Tips For Callers:
Be Prepared, Be Patient

Was that "B" as in Boy or “D” as in dog?

Okay, so you said, WB55x100, correct?

No, A - D!!!! WD55...

Alright, that was WD55 S 2 3 4 N B W?

NOOO!!! WDX M, as in Mary, E, as in “Edward”

… Is this your first day (insert smart tone and an east coast accent in voice, here)?

No, SIR — Day No. 8. And if you talk slower it would help me find your part number easier.

Two weeks into a new job in the appliance parts industry and it feels like I’m in an episode of Star Trek — beamed by Scottie to a new and distant land.

Jumping into the deep end of the pool, I’m learning on the appliance parts job. The terms and where to find part numbers, how to take a model number and get a part part number.  

The conversation above actually took place in February. I captured the moment for a social media class last spring. 

Fast forward to September, roughly seven months at the job, and things are moving along quite well, and terms and appliance language does not seem as foreign (for a while, I understood the Latino customers coming in the store better than I did the callers on the phone asking for part numbers).

During the past seven months I came up with three ways customers can help our sales staff search for parts at McCombs Supply, making the experience faster and be more effective.

Come ready with your model number

Knowing the part number for the item you want is ideal, but if you have the correct model number and the correct brand, I can do a cross-reference with parts searches like Sears Parts Direct and Appliance Parts Pros to match you with the correct part number to make sure we carry it by looking at our website at McCombsSupply.com or look at our inventory.

Having the model number of the part is helpful, but the most effective way to get the correct part number is having the model number of the appliance. 

Model number appears like this.

You want a new ice maker? Having the model number of the refrigerator will help me locate the correct part number for the ice maker and match up the correct replacement part. 

At McCombs Supply we use model numbers to get the correct part number. We do not use serial numbers. 

Where do you find the model number? 

Stove: The model number is usually behind the bottom draw on the frame of the stove. On really old ovens, the model is underneath the top, where you lift to clean. Here is a link to McCombs Supply's stove section. 

Refrigerator: Model is located inside on the side wall. On a GE side-by-side refrigerator you will find the model number on the bottom floor of the fresh food compartment. You may need to remove the crisper drawers to see it. It may also be found on the top ceiling of fresh food component. Here is a link to McCombs Supply's refrigerator section.

Here is a helpful video for finding your model number. 

Washing Machine: Underneath the lid or behind the door on a front loader. For example, on a Maytag, it is in one of three spots. 

1. On the back, behind the control panel.
2. Inside the washer lid, right bottom corner.
3. On the back on the base frame to the left.

Here is a link to McCombs Supply's washing machine section.

Dryer: Behind the door. For example, on a Maytag, it is one of four places. 

1. On the upper left of the cabinet (in the back)
2. Inside on the back frame (door open).
3. Inside the door.
4. Behind the access panel (gas dryers only).

Here is a link to McCombs Supply's dryer section.

Dishwasher: Open door on the sides of the door or side of the frame. 

Here is a link to McCombs Supply's dishwasher section.

Microwave: Inside the unit. 

Please do not say you saw a part that looked like the one you need on the Internet. That does not always lead to a match. Looks can be deceiving, and though we do offer returns, there is a shipping and restocking fee.

Having the part or model number will help us get you the correct part number and get you the item you need.

Here is a link to find model numbers locations for  GE products and Maytag products and Whirlpool appliances.

Have patience

“I want a 3-pole, 20V, do you have any?”

Say, what? I understood more what the two people speaking Spanish at the counter earlier in the morning were saying more than I did this. 

I quickly consulted with Carols, a veteran of 34 years at McCombs, to educate me and help me get the correct part for the customer.

The 2-pole contactor is used for single phase AC circuits where there is an L1, L2 and N wire. The 3-pole breakers  (PC340A) are used for three-phase circuits where there is L1, L2, L3 and N wire. Normally, any residential users may use 120/240V single phase system, therefore they’d need 2-pole (PC240A). The difference between two 120V wires is 240V, that’s why the voltage rating is 240V.

The customer who asked about the 3-pole, 20V was a farmer who wanted this part to run multiple devices in his barn. 

He showed a lot of patience with me. He came ready, having an old part as a reference for what he was looking to buy. 

From your years of experience in the repair business or in industry, you may know more than the salesperson, so showing patience and helping the young staff will help us find your part. 

McCombs Supply often has lower prices than the manufacturer or the competition, so being patient may lead to a bigger savings for you.

Talk slowly and pronounce
your letters clearly

When calling on the phone, please do not speak fast, don’t have your phone on speaker and please, please enunciate. 

We have calls spanning the nation, and the diversity of speech and dialect is evident during these calls. If the letter for your model is a “V” make sure it is clear you said “V” and not “T.” Make it clear it was “B,” as in Boy and not “D,” as in dog.

Calling in on speaker phone often sounds like you are talking to me in a different room, making it difficult to understand if you said “V” Or “T” or “S,” as in Sam or “F,” as in frank. 

Giving good examples like this for which letter you are saying helps me and makes for less frustration for you. Nothing, will make you more frustrated than if I say that model number does not match or repeating it back to you incorrectly.

My goal, and the goal of everyone on McCombs‘ sales staff, is to make sure we can find your parts correctly and help you purchase the item as easy as possible.

Extra Thoughts

Finding the model or part number for a motor is not always easy. It may have worn off. It may be mounted in a way that is next to impossible to see. 

Sometimes taking a photo of the motor helps, and if the motor mounted or located at a difficult spot, you can zoom in on the photo and see the model or part number.

But if you have no access to a model or part number, or the numbers you have just aren't working. Don't lose hope. 

There is still a way to find you a replacement motor.

You need to provide the following information from the motor you are trying to replace. The diameter of the motor (is it 3 inches, 5.6 inches,.ect.); RPMs, volts, amps and H/P (horsepower). Does it need a run capacitor? 

From bathroom and kitchen (range hoods) to refrigeration and HVAC (air conditioning), McCombs Supply sells a large  variety of motors, fan blades and related parts and brands, including Packard, Fasco, Broan & Nutone.  Please see the McCombs Supply website for more details.

Thank you

We appreciate the opportunity to serve you.

Just for reading this story, you can enter this coupon code “Tips” for a 5 percent discount when placing your order.

About Us

McCombs Supply Company, Inc.

In business since 1953, McCombs Supply Co., Inc. is a third-generation family-owned business that specializes in fast, reliable shipping.

Located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, McCombs Supply Co., Inc. offers replacement repair parts for dishwashers, dryers, microwaves, range-ovens, refrigerators, washing machines, HVAC, commercial refrigeration, commercial cooking, and more. Some of our manufacturers we distribute for include – Backer-Chromolox, Broan-Nutone, Exact Replacement Parts (ERP), EZ Flo, Fasco, Mastercool, ICM, JW Harris, Packard, Robertshaw, Sealed Unit Parts Company (SUPCO) and White Rodgers.

We supply contractors, service technicians, housing developments, hospitals, retirement communities, institutions, and do-it-yourselfers.

Today, we have nearly one million SKUs in our system. We are constantly upgrading our cutting-edge technology to serve our customers better.

Copyright 2017