Free appliance repair resource
Appliance Repair Diagnostic Fee Authorization Template
The worst time to explain a diagnostic fee is after the technician has already found the problem. If the customer declines the repair, the conversation can turn into: “You did not fix anything, so why do I owe a fee?”
A short authorization before troubleshooting makes the transaction clearer. The customer acknowledges the diagnostic visit and fee, while any later repair estimate still requires separate approval.
Prepared by Oleg Goriachev, appliance repair business owner and Taskrol founder.
Plain-language diagnostic authorization sample
Replace the bracketed fields with your business and job information. Keep the diagnostic decision separate from repair approval.
Download the authorization templateBy signing below, I authorize [Company Name] to perform diagnostic and troubleshooting services on the appliance(s) identified in this work order or service visit.
I understand and agree that a diagnostic fee of $[Amount] is charged for this diagnostic service and is due whether or not I authorize any repairs after the diagnosis.
This signature does not approve a repair estimate, parts, or labor beyond the diagnostic fee. Any additional work requires my separate approval.
I have had an opportunity to ask questions about the diagnostic fee and these terms before signing.
Customer name: [Name] Signature: [Signature] Date: [Date]
When to collect the signature
Show the authorization after confirming the appliance and diagnostic fee but before opening the unit or beginning troubleshooting. Give the customer time to read it and ask questions.
After diagnosis, present the repair estimate separately. A customer can agree to the diagnostic visit and still decline the proposed repair.
What to keep with the service job
- Company and customer name
- Service address and appliance being diagnosed
- Diagnostic fee amount
- The terms displayed when the customer signed
- Customer name or drawn signature
- Date and connection to the work order
- Separate repair-estimate approval when applicable
How Taskrol preserves the acknowledgment
In Taskrol, the authorization belongs to the job rather than a disposable invoice file. It can appear in the Diagnostic Authorization section of invoices created for that job, and deleting or recreating an invoice does not erase the original acknowledgment.
Frequently asked questions
Is the diagnostic fee due if the customer declines the repair?
The sample authorization states that the diagnostic fee is due whether or not the customer later approves the repair. The signed acknowledgment helps make that policy clear but does not guarantee collection or a legal outcome.
Does this authorization approve parts and labor?
No. It authorizes diagnostic troubleshooting and acknowledges the diagnostic fee. The repair estimate, parts, and labor require separate approval.
Can the customer type a name instead of drawing a signature?
Taskrol supports both drawing a signature and typing a name on the diagnostic authorization screen.
Should a lawyer review the template?
A business may have the wording reviewed for the requirements of its state or jurisdiction. Taskrol provides the process and record, not legal advice.
Solo stays free forever for one technician and one company. Paid plans include a 7-day trial.