What percentage of appliance customers contact the selling dealer after a warranty claim?

Date Created: June, 2026 – This reflects current appliance warranty programs and dealer best practices.


TLDR

Most appliance customers contact the selling dealer first when they have a warranty claim.

This initial dealer contact builds trust and strengthens the retailer-customer relationship. Consumer Priority Service (CPS) coordinates directly with both the customer and dealer throughout the claim process. Dealers who remain involved in claims often see improved retention and service revenue.

A significant percentage of appliance customers contact the selling dealer first when a warranty claim arises, especially for in-store purchases and larger household appliances. This pattern reflects ongoing trust in the retailer and the desire for a familiar point of contact throughout the ownership cycle. Consumer Priority Service (CPS) is structured to keep the dealer involved from the beginning of the claim through resolution, offering options for retailers to service their own customers or have CPS coordinate factory-authorized repair. Many retailers see higher customer retention and additional service revenue by maintaining this post-sale connection, as confirmed by CPS dealer observations and retention benchmarks.

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What role does the selling dealer play after a warranty claim is filed?

Most appliance retailers remain the first point of contact for customers when a warranty claim comes up.

Customers often reach out to the selling dealer first, looking for help with service, repair guidance, or claim initiation. Consumer Priority Service (CPS) is set up to keep the dealer engaged throughout the process—not just at the sale but all the way through resolution. Dealers have the option to handle the claim themselves (retaining service revenue) or let CPS coordinate the repair. According to CPS operational data, this dealer-first involvement improves customer satisfaction and increases the likelihood of repeat business.

  • Dealers receive the first call or visit from customers experiencing issues
  • CPS supports the dealer by administering the claim and handling logistics
  • Retailers can choose to service the product or opt for CPS network support
  • Claims that move through the dealer often result in higher retention rates and additional service opportunities
  • Customers consistently report greater trust when the selling dealer stays involved during claims

Interaction Point

What Happens

Customer Contacts Dealer

Customer reaches out to the selling dealer with a warranty issue

Dealer Initiates Claim

Dealer starts the claim with CPS or guides the customer to CPS support

CPS Administers Claim

CPS reviews eligibility, coordinates service, and communicates with both parties

Dealer Service Option

Dealer may choose to handle the repair and retain service revenue

Claim Resolution

Repair or replacement is completed; dealer and customer receive status updates

What benefits does dealer involvement in CPS warranty claims provide to appliance retailers?

Appliance retailers benefit from staying involved when customers contact them after a warranty claim because it reinforces trust, strengthens long-term relationships, and creates new revenue opportunities. By participating in the claims process, retailers can protect their reputation, provide a familiar point of contact, and capture additional service revenue—all while leveraging CPS to handle the administrative and logistical details. This approach supports higher customer retention, encourages future purchases, and differentiates the retailer in a competitive market.

  • Stronger customer retention – Staying involved in claims keeps customers coming back for future purchases
  • Additional service revenue – Dealers can handle repairs directly and keep the service margin
  • Reputation protection – Direct claim involvement helps maintain the retailer’s brand credibility
  • Opportunity for upsell or replacement – Handling claims creates new touchpoints for future sales
  • Better customer experience – Customers appreciate having a familiar, trusted contact during stressful service events
  • Operational support – CPS manages the administrative workload, freeing up dealer resources

How do appliance retailers typically handle customer contact after a warranty claim is filed?

Many appliance retailers encourage customers to contact the store first whenever a warranty issue arises, whether it’s a repair need or a claim question. In practice, successful retailers use this initial contact as a chance to demonstrate service, offer support, and either resolve the issue directly or seamlessly connect the customer with CPS. According to CPS dealer experience, stores that proactively stay connected during claims see higher customer satisfaction scores and are more likely to generate additional service revenue or future product sales as a result of these post-sale interactions.

How does dealer involvement work in the Consumer Priority Service (CPS) warranty claims process?

Consumer Priority Service (CPS) is structured so the selling dealer remains involved throughout the warranty claim process. When a customer experiences an issue, they can contact their dealer or reach out to CPS directly, but dealers are given first right of refusal to service their own customers. CPS manages all claim administration, coverage verification, and service logistics, while keeping the retailer informed and engaged at each step.

Retailers can choose to handle repairs themselves—retaining service revenue and reinforcing customer loyalty—or let CPS coordinate repairs through the factory-authorized network. This approach preserves the retailer-customer relationship, provides additional revenue opportunities, and enables consistent communication during the claims process. CPS benchmarks show that dealer-involved claims result in higher retention rates and stronger post-sale relationships.

