Get Quotes from Top TV Repair Services in Charlotte, NC

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a TV Repairman in Charlotte

Attempting to fix TV issues like fuzzy screens, color distortion, dead pixels, and other similar problems without the right tools and expertise can end up costing you hundreds of dollars in irreversible TV damage and also unnecessarily expose you to harm. You can avoid all this and, at the same time, ensure that your faulty TV starts functioning correctly again by hiring a qualified TV repair technician. These professionals offer benefits like

  • Proper troubleshooting and delicate TV handling
  • Access to genuine TV parts
  • Warranty protection

However, before committing to any TV repair in Charlotte, It is vital to ensure that their technicians on staff are certified, experienced, insured, and can answer the following questions satisfactorily:

Do You Repair All Types of TVs?

It is crucial to ensure that your preferred TV repairman in Charlotte possesses the skill and knowledge to handle the exclusive features of your TV set, especially concerning the following key characteristics:

  • Screen Type: a lot of modern TVs usually have Flat or Curved Screens. Flat screens typically require that you sit in front of the TV directly to get a good view. It also gives a greater viewing experience and fits more seamlessly with home interiors. On the other hand, curved screens offer you the advantage of getting a good view of the TV regardless of your position in the room.
  • Technology Type: the most common TV technologies include:
    • Plasma: these are cheap, and they give clear images on the screens. However, the quality of images these kinds of TVs offer can reduce over time, and many industry experts consider this technology archaic.
    • Direct View/Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT): As the earliest type of commercially available TV, CRT TVs have smaller screen sizes than other kinds of TVs. These types of TVs are cheaper than the newer TVs in the market. They also have a much better refresh rate and can work with any device or resolution.
    • Liquid Crystal Display (LCD): these kinds of TVs are made from three polarized panels with liquid crystal molecules running between them. They are lightweight, thin, and have low energy consumption. The view angles are, however, not good, and they have lower refresh rates than Plasma TVs.
    • Digital Light Processing (DLP): these usually last longer than plasma TVs and are lightweight and slimmer. There are, however, no readily available brands of these types of TVs, as many manufacturers consider the technology obsolete.
    • Light Emitting Diode (LED): these kinds of TVs conserve more power than LCD TVs and produce better and sharper images. They are, however, more expensive.
  • Brand/Model Specific Extras: these include features like High Dynamic Range, Voice Activation, Ultra-High Definition, and internet connectivity/Smart TVs

Do You Deal with All the Brands of TV?

Several TV brands are readily available in Charlotte, like

Brand Highlights Drawbacks Calling Card
Samsung Impressive TV quality
4K & 8K options
Smart TV options
Pricey QLED and QD-OLED
Sony Great sound and picture quality
HDR and Smart TV options are readily available
Eco-friendly
Pricey Cognitive Processor XR Chip and mini-LED
LG Sleek designs
Affordable models
Smart TV options
No HDR 10+ support OLED
Hisense Great value at low prices
Sizes of up to 100" available
Processing issues Variety
TCL Roku and Google compatible
Up to 8K
Affordable options
Processing and picture quality may not be up to par with pricier models Value
Vizio Affordable
4K resolutions
OS may lag and be buggy Quantum

Since these brands generally have different specifications, it is ideal to verify that your preferred TV repair company has technicians who are conversant with the specific make and model before signing off any service agreement. Note that many professional Charlotte-based TV repair technicians usually have the skill set and knowledge required to fix various TV brands. However, this does not eliminate the need to ascertain that the TV repair technician possesses the requisite knowledge to repair the TV satisfactorily.

Can You Advise if I Repair or Replace My TV?

Although repairing your faulty TV during its lifespan is logical and economical, certain circumstances warrant a new replacement. Some of these situations include:

  • The TV has developed a hardware issue
  • The TV is more than ten years old
  • The issue is with the TV's panel
  • The TV has physical damage
  • The same issue has been recurrent

An excellent point to finding reliable TV repair technicians in Charlotte is that they tell you from the start if your TV requires repair or total replacement. You can also ascertain that your TV's fault is worth repairing and protect yourself from dubious TV repair technicians who are only interested in making away with your money by:

  • Troubleshooting: ensure to check the TV user's manual and manufacturer's website to know if it provides any information on the faults you are experiencing as well as possible solutions
  • Compare costs: it is ideal to weigh the cost estimates for fixing the problem against the cost of an actual TV replacement.

Are All Your Repair Experts Certified?

An excellent way to determine the capacity of TV repair technicians in Charlotte to fix your TV effectively is by checking their technical background and the professional certifications they may have obtained. Experienced TV repair technicians in Charlotte typically receive formal training and certifications from international organizations like

  • The Electronic Technicians Association (ETA)
  • The International Society of Certified Electronic Technicians (ISCET)

Always authenticate your intended TV repair technician's credentials before concluding any hiring arrangements with them. Also, ensure that your preferred TV repair service can contact the manufacturer of your specific TV brand for technical support when necessary.

Do You Offer Same-Day Repair Services?

Considering that most people cannot stay a day without their TV sets, it is essential to ask how fast the repairs of your faulty TV would be completed. Some of the most commonly reported TV faults in the Charlotte area include:

  • TV is unable to power up, but the power light blinks
  • No sound or picture
  • Image distortion
  • Multiple vertical lines running across the screen
  • Lost connection to the internet
  • TV flickers and powers off on its own
  • Long or squeezed picture display
  • Grayed out screen
  • Remote control malfunctioning or not working

Although most common TV faults can be fixed in less than a day, getting confirmation from the TV repair technician is always good. You may also need to ask if the TV can be repaired on the spot or if it would be taken to the repair shop. Some TV faults that could require your TV to be taken to the repairman's workshop and may even take more than a day to get fixed include

  • Fried circuit board replacements
  • Broken screen replacements
  • TV panel replacements
  • Dead motherboard replacements

Be suspicious of TV repair technicians who seem hesitant to give you a cost estimate for repairs that last more than a day or a timeline for the completion of the repair work.

