Diamond Certified Company Report

Martin & Harris Appliances

Diamond Certified Company Report

Martin & Harris Appliances

Diamond certified ratings dashboard
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION i
Customer LOYALTY i
Helpful Expertise i
Company Credentials i
  • Workers Compensation
  • Liability Insurance
  • License Verification
  • Business Practices
  • Current Complaint File
Phone SURVEY RESPONSES FROM 275 VERIFIED CUSTOMERS i

Avril C.

VERIFIED Martin & Harris Appliances CUSTOMER

1 of 275

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I think they are very pleasant and personable people.

They have quality products.

Barbara S.

VERIFIED Martin & Harris Appliances CUSTOMER

2 of 275

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I would recommend Martin & Harris Appliances. They seem to be very nice, professional, and courteous.

It was just very easy to deal with them, and they always have what I'm looking for.

Brian C.

VERIFIED Martin & Harris Appliances CUSTOMER

3 of 275

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They're a local company, which is nice, and everyone working there is very knowledgeable.

They have a nice selection, and I like shopping locally, rather than some big chain store.

Read All 275 Survey Responses at Ratings View
Diamond certified VIDEO PROFILE
Diamond certified company PROFILE

Martin & Harris Appliances sells refrigerators, dishwashers, laundry machines, ovens, cooktops, and many other products from top manufacturers such as Maytag, General Electric, Whirlpool, KitchenAid and Bosch. The family-owned and operated company’s San Rafael showroom features appliance demonstrations in practical home environments, and its in-house sales professionals are trained to help customers identify the right products to fit their specific needs and budgets.

The Berry family has owned Martin & Harris Appliances for more than 25 years. Owner Paul Berry says the company has developed a loyal, repeat customer base because of its competitive prices, impressive products and personalized service. “Our warehouse is located on the premises, so we can offer immediate pickup and fast delivery. If a customer is looking for something we don’t have in stock, we’ll special order it.”

Martin & Harris Appliances also features a comprehensive service and parts department that fixes most major appliance brands. To learn more or to order appliances for home delivery, Mr. Berry invites potential customers to visit www.martin-harris.com.

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COMPANY REPORT NAVIGATION

Diamond Certified Companies are Rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise.

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DIAMOND CERTIFIED RESEARCHED CAPABILITIES ON Martin & Harris Appliances

COMPANY CONTACT
Locations

Marin County

Get Directions
SERVICES PERFORMED

Major Household Appliances
Sales, Service & Parts

BRANDS Supported
  • Amana

  • Bosch

  • Broan

  • General Electric

  • Hotpoint

  • KitchenAid

  • Maytag

  • U-Line

  • Whirlpool

DIAMOND CERTIFIED RESEARCHED ARTICLES ON Martin & Harris Appliances

A look inside Martin & Harris Appliances’ San Rafael showroom

Company Profile

Martin & Harris Appliances sells refrigerators, dishwashers, laundry machines, ovens, cooktops, and many other products from top manufacturers such as Maytag, General Electric, Whirlpool, KitchenAid and Bosch. The family-owned and operated company’s San Rafael showroom features appliance demonstrations in practical home environments, and its in-house sales professionals are trained to help customers identify the right products to fit their specific needs and budgets.

The Berry family has owned Martin & Harris Appliances for more than 25 years. Owner Paul Berry says the company has developed a loyal, repeat customer base because of its competitive prices, impressive products and personalized service. “Our warehouse is located on the premises, so we can offer immediate pickup and fast delivery. If a customer is looking for something we don’t have in stock, we’ll special order it.”

Martin & Harris Appliances also features a comprehensive service and parts department that fixes most major appliance brands. To learn more or to order appliances for home delivery, Mr. Berry invites potential customers to visit www.martin-harris.com.

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Company Philosophy

“We work hard to assist our customers with every aspect of their appliance purchases, whether it's placing a custom order or making a long-distance delivery. We aim to utilize our friendly staff and small size to provide highly personalized service.”

