haier Group since 2012, Fisher & Paykel has strengthened its presence as a premium home appliance brand. Fisher & Paykel’s New Zealand Design Centre, based at two locations in Auckland and Dunedin, has been recognized as one of the wider Haier Group’s five global research and development centers of excellence.

About Encompass

Formed in 1953, Encompass is one of the country’s largest suppliers of repair parts and accessories for products throughout the home. Encompass also offers complete parts supply chain management, 3PL, depot repair and reverse logistics service. In addition to consumers, we support an array of B2B customers, including manufacturers, multi-family property management, warranty providers, service networks, independent dealers and retailers.

For more information, please visit solutions.encompass.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

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05 Apr

Parts Town Acquires Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc.

Acquisition broadens Parts Town’s offerings of OEM parts for products and appliances throughout the home

Addison, IL – April 5, 2022 – Parts Town, a global market leader in genuine OEM parts distribution and technology, has acquired Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc. (“Encompass”), a leading national distributor of OEM repair parts for the home.

Headquartered near Atlanta, Encompass has grown rapidly in recent years by building strong manufacturer relationships, innovating through supply chain management and e-commerce, and providing excellent customer service. The company maintains six facilities, has close to 250 team members, more than 200 manufacturer relationships, and delivers nearly $200 million in annual revenue. Robert Coolidge, current president, and CEO of Encompass will continue to lead the business with additional investment and support from Parts Town.

“We are excited to partner with Robert and the entire Encompass team. The business has grown impressively under Robert’s leadership, and we are eager to support this great team in any way possible,” states David Wenger, Group President at PT Holdings, Parts Town’s parent company. Wenger continues, “We first entered the residential parts market with our acquisition of Dayton Appliance Parts in early 2021 and have been thrilled with the growth opportunities and manufacturer partnerships that have emerged.

We are eager to take another step forward with Encompass to grow in several product categories, including residential appliance parts and consumer electronics. Our efforts will continue to focus on improving the customer experience and growing genuine OEM parts sales in support of leading manufacturers.”

Following the transaction, Encompass and Dayton Appliance will remain separate entities within PT Holdings with that division focusing on residential parts under the leadership of Robert Coolidge as the Divisional President, who has been with Encompass for 30 years. Coolidge states, “This is an extraordinary opportunity to join a great group of companies. Parts Town is the most innovative, fastest growing parts distributor of any kind and we are eager to gain even more knowledge to better support our customers and manufacturers. The Parts Town team has demonstrated high integrity and has made us

feel very welcomed. We are ready for this next chapter of growth and innovation at Encompass.” To learn more about Parts Town and its offerings, please visit partstown.com.

About Parts Town

 Parts Town is the leading, technology-enabled global distributor of genuine OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts for the foodservice industry. Driven by its commitment to technology and innovation, Parts Town is expanding to serve new segments including HVAC and residential appliance parts. When there’s a hiccup for any foodservice provider or service technician company, Parts Town is ready to jump

in and help with the most in-stock parts on the planet, innovative technology, and an unmatched customer experience. Its customized solutions benefit foodservice operators, service companies and a growing list of other customer segments. Partnering with more than 1,100 leading manufacturers, Parts Town improves the supply chain, increases sales of genuine OEM parts, and keeps every customer’s business running like clockwork.

Parts Town’s drive for innovation is led by Red Lightning Group, a new and separate division of PT Holdings focusing solely on innovation to support the foodservice industry and beyond, accelerating the pace of breakthroughs that support the group’s diverse customer base. Red Lightning Group’s mission is to boldly strike at lightning speed to deliver game-changing innovation and technology in an effort to discover the next big thing.

For more information, visit partstown.com/.

Media Contact
Linda Ramsey
lramsey@partstown.com
800.438.8898

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15 Mar

Encompass Appointed Authorized Distributor of Bosch Home Appliance Parts

Lawrenceville, Ga., March 15, 2022 – Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc., a leading provider of replacement parts and supply chain services for a diverse range of product brands, today announced it has received authorization from Bosch to supply factory-certified parts for home appliance repairs.

Per an agreement with Bosch, a prominent global appliance maker, Encompass will distribute parts for use in warranty and non-warranty repairs of Bosch high-quality laundry and kitchen products. The deal additionally comprises Bosch luxury kitchen brands Gaggenau and Thermador.

