Appliance Repair People
I am looking for a person to repair my air conditioner and my washing machine. THIS PERSON SHOULD SPEAK ENGLISH.
Because of my current language barrier I am unable to explain the problems that these units are having.
I had two air conditioner repair people come to my apartment, turn on the unit, and then leave, because they obviously thought that it was working because it was powering ON and blowing air. I would like to explain that the problem is that is doesn't blow COLD air.
I have a similar problem with the washing machine. Yes, it powers ON and washes a load, but it doesn't spin fast enough and my clothes are left dripping wet. I'm talking huge drops like i just pulled it out of a pool of water, so that I have to wring them out by hand before I hang them up.
Any recommendations?
ps I WILL learn to speak Cantonese in due time!!!!!! :)
Hi Chanteuse,
Where do you live? Maybe the management of the place where you live can supply you with those services and they may have someone to whom you can explain the problem so that he/she can pass the message to the "shi fu" (the repair guy)
Good luck
DrPoi
Well, I live in Ocean Gardens. Believe me when I say I am learning Cantonese as quickly as I can. I want to be able to communicate with the shi fu guys directly. So much can get lost in translation...
For example: My problem with the air conditioner is NOT that the batteries need changing in the remote. Yes, it obviously turns on, but if you would just wait a few minutes would would be able to see that the air is not cold. Ng goi... ng goi... m hai... mhai... to no avail. The repairman walked out of my flat like he was god's gift to me for simply figuring out how to turn on the unit for me.
Argh!
And BTW my washing machine's spin cycle isn't spinning fast enough and my clothes are dripping wet so that I have to wring 'em out b4 hanging up.
Ahem. It would be fabulous to find a repairman with whom I could communicate effectively.
Ever the optimist,
Rose :)
Hi Chanteuse,
I live in O.Gardens too and every time I've had problems with electric appliances, the management sent someone. You can give them a call at the bureau, there are English speakers there, and explain what the problem is. Hopefully they will transmit it to the repairman.
853) 2881 1234
marketing@oceangardens.com.mo
Our washing machine works fine, although it took some time to learn how to make it work properly...
We had our air cons cleaned and the cooling gas (or whatever it is) recharged last year. Maybe that's your problem.
Cheers
DrPoi
Chanteuse,
Have you tried to tell the shi fu: "M tong", which means "not cold"?
Cheers
Hello Dr. Poi,
Well the air conditioner is fixed, thanks to my real estate agent's translating! I must say that I have a lot of respect for the air conditioner repairman because he climbed out of the window 20 floors high to get at the outside box! It was amazing.
My agent said she'll help me take care of the washing machine problem with the same repairman. He was a very good worker and as he walked out the door I gave him a nicely cut up mangosteen in a sandwich bag as I said, "sik faan." It was around dinner time so I thought he would like a snack on the way home. He smiled and took it so I suppose he appreciated the gesture.
I know that China isn't a tipping society but I still want to show my appreciation. I hope that I did the right thing. I'm trying to learn about the customs here and want to make sure that my intentions are clear.
The next thing on my list is to change the toilet seats. I managed to unhinge the one in the utility bathroom, but the one in the main bedroom is very stubborn! I will take your advice and call the O.G. management number and try to explain that I need the shi fu to help me change my seat.
Thanks Dr. Poi!
Rose :)
haha, drpoi, it's "M dong" , not "M tong"
anyway, already pretty good
Well, you know Jessicantique, it's the need for survival!! ;)
DrPoi