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Comparative Summary

Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for appliance showrooms that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For Martin & Harris Appliances, the key to achieving and maintaining customer satisfaction is consistently providing personalized service for each person who enters its San Rafael store. “We have our own service and delivery people, so our customers never have to deal with a separate warehouse or service department,” says Sales Manager Chris Berry. “Everything we do is geared toward making our customers feel as comfortable as possible.”

Martin & Harris Appliances sells refrigerators, dishwashers, laundry machines, ovens, cooktops and many other appliances from top manufacturers like Maytag, GE, Whirlpool, KitchenAid and Bosch. The company’s spacious showroom features appliance demonstrations in home-like environments, and its in-house sales professionals are trained to help customers identify the right products to fit their specific needs.

Unlike many big box appliance stores, Martin & Harris Appliances utilizes its smaller size to provide highly personalized service and competitive prices–a comprehensive approach that’s endeared the company to its loyal clientele base. “As an independent, family-owned and operated business, we’re able to really get to know our customers and help them find exactly what they need,” says Mr. Berry. “We’re dedicated to immediately resolving issues, and if an appliance needs to be repaired, we’ll send one of our technicians to fix it instead of passing the work on to another company.”

To further differentiate itself from its competition, Martin & Harris Appliances provides customers with the same sales and repair team throughout every phase of their transactions, including research, purchase and ownership. “Our customers prefer to deal with somebody face-to-face instead of going through different steps with different people,” says Mr. Berry. “Our salespeople are here every weekday except one, and we have permanent employees in our parts and service department. Everyone who works here gets to know our customers and remembers their details when they come back, which makes for a great appliance buying experience.”

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Industry Info

Regularly maintain your household appliances to save money and maximize their efficiency. Many common household appliance problems can be avoided by following basic maintenance routines. In addition to minimizing the chances of breakdowns and saving you money on costly repairs, regular maintenance will extend the lifespan of your appliances and ensure they’re operating at peak efficiency. Consider the following maintenance tips:

Know what the manufacturer recommends. “When you get a new appliance, read the booklet that comes with it,” advises Mike Patterson, sales associate at Martin & Harris Appliances in San Rafael. “Learn the specific advice the manufacturer offers for care, operation, cleaning and maintenance, and follow their recommendations to get the most life and use out of your appliances.” Be aware that you can void some warranties by not following manufacturer recommendations for care and operation.

Keep it clean. “The number one thing homeowners overlook when it comes to appliances is keeping them clean,” says Mr. Patterson. “For example, with dishwashers, food particles can collect over time and cause odors to build up. An old trick is to add a cup of vinegar and then run the machine. The enzymes in the vinegar clean the inside and flush out the system.”

Don’t forget routine maintenance. “Maintenance is especially critical today, because the average lifespan of appliances has been cut way back from what it was 40 years ago,” says Mr. Patterson. “We don’t get 25 to 30 years out of appliances anymore—we hope to get 10 to 12 years. Regularly maintaining your appliances will help you achieve that longer lifespan.”

To extend the lifespan of your appliances:
• Inspect any seals (including those on doors) for wear.
• Don’t allow hard water scale, food particles or dirt to build up.
• Never overfill washing machines or clothes dryers. Smaller loads can mean cleaner clothes and longer-lasting machines.
• Use suggested detergents and cleaning solutions for each machine.
• Make small repairs and replacements—seals, gaskets, belts and hoses—when required. Waiting too long to replace aging parts can force your appliances to work harder and drastically reduce their lifespan.

Use your appliances. “It may sound obvious, but most home appliances are designed to be used regularly,” says Mr. Patterson. “If you rarely use an appliance, that doesn’t help it. For example, many sealed systems within appliances can deactivate and dry out if they aren’t used. Then, when you turn them on, they start to fall apart. You should be using your appliances at least once a week.”

