When your appliance breaks down, most repairs can be completed quickly using standard parts stocked on our trucks or available from local suppliers. But sometimes, your appliance needs a special-order part – a unique or hard-to-find component that requires extra time to locate and ship.
At Starfix Appliance Repair, we handle appliance special order parts for clients across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, including Surrey, Richmond, Vancouver, Abbotsford, and beyond. This guide explains what a special order means, why it takes longer, and what you can expect once you approve one.
What Are Appliance Special Order Parts?
A special-order part is any appliance component that’s not available through our regular distributors. These parts often come from the manufacturer or specialized suppliers and are typically needed for:
- Older or discontinued models
- Luxury or high-end appliances such as Miele, Bosch, or Bertazzoni
- Imported appliances with limited local support
- Complex assemblies that require verification by serial number
When this happens, our team begins a careful sourcing process to ensure the part we order is the exact match for your appliance. We verify compatibility using your model and serial number before confirming the order.
Why Do Special Order Parts Take Longer?
Ordering special-order appliance parts isn’t like picking something up from a local store. Several factors affect delivery times, including:
- Limited manufacturing: Some parts are made only in small batches, especially for older appliances.
- Overseas shipping: Many components are imported and go through customs, which adds extra time.
- Unpredictable supplier updates: We often don’t receive a firm ETA until the part leaves the warehouse.
- Seasonal backlogs: During holidays or peak repair seasons, shipping networks slow down.
Because of these factors, delivery can take anywhere from two to eight weeks. While we understand that’s a long wait, this process ensures that your appliance gets the correct, manufacturer-approved part — not a substitute that could fail again.
Learn more about this process here:
👉 Why Appliance Repairs Sometimes Require a Second Visit
What Happens When You Approve a Special Order
Before we order any special-order part, we always provide a written quote outlining the total cost, estimated delivery time, and repair plan. Once you approve it, we immediately place the order through verified suppliers.
It’s important to understand that once the part is ordered, it cannot be canceled or refunded. This is because special-order parts are specific to your appliance’s make and model – they cannot be returned to suppliers or resold.
When the part arrives, we contact you to schedule installation. Your initial inspection fee (from the first visit) is credited toward your final invoice once the repair is completed.
To learn more about how this fee works, visit:
👉 Appliance Inspection Fee and Repair Fee Explained
Should You Wait for the Part or Replace the Appliance?
We understand that waiting several weeks for a part can be inconvenient. However, in many cases, it’s still worth it. Replacing an appliance can be far more expensive than repairing it with the correct part.
Here’s a quick way to decide:
| Question | If Yes | Recommended Option |
|---|---|---|
| Is your appliance under 10 years old? | ✅ | Wait for the part |
| Is it a premium or energy-efficient model? | ✅ | Wait for the part |
| Is the repair less than half the replacement cost? | ✅ | Repair it |
| Has your appliance failed multiple times recently? | ✅ | Consider replacement |
If you’re unsure, our technicians will provide honest, professional advice to help you decide.
Why We Ask for Approval Before Ordering
When you approve a special order, you’re authorizing us to purchase a unique part specifically for your appliance. Once that order is placed, it becomes your responsibility – even if you later decide not to proceed with the repair.
This is because the supplier will not accept returns on custom or special-order components. We make every effort to confirm compatibility before ordering, so you can feel confident in your decision.
If you’d like to better understand how our quoting process works, check out:
👉 Appliance Inspection and Quote Required
How Starfix Keeps You Informed
We believe in clear, consistent communication throughout your repair. When a part is on special order, our process includes:
- Sending written confirmation before placing any order
- Updating you with any shipping or supplier changes
- Scheduling your installation promptly once the part arrives
- Applying your inspection fee as a credit to the final invoice
We’re always available to answer questions about your order status or to discuss timelines.
For insight into how our customer care process works, visit:
👉 Honest Appliance Repair Service Support
Related Helpful Blogs
If you’d like to learn more about how to make your service visit smoother, here are a few Starfix resources that can help:
👉 How to Help Us Fix Your Appliance on the First Visit
👉 Understanding Appliance Warranties and Extended Warranties
Service Areas
Starfix Appliance Repair proudly serves the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, including:
Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey, Richmond, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Delta, White Rock, Langley City, Langley Township, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and Mission.
We’re here to make appliance repair clear, fair, and honest — from inspection to installation.
📞 Call 604-900-2105
🌐 Visit Starfix.ca to schedule your appliance repair today.