“We could not be more pleased with the opportunity to support the renowned Bosch brand,” said Encompass President and CEO Robert Coolidge. “With the addition of Bosch, Encompass has further reinforced our standing in the market as a convenient single source of repair parts for virtually all the world’s major appliance brands – as well as brands for many other product categories.”

Encompass is one of the nation’s most diversified original parts distributors, supporting numerous verticals beyond Appliance, such as Consumer Electronics, HVAC, Computer, Printer and Personal Care. The company also offers a variety of aftersales services from complete parts supply chain management to repair and refurbishment.

Encompass will leverage its distribution facilities in Georgia, Florida, Nevada, New York and Ohio to warehouse and ship Bosch parts to service centers and end users throughout the U.S. Coolidge said the company is currently assessing other strategic locales for distribution, particularly in the Midwest and West.

“Our goal is to provide next day delivery to as much of the country as we can,” he said. “By listening to our customers, we know it is absolutely critical to get parts where they need to be fast. People simply cannot wait days to get their refrigerators or washing machines fixed.”

About Bosch Home Appliances

Bosch home appliances has been selling high-quality appliances in the United States since 1991. With a focus on engineering products that simplify life, Bosch is known nationwide for raising the standards in quietness, efficiency and design. Bosch frequently receives top ratings in leading consumer publications. Bosch home appliances is part of BSH Home Appliances Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Munich based BSH Home Appliances Group, the largest manufacturer of home appliances in Europe and one of the leading companies in the sector worldwide. Headquartered in Irvine, CA, the company operates manufacturing facilities in La Follette, Tenn., and New Bern, N.C., housing state-of-the-art factories for dishwashers, ranges, ovens and cooktops. Technology and Development Centers are located in Caryville and Oak Ridge, Tenn., and New Bern, N.C.

About Encompass

Formed in 1953, Encompass is one of the country’s largest suppliers of repair parts and accessories for products throughout the home. Encompass also offers complete parts supply chain management, 3PL, depot repair and reverse logistics service. In addition to consumers, we support an array of B2B customers, including manufacturers, multi-family property management, warranty providers, service networks, independent dealers and retailers.

For more information, please visit solutions.encompass.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

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09 Mar

Encompass Expedites Service to Midwest with New Ohio Parts Distribution Center

Supplier also adds training centers to Ohio and Las Vegas facilities

Lawrenceville, Ga., March 9, 2022 – Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc., a leading provider of replacement parts and supply chain services for a diverse range of product brands, today announced it has opened a fifth parts distribution facility to enhance coverage in the Midwestern U.S.

The new 50,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution center is located in West Chester, Ohio – just outside

Cincinnati – and augments Encompass’ existing distribution centers in Georgia, Florida, Nevada and New York. The operation enables Encompass to expand next-day parts delivery in the Midwest, which is especially critical for the company’s appliance and HVAC repair customers. Components used in the repair of kitchen, laundry and heating and cooling appliances are among Encompass’ top-selling offerings and are key factors driving the company’s record growth over several consecutive years.

“We understand how important it is to get vital home appliances repaired as fast as possible,” said Encompass President and CEO Robert Coolidge. “How long can a family wait to get their refrigerator fixed or the heat working again? Encompass is now well positioned to have critical repair parts delivered overnight to thousands of more customers.”

Encompass supplies parts and accessories to both business and consumer customers via its ecommerce site encompass.com. The company carries parts for products throughout the home in addition to appliances, including electronics, computers, printers, personal care goods and many others.

All Encompass facilities offer will call, enabling local customers to pick up parts same day if they choose. Coolidge said the company is currently evaluating sites for further expansion, particularly in Western markets.

Encompass recently doubled the size of its Las Vegas distribution center to increase stocking positions of high demand parts. Beyond accommodating more inventory, Coolidge said space has been carved out for a second Training Center in Las Vegas to complement those located at Encompass’ Georgia headquarters and the new Ohio operation. The company offers both virtual and onsite laundry and kitchen appliance and HVAC repair classes from top tier industry trainers. The training facilities are also available to Encompass business partners for any needs they may have, such as introducing new products to their service networks.