When in doubt, get professional advice. If you have questions about your appliances, call a professional. They can give you care and maintenance advice and even help you when you’re thinking about buying new appliances.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you also deliver and install appliances?

A: Yes, we offer free local delivery and installation on free-standing appliances.

Q: Do you service the appliances you sell?

A: Yes, we service all the brands of appliances we carry. Our service and repair technicians have been here for 30 years and are factory authorized, so you can be assured they’ll take care of your problem.

Q: Can you service appliances that weren’t originally purchased from your store?

A: Yes, if it’s a brand that we carry and are authorized to repair.

Q: Do you offer warranties?

A: All our appliances come with standard factory warranties, and we also offer extended warranties (usually five years) on most appliances.

Q: Do you take old appliances away after installing new ones?

A: We do haul away most appliances, including refrigerators, washers and dryers. There’s usually a small fee, but we can tell you what that will be upfront.

Q: What are your service and delivery hours?

A: Generally, we offer a two-hour time window for service and delivery. If you need work done at a specific time, we can usually honor that.

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SELECTED PHOTOS FROM Martin & Harris Appliances

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DIAMOND CERTIFIED EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR ADVICE & TIPS FROM Mike Patterson

Expert CONTRIBUTOR PROFILE
  • Mike Patterson is a sales associate at Martin & Harris Appliances, a Diamond Certified company since 2009. He can be reached at (415) 347-6979 or by email.

Mike Patterson: Appliance Ace

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN RAFAEL — Mike Patterson was pursuing a career in the wine industry when a series of casual interactions led him to an entirely different profession. “Many years ago, I was part of a group of guys that met regularly for breakfast,” he recounts. “One of these gentlemen owned a small appliance business and kept trying to convince me to work for him. He wanted to train me in the business so I could take over after he retired—I guess he saw something in me that impressed him.” After much persuasion, Mike decided to accept the offer and soon made a new career for himself in the appliance industry. “I found that I really liked working with appliances, from dealing with different challenges to helping customers find the right products for their needs.”

Having previously owned three separate appliance businesses, Mike now works in a part-time sales position at Martin & Harris Appliances. “It’s kind of refreshing to be an ordinary employee again,” he says. “There’s definitely less pressure than when I was an owner.” When asked his favorite part of his job, Mike says he simply enjoys making customers happy. “I truly take each of my customers to heart, and I love to see the smiles on their faces when they get the kitchens they’ve always wanted. That’s the reason I continue to do what I do.”

A longtime resident of San Rafael, Mike expresses his appreciation for the diverse character of both work and life in the Bay Area. “My favorite part about being in the Bay Area is the sheer variety of things to do and see. I don’t think you could do it all in a single lifetime! The same goes for working here—it’s never routine; it’s different every day.”

Outside of work, Mike engages in a number of pastimes, from relaxing at his lake house to volunteering his time to charitable events. “I spend as much time as I can up at my lake house, boating around the lake and just kicking back and relaxing,” he says. “I’m also a member of the Elks, and I enjoy helping out with fundraisers and other events they put on. Next to the federal government, the Elks are the largest contributor to educational scholarships, and they’re also very big with the veterans, so I like being part of that.”

In his life and career, Mike believes it’s important to find a balance between living in the present and saving for the future. “My grandfather, who was the second most important man in my life, used to say, ‘You should live your life for today, because tomorrow is promised to no one; however, you should save a little something for tomorrow, too.’ As a young man, that had me scratching my head, but after all these years, I think I’ve finally figured it out.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he retired tomorrow, Mike gives a two-tiered response. “The first thing I’d do is take my boss out to lunch and wish him well in his continued business ventures. Then, I’d take a trip to Italy, because I love it there and haven’t been in a long time.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: Coffee or tea?
A: Tea.

Q: What’s your favorite local winery?
A: I have two: Whitehall Lane Winery and Stags’ Leap, both of which are in Napa.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: If I don’t have anything going on, I like to just crack the window open and listen to the rain.

