By Publix - December 4, 2013

Help save time and money by knowing when to call it in

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Timing can be the difference between a $50 repair and a $500 repair. Know when the best time is to report service calls, especially during the holidays.

As the busy holiday season continues, stores sometimes postpone reporting problems and requesting service to avoid interruption to associates and customers. But it’s important to report problems early before repairs become more costly.

Test floor scrubbers before scheduled deep scrubs
Three days prior to a scheduled deep scrub, an associate should proactively test the floor scrubbers to make sure they are working correctly. This will help eliminate the need to reschedule or request a severity one service call on the day of the deep scrub, which could result in Publix paying additional charges.

Report ice machine problems early in the day
The seafood ice machine needs to work correctly prior to associates setting up the service case each morning. And since the cost of service calls increases if the work has to be done after hours or as overtime, problems with the ice machine should be reported early in the day.

Prepare equipment to be repaired
If the deli hot case, oven or fryer is not warming to the appropriate temperature or not working at all, notify your manager immediately. Managers are given an expected time for technicians or suppliers to arrive to resolve the issue. It’s important to allow hot equipment like ovens to cool down with the doors open for up to three hours prior to the technician arriving. This will help the technician diagnose and begin repairs as quickly as possible.

Making service calls early helps Publix avoid paying overtime rates to our suppliers, increases the chance that a repair will be successful and provides a safer and more efficient work environment for our associates. Help make sure your store is ready for this busy season by reporting any outstanding repairs to your manager now. Managers can report issues to the facility services contact center by calling 1-888-322-5454 and selecting option one.


Tell your manager as soon as you notice a problem so they can report the issue.