“Encompass strives to be much more than just a parts distributor,” said Coolidge. “We work hard to deliver the tools and resources needed to strengthen the entire aftersales supply chain.” 

About Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc.

Formed in 1953, Encompass is one of the country’s largest suppliers of repair parts and accessories for products throughout the home. Encompass also offers complete parts supply chain management, 3PL, depot repair and reverse logistics service. In addition to consumers, we support an array of B2B customers, including manufacturers, multi-family property management, warranty providers, service networks, independent dealers and retailers.

For more information, please visit solutions.encompass.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

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01 Mar

Encompass Integrates with Rossware Business Platform

Simplifies repair servicer access to home appliance spare parts

Lawrenceville, Ga., March 2, 2022 – Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc., a leading provider of replacement parts and supply chain services for a diverse range of product brands, today announced it has connected to Rossware Computing’s business management system for streamlined appliance parts purchasing.

Rossware’s ServiceDesk solution offers extensive functionality to assist repair service companies with all facets of their business from initial call taking and dispatch to parts inventory management and accounting. Integration with Encompass enables users to quickly order appliance parts online right from ServiceDesk without having to visit the supplier’s ecommerce site.

“Connecting with ServiceDesk greatly simplifies parts procurement for Encompass customers that use the platform,” said Encompass President and CEO Robert Coolidge. “The appliance service industry is more stretched to capacity than ever before, so anything that can be done to help expedite and streamline the repair process is a bonus.”

ServiceDesk integrates with Encompass via API, enabling users that are existing Encompass customers to view real-time parts availability and pricing, submit orders and check delivery status from a single dashboard. 

“We developed ServiceDesk to offer the repair industry a comprehensive one-stop solution to manage their business,” said Rossware President and CEO Glade Ross. “Integrating with parts distributors like Encompass is another value add for the thousands of servicers that use our platform.”

Coolidge said Encompass was among the first parts suppliers to implement direct system connectivity to partners such manufacturers, warranty providers and other entities similar to Rossware. The company recently added RESTful services as an upgraded integration option.

“Encompass was at the forefront of leveraging technology to enable fast, easy access to our parts inventory and order placement system,” said Coolidge. “With ServiceDesk, we are able to further assist the service industry in more easily obtaining the parts they need right away to perform critical appliance product repairs.”  

About Rossware

Rossware Computing, Inc. is dedicated to the production and robust support of innovative solutions to real and operational servicing needs. We are continuously and rapidly developing and improving. Our biggest input is the real-life experience among thousands of active and intelligent users. To maximize the benefit of feedback from those users, we foster a corporate culture that attracts and retains creative, practical, and energetic employees who are driven to “make computers think”. . . in particular, for the very and specific purpose of making our clients’ lives better. 

About Encompass

Formed in 1953, Encompass is one of the country’s largest suppliers of repair parts and accessories for products throughout the home. Encompass also offers complete parts supply chain management, 3PL, depot repair and reverse logistics service. In addition to consumers, we support an array of B2B customers, including manufacturers, multi-family property management, warranty providers, service networks, independent dealers and retailers.

For more information, please visit solutions.encompass.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

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04 Aug

Encompass to Manage Parts Supply for Liebherr Home Appliances

Deal includes support for high-end household refrigeration and freezer products

Lawrenceville, Ga., August 4, 2021 – Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc., a leading provider of replacement parts and supply chain services for a diverse range of product brands, today announced it has finalized a three-year agreement to provide repair parts support for residential and commercial refrigerators and freezers from Liebherr, a German manufacturer of a wide variety of products.

Under the deal, Encompass will manage the parts supply chain for Liebherr’s home refrigeration line, which includes a portfolio of freestanding, fully-integrated, column and undercounter units for refrigeration, freezing and wine preservation.

End-to-end Encompass services include parts forecasting, procurement, warehousing, distribution and call center support. The Liebherr program will be managed through Encompass’ Georgia, Florida, Nevada and New York facilities to expedite delivery throughout the U.S.

Encompass will supply repair parts primarily to Liebherr’s authorized service network, self-servicing retailers and consumer end users. To streamline access to pricing, availability and ordering of Liebherr parts, Encompass has created a custom ecommerce portal.