Q: The Beatles or the Rolling Stones?
A: The Beatles.

Q: How do you like your eggs?
A: Scrambled.

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Expert articles
  • How to Measure Space for a New Appliance

    SAN RAFAEL — When purchasing a new stove or refrigerator, many homeowners mistakenly assume these types of appliances come in standard sizes. In reality, appliance sizes can vary considerably, so before you visit your local retailer, it’s important to measure the space where your new appliance will go.

    Since there’s no such thing as a “plumb” home, thoroughness is crucial for getting an accurate measurement of your space. For example, if you’re measuring for a new refrigerator, there are a number of dimensions you need to take into account. Face the refrigerator and measure its height on the left side from the floor up to the highest obstacle (either the ceiling or a cabinet). Repeat this measurement in the middle and on the right side. The smallest of these three measurements is the height you have to work with. After determining height, perform similar measurements of the refrigerator’s width and depth. Depth in particular is an area where refrigerators can vary dramatically—typically from 27 inches to 36 inches.

    In addition to determining the dimensions of the space itself, look for any obstacles that may get in the way when installing the appliance. By proactively taking measurements, you can help your appliance retailer find a product that fits both your kitchen and your needs.

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Expert video tip
  • Video: Measuring for a New Refrigerator

    Complete Video Transcription

    SAN RAFAEL — Host, Sarah Rutan: When planning to purchase a new refrigerator, its important to first measure the space. Today we’re in San Rafael with Diamond Certified Expert Contributor, Mike Patterson of Martin & Harris Appliances to learn more.

    Diamond Certified Expert Contributor, Mike Patterson: Okay, so what we’re going to do today is measure the space that we have to replace a refrigerator, and because there’s no such thing as a plumb home, at least I haven’t found one yet, we’re going to measure in critical areas so that we can make this process a more easy and enjoyable process.

    First thing we’re going to do is we’re measuring a refrigerator space and we’re going to measure the height on the left side from the floor up to the obstacle of the cabinet, if it’s a cabinet, above. We’re going to write down that dimension. We’re going to repeat that again in the middle, and then we’re going to repeat that again on the right side, and that’s as we’re facing the space. That will give us our dimension and you take the smallest number of those three dimensions, and that’s the space you have to work with.

    We’re going to do the same thing quite simply left to right up high, down in the middle, and then again down below, and we’ll take the smallest dimension there and we’ll know what we have to deal with in widths.

    The other thing is depth and that is – there are a lot of variances in depth. So, they’re going to start out at about 27. It depends on how far out you want your refrigerator to come and what capacities you’re looking for, but that will vary from 27 inches all the way up to 36 inches.

    You also want to look out for obstacles down in this space. Anything in my way, like molding running around the bottom, you would then measure that as well and deduct that from your dimensions because it is in the way.

    So, now that you’ve measured your space, you’re going to take those dimensions to your favorite retailer and give them the dimensions so they can find the product that best fits in this space and will function the way it’s supposed to.

    Host, Sarah Rutan: To learn more from our local, top-rated companies, visit us at experts.diamondcertified.info.

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Martin & Harris Appliances WEBSITE AND EXTERNAL FEED
  • Martin & Harris Appliances SOCIAL MEDIA FEEDS
COMPANY WEBSITE
www.martin-harris.com
Diamond Certified RATINGS ON Martin & Harris Appliances
Diamond certified ratings dashboard
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION i
Customer LOYALTY i
Helpful Expertise i

Each surveyed customer was asked, “If you needed any helpful expertise, did this company provide that expertise?” To calculate this score, total “Yes” responses were divided by total responses (excluding those that stated they hadn’t needed any expertise).

Company Credentials i
  • Workers Compensation
  • Liability Insurance
  • License Verification
  • Business Practices
  • Current Complaint File
Phone SURVEY RESPONSES FROM 275 VERIFIED CUSTOMERS i

Avril C.