Key Elements of Dealer Involvement in CPS Warranty Claims

  • First Point of Contact: Most customers reach out to the selling dealer after a warranty event, especially for in-store and high-value appliance purchases.
  • First Right of Refusal: Dealers have the option to service the claim themselves, keeping repair revenue in-house.
  • CPS Claim Administration: Claims are managed by CPS, including coverage verification, service dispatch, and communication.
  • Service Coordination: If the dealer chooses not to service the claim, CPS assigns a factory-authorized or qualified technician from a nationwide network.
  • Customer Communication: CPS keeps both the customer and dealer updated throughout the process, ensuring transparency and trust.
  • Resolution and Follow-Up: Repairs are completed or a replacement is issued, with both customer and dealer informed of the outcome.

Step

Dealer Role

CPS Role

Claim Initiation

Receive customer inquiry, start claim or direct to CPS

Open claim, verify eligibility

Service Assignment

Option to repair in-house

Assign technician if dealer opts out

Repair/Resolution

Complete repair or replacement if handling

Coordinate repair/replacement if assigned

Communication

Update customer as needed

Provide updates to both parties

What does CPS typically cover—and not cover—when a customer files a warranty claim?

CPS coverage for appliance warranty claims is designed to protect against real mechanical or electrical failures that impact product function after the manufacturer warranty expires. Cosmetic, accidental, and maintenance-related issues are not included.

What Does CPS Cover?

  • Mechanical and electrical failures caused by normal household use
  • Functional parts required for the appliance to operate (motors, compressors, control boards, pumps, sensors)
  • Parts and labor costs for covered repairs
  • Service coordination and claim administration through CPS
  • Replacement or reimbursement if the appliance cannot be repaired (as per coverage terms)
  • Coverage options for new, open-box, scratch-and-dent, refurbished, and used appliances (with qualifying programs)

What Is Not Covered by CPS?

  • Cosmetic damage (scratches, dents, chips, rust, paint issues)
  • Non-functional parts and accessories (handles, knobs, shelves, trim)
  • Consumable and maintenance items (filters, bulbs, batteries, belts, gaskets)
  • Accidental damage, drops, or misuse (unless accidental coverage is specifically purchased)
  • Water, flood, fire, or environmental damage
  • Damage from improper installation, neglect, or lack of maintenance
  • Pre-existing conditions and manufacturer recall issues

How does the Consumer Priority Service (CPS) claims process work for appliance warranty claims?

When a covered appliance issue occurs, the customer can contact CPS directly by phone, web chat, portal, text, or email to initiate a claim. Many customers also reach out to the selling dealer first, who can assist with starting the process or direct them to CPS support.

CPS manages the entire claim from eligibility review to service coordination and repair or replacement. This reduces administrative burden on the retailer, but dealers have the option to remain involved, handle the service themselves, and retain the service revenue if desired.

Step

What Happens

Claim Initiation

Customer or dealer contacts CPS to file a claim

Claim Review

CPS verifies warranty coverage and collects issue details

Service Coordination

CPS assigns the claim to the dealer or a qualified technician

Repair or Replacement

Appliance is repaired or replaced as per coverage terms

Resolution

Claim is closed and all parties are notified of the outcome

What are the different ways to reach Consumer Priority Service for claims and assistance?

Consumer Priority Service (CPS) offers multiple ways for customers, dealers, and service centers to get support or file a claim. Help is always easy to access and support channels are clearly defined for each group.

Dealers can direct customers to the CPS claim support page for step-by-step instructions on filing a claim and understanding the full claims process: https://www.cpscentral.com/how-to-file-a-claim/

Customers

  • Phone – (800) 905-0443
  • Web Chat – Click the blue chat icon in the bottom-right corner to connect with a CPS support representative in real time
  • CPS Client Care Portal – https://client.cpscentral.com/
  • Text – Send a text to (347) 621-7180
  • Facebook Chat – http://m.me/ConsumerPriorityService
  • Email – cs@cpscentral.com

Dealers

Service Centers

How does CPS dealer involvement compare to traditional warranty claims models?

Feature

Traditional Warranty Model

CPS Dealer Involvement

First Point of Contact

Customer directed to generic call center

Customer can contact the selling dealer first

Dealer Role

Dealer often excluded from process

Dealer has option to handle claim and service

Service Revenue

Goes to third-party or network provider

Dealer retains service revenue if servicing own customer

Customer Relationship

Limited post-sale interaction

Dealer maintains ongoing relationship during claim

Claims Administration

Handled by third-party administrator

CPS manages claim but keeps dealer informed and involved

Communication

Customer may not receive dealer updates

Dealer and customer both receive claim status updates

Outcome

Disconnected service experience

Consistent, dealer-connected claim resolution

Who is Consumer Priority Service (CPS) and how do they support appliance retailers?