Do You Hold the Relevant License for TV Repair Technicians?

While there are no mandatory occupational licensing requirements for TV repairers who wish to ply their trade in Charlotte, these individuals are typically expected to meet certain obligations before conducting business in the city. These include registering the business with the Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds or the North Carolina Secretary of State, getting a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, and complying with all applicable state and local tax requirements.

Additional information or inquiries concerning the requirements for conducting business as a TV repair service in Charlotte can be obtained by contacting the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center at 311 or (704) 336-7600 for callers outside Mecklenburg County.

Many Charlotte-based TV repair technicians also provide other electronic-related services, such as:

TV mount and installation:
$105 - $305
Remote repair:
$10 - $50
TV setup:
$50 - $150
Computer repair:
$110 - $1,100
Phone repair:
$50 - $700
Home theatre repair:
$120 - $350
Household appliance repair:
$50 - $500
VCR system repair:
$50 - $150
Home projector repair:
$130 - $375

Bear in mind that the make and model of the appliance will largely determine the actual cost of these services. Nonetheless, always confirm that your intended TV repair technician is equipped to offer these additional services, and also make sure that you agree to their rates before committing to them.

Do You Offer Genuine Spare Parts?

You should ensure that the TV repairman you intend to hire has access to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) TV parts, as this goes a long way in ensuring that your TV is fixed properly. Note that OEM parts are usually more expensive than generic parts. However, using them has several advantages that outweigh these added costs, like

  • Better quality and durability
  • Compatibility with your TV
  • Compliance with your existing warranties

Thus, using OEM parts for your repairs not only ensures that the TV goes back to functioning correctly but also ultimately saves you money in the long run. Note that sourcing these OEM parts may take three to four business days, depending on their availability and the location of the supplier. Also, your TV repairman might not be able to get genuine OEM parts. This is often the case if the production of these parts has been officially discontinued. In situations like this, they have no choice but to use generic parts to repair your faulty TV.

Are Your Repair Services Covered by a Warranty?

Warranties are legally binding assurances showing that your TV repair was handled expertly, competently, and with high-quality parts. As such, if any TV repairman hesitates to offer you a warranty, you should take that as a red flag and discontinue any hiring discussions with them.

While these warranties' validity periods typically range from three months to a year, their exact terms and conditions largely depend on the technician that issues them as well as the model and brand of the TV in question. Nonetheless, TV warranties generally do not cover defects that occur in the following situations:

  • Normal wear and tear
  • Misuses, improper maintenance, vandalism, or natural disasters
  • Power line surges
  • Shipment-related damages
  • Burn-in and image retention
  • Improper installations
  • Cosmetic damages

Many TV manufacturers typically offer their customers a list of recommended technicians or TV repair shops to repair any faults that are covered by their warranties. However, note that in some cases, the faulty TV may need to be shipped back to the manufacturer for these repairs or to get a complete replacement.

Some electronic outlets, like Micro Center, Walmart, and Best Buy, also provide store warranties or extended protection plans that provide additional cover for TVs purchased from them. These protection plans typically cover defects that are not included in the TV manufacturer's warranty, like accidental damages. Note that the scope and coverage of these warranties are determined by the outlet that issues them. Some advantages and disadvantages of getting an extended protection plan for your TV include:

Pros of Extended Protection Plans Cons of Extended Protection Plans
Provides additional coverage for TVs Can be quite expensive
Can be used after the original manufacturer's warranty expires Cost is not usually justified for low-end TVs
Offers extra peace of mind Repairs covered usually cost less than the actual plan

It is advisable to request a written copy of the warranty you are offered and read their specific terms correctly to ensure you do not void them.

How to File a Complaint Against a Bad TV Repair Service in the Charlotte

Complaints against bad TV repair services in Charlotte can be filed with the North Carolina Department of Justice through its Consumer Protection Division.

While there are legit and trustworthy TV repair services in Charlotte that seek to provide you with the best possible service, there are also dubious technicians that prey on unsuspecting consumers with plans of duping them. These dubious technicians typically utilize different gimmicks and techniques to pull their cons, like

  • Requesting full payment upfront
  • Lying about their credentials
  • Intentionally damaging other parts of the TV to charge more
  • Suddenly, discovering more severe damage and requesting additional fees to fix it
  • Claiming that the TV is damaged and needs replacing
  • Using generic or pirated parts for the job despite collecting fees for genuine parts

You can protect yourself from these scams and ascertain the legitimacy of your prospective TV repair service by taking the following actions:

  • Look up reviews on your prospective technicians online through websites like the Better Business Bureau, Google Review, and Yelp
  • Request an initial inspection and cost estimate for your TV repair from the repair technicians. Endeavor to compare costs from at least three technicians before committing to any of them.
  • Never pay the total cost of your required TV repair services upfront, and take it as a warning sign or a red flag if any technician asks you to do so
  • Make sure that you will be given a warranty
  • Keep an eye on the technician while the repair work is going on
  • Request receipts for any purchased parts

You can report matters concerning fraudulent TV repair technicians and unsatisfactory TV repair services in Charlotte to the Consumer Protection Division of the North Carolina Department of Justice online via its General Consumer Complaint platform. These types of matters can also be reported to this office by calling either 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or (919) 716-6000 for callers within or outside North Carolina, respectively.