“Encompass has extensive experience implementing and managing parts supply chain programs for specialty high-end appliance brands like Liebherr,” said Encompass Senior Vice President Joe Hurley. “As such, we’re able to leverage the best practices and procedures we’ve developed over time to deliver a superior aftersales experience to Liebherr customers.”

Hurley said the two companies worked jointly to create metrics that will gauge the program’s success. Encompass will be held to specific performance targets for same day shipments, order turnaround time, call center availability, order accuracy and more.

“We closely monitor team activity, particularly in the warehouse, to provide comprehensive program reporting to our clients, as well as to identify any areas that may need improvement,” said Hurley. “Achieving defined targets is so critical to Encompass that our associates are compensated based on their performance levels.”

Encompass President and CEO Robert Coolidge said forward-thinking manufacturers like Liebherr are increasingly opting to take advantage of external resources for parts supply.

“Many manufacturers recognize the financial benefits that can be gained by freeing up the labor and infrastructure needed for a standalone parts operation,” said Coolidge. “Encompass is extremely pleased to partner with Liebherr and deliver streamlined, cost-effective parts support to their customers.”

Liebherr Head of Customer Service Robert Marriott said “Liebherr continues to focus on technical innovation and energy efficiency while bringing intelligent features to the company’s newest generation of appliances. Equally important is ongoing support and service for Liebherr products.”

“Liebherr appliances are rigidly quality tested and designed to last for a long time,” said Marriott. “When users do eventually need replacement parts or repairs, it’s imperative they receive fast and efficient service. We’re confident in Encompass’ ability to maintain a strong, reliable parts supply chain and keep our customers satisfied with the Liebherr brand beyond the initial sale.”

About Liebherr Appliances

Driven by innovation and characterized by sophisticated, elegant design, the family owned and German-based Liebherr Appliances brings the best of European cooling to the Americas. With more than 60 years of expertise in premium refrigeration, Liebherr Appliances combines quality, design, and innovation to offer high-end refrigeration solutions for the modern home or business. Visit home.liebherr.com to learn more about Liebherr’s full product line of freestanding, built-in and fully integrated refrigerators and freezers, wine and humidor cigar storage units. For more information, visit home.liebherr.com.

About Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc.

Formed in 1953, Encompass is one of the country’s largest suppliers of repair parts and accessories for products throughout the home. Encompass also offers complete parts supply chain management, 3PL, depot repair and reverse logistics service. In addition to consumers, we support an array of B2B customers, including manufacturers, multi-family property management, warranty providers, service networks, independent dealers and retailers.

For more information, please visit solutions.encompass.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

 

CONTACT: Kristin Hurst, Director of Marketing & Communications

 

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09 Jun

Encompass to Manage Parts Supply for Element Appliances

Lawrenceville, Ga., June 9, 2021 – Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc., a leading provider of replacement parts and supply chain services for a diverse range of product brands, today announced it has finalized an agreement to provide repair parts support for Element Electronics’ home refrigeration products.

Under the deal, Encompass will manage the parts supply chain for Element’s appliance line, which currently includes top mount refrigerators up to 18 cubic feet, as well as chest and upright freezers up to 14 cubic feet.  Founded in 2007, Element Electronics is an established brand in the consumer electronics market.

Encompass services will include parts forecasting, procurement, warehousing and distribution. The Element program will be managed primarily through Encompass’s Georgia distribution center, with inventory additionally available from its Florida, Nevada and New York facilities to expedite delivery throughout the U.S.

Encompass will supply repair parts primarily to Element’s authorized service network and self-maintaining retailers. Encompass has created a custom e-commerce portal Element.encompass.com to streamline access to Element parts pricing, availability and online ordering.

“We are excited for the opportunity to partner with Element as they continue gaining a foothold in the appliance market,” said Encompass Senior Vice President Joe Hurley. “By partnering with Encompass, Element can continue creating innovative products with the reassurance that their existing appliance lines will be well supported after the sale.”

Vlad Kazhdan, Element Electronics co-president, said that working with Encompass aligns well with Element’s core business objectives.

“Element Electronics is committed to providing consumers with top-quality electronics and appliances equipped with the latest technology, at the best possible prices,” said Kazhdan. “This commitment extends to standing behind our products once they’re in the home. We selected Encompass for their shared dedication to maintaining a strong, reliable parts supply chain and keeping our customers satisfied with the Element brand well beyond the initial sale.”