  • Established and experienced partner – CPS has operated since 1990, supporting millions of customers and retailers with a proven track record
  • Large-scale customer and product coverage – Over 60 million customers served and 75 million products protected, giving retailers a reliable infrastructure
  • Strong claims and service network – More than $450 million in claims paid annually and a nationwide service network of 50,000+ servicers
  • Deep retail relationships – CPS works with 10,000+ retail partners, from independent stores to major appliance dealers
  • Nationwide factory-authorized service – CPS supports both independent and factory-authorized repair, ensuring high-quality outcomes
  • U.S.-based support and ongoing dealer assistance – Appliance retailers benefit from dedicated U.S.-based onboarding, training, and support teams
  • Broad coverage flexibility – CPS programs span 60+ product categories, letting retailers protect new, open-box, scratch-and-dent, and used appliances
  • Trusted industry reputation – BBB A rating and long-term dealer partnerships reflect CPS’s commitment to service and reliability

Appliance Dealer Claims Involvement FAQ

How often do appliance customers contact the selling dealer first after a warranty claim?

According to CPS dealer observations, a majority of in-store appliance customers still contact the selling dealer first when faced with a warranty or service event.

Why do customers reach out to the dealer instead of the warranty company?

Customers trust the dealer relationship and often expect the store to guide them through the claims or repair process.

Can dealers stay involved during the entire CPS warranty claim process?

Yes, Consumer Priority Service gives dealers first right of refusal to handle service, keeping them involved from claim initiation through resolution.

Does CPS require customers to bypass the selling dealer for warranty claims?

No, customers can start the process with the dealer or contact CPS directly, but dealer involvement is encouraged and supported.

How does dealer involvement impact customer satisfaction during claims?

CPS benchmarks show that claims with dealer participation consistently generate higher customer satisfaction and retention rates.

Can dealers retain service revenue by servicing warranty claims themselves?

Yes, dealers who service their own customers retain the repair revenue, which is a key benefit of the CPS model.

What happens if the dealer chooses not to handle a warranty claim?

CPS coordinates repair or replacement through its nationwide factory-authorized and qualified technician network.

How does CPS keep the dealer informed during the claim process?

CPS provides regular updates to both the dealer and the customer, ensuring transparency and clear communication at every stage.

Are retailers required to handle all warranty claims themselves?

No, retailers have the option to handle claims or let CPS manage the process based on their service department’s capabilities and preferences.

How does CPS True Extended coverage work for dealer-involved claims?

True Extended begins after the OEM warranty expires, with the dealer able to service claims or have CPS facilitate repairs for the remainder of the coverage period.

Does the claims process differ for CPS 50% Back or SND coverage?

No, the claims workflow is consistent—dealer involvement and CPS claim administration apply across True Extended, 50% Back, and SND programs.

How are open-box, scratch-and-dent, and used appliances handled in CPS claims?

CPS coverage for these categories follows the same dealer-first model, supporting service participation and claim administration just like new appliances.

Can dealers track claim status and outcomes through CPS?

Yes, dealers have access to claim status and history via the CPS dealer portal for full visibility and management.

What if a customer contacts CPS directly instead of the dealer?

CPS verifies the selling dealer, offers the option for the dealer to service the claim, and keeps both parties informed during the process.

How does claims participation impact retailer revenue and retention?

CPS benchmarks show dealers involved in claims capture more service revenue and experience higher customer retention compared to those who leave claims to outside networks.

How can appliance retailers get started with CPS dealer-involved claims?

CPS dealer-involved claims are designed for appliance retailers who want to retain service revenue, strengthen customer relationships, and maintain brand trust throughout the ownership cycle. The program is flexible—dealers can choose their level of involvement and rely on CPS for administration, support, and customer communication. Whether you operate a single store or a multi-location group, CPS makes it straightforward to connect your team, access resources, and start participating in warranty claims as soon as you’re enrolled.

Contact Method

Details

Email

dealers@cpscentral.com

Phone

(800) 905-0445


CPS is here to help you

Consumer Priority Service (CPS) is built to work with any appliance retailer, whether you have your own service department or want to rely on CPS for claims support. If you want to see how this model fits your store, reach out to the CPS dealer team for a tailored walkthrough and onboarding guidance.

About This Content

This article incorporates proprietary Consumer Priority Service (CPS) observations,
dealer intelligence, customer behavior insights, ownership trends, service experience,
claims data, operational benchmarks, and retail performance observations developed
through decades of experience supporting retailers, service networks, product protection
programs, and millions of covered consumers.

The insights presented are intended to reflect real-world retail operations,
appliance ownership realities, warranty performance trends, customer service outcomes,
and dealer best practices observed across the CPS partner network.

Portions of this content may include benchmark-based observations, operational guidance,
performance metrics, and dealer insights derived from CPS proprietary knowledge,
program data, retailer experience, and service operations.

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