Repair Maytag Washing Machine

One of the most popular characters that we have come to know from advertising is the Maytag repairman. It is a very effective character because not only are those commercials amusing and fun to watch, they get the message across. That message is that Maytags are the kind of washing machines that are so reliable that repairmen almost never get work because they just don't break down that often.

That is a strong message for Maytag and it historically is not exaggeration. When your parents bought a Maytag, the frequency of repair was rare. But this was true of a lot of major washing machine manufacturers 30 years ago. The concept of buying a washing machine by Maytag today that will never break down is not the same formula as it was to our parents. It isn’t that workers no are not as good at making washing machines as they used to be. The shift in the quality and low repair records of modern machines reflects a different philosophy about retail sales of appliances more so than any other kind of change in the way things are made.

When your parents bought a Maytag, those machines were built to last literally a lifetime. The construction standards were very high because that is what the company wanted to make its core value and the heart of its advertising with the famous Maytag repairman. But the concept of planned obsolescence became a dominating marketing and manufacturing idea in all aspect of appliance sales. And that meant that many appliance manufacturers made machines to last a few years but with a plan for them to break down in such a way that repair was not as economical as to just replace the machine.

Prices for washing machines made to last less than 10 years were far lower because production costs were lower. And that made replacement of a broken machine attractive, which drove Maytag repairmen out of business not because the machines never broke down but because people replaced them rather than repair them.

What this means to you is that sometimes it might be better to buy an older Maytag than a new washing machine that could have a shorter service life. If you buy a 10 year old washing machine that was made to last 30 years, that is better than buying a new washing machine that is made to last 10 years. And its cheaper too. So be a smart shopper and pay attention to consumer reports and other sources that can help you make a smart purchase. Then maybe you will keep that Maytag repairman bored for another 10 years.