About Element Electronics

Founded in 2007, Element Electronics provides top-quality electronics and appliances to consumers with the latest technology at the most accessible prices. Consumers can purchase Element Electronics products across the United States through major retailers, including Target, Walmart, Costco, Meijer and more. Element is the only major TV brand assembling televisions in the United States in its Winnsboro, South Carolina factory. Learn more at ElementElectronics.com.

About Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc.

Formed in 1953, Encompass is one of the country’s largest suppliers of repair parts and accessories for products throughout the home. Encompass also offers complete parts supply chain management, 3PL, depot repair and reverse logistics service. In addition to consumers, we support an array of B2B customers, including manufacturers, multi-family property management, warranty providers, service networks, independent dealers and retailers.

 

For more information, please visit solutions.encompass.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

 

CONTACT: Kristin Hurst, Director of Marketing & Communications

 

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18 Aug

Encompass Releases Mobile Inventory Management Application for Field Service Repair Industry

EZ StockTM App Tracks Parts Kept on Service Vehicles and Other Sites

Lawrenceville, Ga., August 18, 2020 – Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc., a leading provider of replacement parts and supply chain services for a diverse range of product brands, today announced it is has launched a new application aimed at helping repair service providers better manage parts inventory and expedite the repair cycle.

EZ Stock from Encompass was commissioned from Mize – a leading provider of Connected Customer Experience Platform and Service Lifecycle Management software. The mobile and desktop app is intended to enable field service technicians to manage all aspects of “truck stock” – parts inventory maintained on service vehicles or at on-site locations. The app includes real-time connection to Encompass’ parts database and ecommerce website encompass.com.

With nearly 70 years of experience in parts management and supporting the service repair industry, Encompass worked closely with Mize developers to design the app’s functionality. EZ Stock has also been beta tested by select Encompass customers to further enhance performance and meet their business needs.

“We are constantly seeking ways to help our customers be more successful,” said Encompass President and CEO Robert Coolidge. “EZ Stock was created to help repair businesses complete in-home service calls during the first visit by having the parts they need readily available. Having to make multiple trips due to missing parts impacts consumer satisfaction, increases the provider’s costs and lowers technician productivity,”

With EZ Stock, technicians can quickly check parts availability in their service vehicles and service centers, as well as the stock of other technicians. They can then easily research and place parts orders with Encompass or transfer parts among their fleet when needed for repairs or inventory replenishment.  Part photos, exploded views and service bulletins are also available within the application. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices with a paid nominal monthly subscription, which is waived for customers meeting a minimum parts spend.

“EZ Stock is a value-added service we hope will help our customers better track and stock field inventory to significantly increase repairs and avoid product replacements,” said Coolidge.

Jim Rushton, Mize vice president of B2C Service Solutions, said service providers can obtain more information about the app and test it with a 30-day free trial at ezstock.mizecx.com.

“We made the mobile inventory app simple and quick for field service technicians to keep track of their truck stock parts,” said Rushton. “Seamless integration with Encompass makes it very easy to check availability, order and receive parts. The cost-effective subscription model enables field service companies to get immediate savings in technician time and inventory costs, while improving first call completes.”

About Mize

Mize enables companies to optimize key post-sale customer interactions, such as product registration, warranty, service plans, parts, support, service, and maintenance, to increase customer satisfaction and retention. Mize Connected Customer Experience Platform and Smart Blox elevate customer experience, engagement, knowledge analytics, and revenue from the existing customer install base.  Mize harnesses web, mobile, cloud, IoT, and analytics technologies to maximize customer lifetime value. To learn more about the Mize visit www.m-ize.com

 About Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc.

Formed in 1953, Encompass is one of the country’s largest suppliers of repair parts and accessories for products throughout the home. Encompass also offers complete parts supply chain management, 3PL, depot repair and reverse logistics service. In addition to consumers, we support an array of B2B customers, including manufacturers, multi-family property management, warranty providers, service networks, independent dealers and retailers.

For more information, please visit solutions.encompass.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

CONTACT: Kristin Hurst, Director of Marketing & Communications

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18 May

Business Not As Usual

What’s Next for Repair Service Following COVID-19

 After enduring weeks of “stay-at-home” orders to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, most states are reopening businesses previously deemed non-essential. However, with the virus still circulating and causing severe illness and death, business is anything but usual.