VERIFIED Martin & Harris Appliances CUSTOMER

1 of 275

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I think they are very pleasant and personable people.

They have quality products.

Barbara S.

VERIFIED Martin & Harris Appliances CUSTOMER

2 of 275

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I would recommend Martin & Harris Appliances. They seem to be very nice, professional, and courteous.

It was just very easy to deal with them, and they always have what I'm looking for.

Brian C.

VERIFIED Martin & Harris Appliances CUSTOMER

3 of 275

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They're a local company, which is nice, and everyone working there is very knowledgeable.

They have a nice selection, and I like shopping locally, rather than some big chain store.

Annabella D.

VERIFIED Martin & Harris Appliances CUSTOMER

4 of 275

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They are great.

Their efficiency and their knowledge

Peter M.

VERIFIED Martin & Harris Appliances CUSTOMER

5 of 275

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I would always deal with them.

I will always deal with them.

Dora F.

VERIFIED Martin & Harris Appliances CUSTOMER

6 of 275

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I haven't used them in quite some time but have always been pleased.

It has been a long time, but like I said, I have always been very pleased with them.

Janet E.

VERIFIED Martin & Harris Appliances CUSTOMER

7 of 275

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They are very professional and very efficient.

They came out as soon as we needed them and they came on time. They got the job done.

Linda S.

VERIFIED Martin & Harris Appliances CUSTOMER

8 of 275

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I would definitely recommend them.

It is relatively small and family owned. They came out to my house and worked on it themselves. They followed through the same day when I had a problem.

Lawrence T.

VERIFIED Martin & Harris Appliances CUSTOMER

9 of 275

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

Something went awry, but they were very willing to help. It was nice using a local merchant.

They were friendly, helpful and responsive.

Brook M.

VERIFIED Martin & Harris Appliances CUSTOMER

10 of 275

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I like their appliances.

Because they are local

Kristine K.

VERIFIED Martin & Harris Appliances CUSTOMER

11 of 275

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I always tell people to go there.

I like my service guy, Fred, he is wonderful.

Mary H.

VERIFIED Martin & Harris Appliances CUSTOMER

12 of 275

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They haven't had to come out in a bit, but when they do, they do great work. They are the only ones I've used in the 58 years that I've lived here.

I know Fred well and really all of the repair workers I know well now. They are all very nice.

Donna G.

VERIFIED Martin & Harris Appliances CUSTOMER

13 of 275

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They are the only place that we go.

They don't pressure you and they give you honest information.

Virginia S.

VERIFIED Martin & Harris Appliances CUSTOMER

14 of 275

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They are reliable.

They were on time, did what they said they would do and did a good job servicing our dishwasher.

Michael K.

VERIFIED Martin & Harris Appliances CUSTOMER

15 of 275

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I tell people all the time to go to your local mom and pop shop in Marin County and that is Martin & Harris.

They are knowledgeable and helpful. They compete with box stores. They are competitive with their prices and delivery. The installation is much more controlled, accountable and competitive with the fees that you would pay with a big box store.

Craig A.

VERIFIED Martin & Harris Appliances CUSTOMER

16 of 275

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

Don't go to any other place.

It is clean, fast and easy to do.

Walt V.

VERIFIED Martin & Harris Appliances CUSTOMER

17 of 275

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They are a 10.

They are friendly.

Alvin A.

VERIFIED Martin & Harris Appliances CUSTOMER

18 of 275

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They are just good service, everything they say turns out correct.

The service is just great.

Ananya H.

VERIFIED Martin & Harris Appliances CUSTOMER

19 of 275

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They have great brands and are very knowledgeable.

They were very professional.

Arnold E.

VERIFIED Martin & Harris Appliances CUSTOMER

20 of 275

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They know what they are doing and what details are on each brand.

They are knowledgeable.

Read All 275 Survey Responses at Ratings View
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