Personal protection items like masks and gloves have become standard issue for restaurants, hair salons and other industries where personal contact with customers is the norm. The same goes for service providers who must enter homes to make repairs and interact with customers.

As we continue emerging from this unprecedented event, the long-term impact on the service repair industry is still yet to be realized. Some repair businesses have been forced to shut down permanently. With time on their hands and access to a wealth of “how to” videos online, there has been a sharp increase in consumer DIY repairs.

Adding to the mix of factors driving DIY repairs is an unemployment rate rivaling percentages not seen since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Retail stores are slowly opening across the country, but some powerhouse brands such as J.C. Penney, Neiman Marcus and J. Crew have filed for bankruptcy in the midst of the crisis. Industry projections for major appliance and electronics production and sales have dropped for at least the remainder of 2020.

Still, despite this challenging market environment, there is considerable opportunity for service businesses. Numerous complex repairs are way beyond the basic capabilities of a general DIY consumer. Anything to do with electrical wiring and circuitry, for example, is best left to the professionals.

In a down economy, demand for repair typically surges as consumers put off replacing big ticket household items. Plus, as restaurants closed and now operate in some states with capacity restrictions, consumers have been using their major kitchen appliances more than ever, raising the risk of breakdowns. Consumer need for professional repair service could ultimately outpace the availability of service providers – and perhaps enable higher rate charges. However, with decreased model production comes decreased parts production so it may become harder to find some necessary repair components.

Some repair providers have rapidly adjusted to the new normal and are getting creative with such service offerings as virtual estimates and troubleshooting that limit customer contact.  Contactless measures are likely to continue – and expand – even after the current pandemic abates.

If nothing else, COVID-19 has been a dramatic wakeup call to the world and the repair industry. And if the experts are correct, this is not the last time the world will face a similarly impactful pandemic.  Businesses must evaluate their existing response strategy and develop best practices for managing through the next crisis. Those able to adapt under the most challenging conditions will survive, and even thrive, while others risk becoming just another impact statistic.

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16 Mar

Encompass Response to Coronavirus

Updated April 21, 2020

Message from Encompass President & CEO Robert Coolidge

Encompass has been closely monitoring the global impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic since it first originated in China. Our heartfelt condolences are with all those who have been sickened and died from this terrible illness. Please click here for a helpful pamphlet on Preventing the Spread of Respiratory Diseases from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Internal Response

Although all Encompass facilities are operating regular schedules, we have taken several precautions for the health and well-being of both our associates and business partners. We are following all government guidance and mandates to help contain the pandemic. Some measures we have taken include:

  • Office staff are telecommuting until further notice. Encompass is equipped with cloud-based systems, ensuring continuous communications both internally and with our customers. 
  • Essential on-site staff are required to wear masks and gloves and are also being provided antiseptic wipes and hand sanitizer at work stations and common areas. More importantly, they are mandated to frequently wash hands.
  • Staff travel is restricted.

Parts Supply Continuity

Due to the expected closings of factories during the January Chinese New Year, our Purchasing team had procured safety stock for the select brands for which we source directly overseas. At this time, highest demand parts remain in stock across multiple product verticals, including Home Appliance and Consumer Electronics. However, the team is in daily contact with manufacturers to identify any supply disruptions so we can then communicate with our customers.

Encompass has no immediate plans to close facilities and will continue to follow standard preventative guidelines to address the current situation.

Counter Sales Reopened

With additional safety measures in place, counter sales/order pickup has resumed at all locations. The counters at our Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale and Las Vegas distribution centers will be open Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4pm. To limit contact, we request that customers first place orders on encompass.com prior to coming to the facility, if possible.

Help for Customers

Encompass is here for you! If we can be of any assistance, please let us know: customercare@encompass.com.  Have you taken advantage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES)?  CARES enables small businesses and contract workers to obtain a variety of loans to maintain operations and prevent layoffs during this unprecedented crisis. Tax advantages are also available.

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Encompass will continue to update this company response statement as conditions warrant to keep you informed.

Robert Coolidge
President & CEO

 

 

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