How do variable service times affect ETA accuracy?

Each stop's ETA is calculated by adding drive time plus the cumulative service time of every preceding stop. When service times are accurate, downstream ETAs stay tight. When they default to a flat number, errors compound across the route, and the last customers of the day can see ETAs that are 30-60 minutes off.

What is the average installation time for major appliances?

Installation times vary by appliance type and site conditions. A freestanding range typically takes 30-45 minutes, a dishwasher 60-90 minutes, and a built-in wall oven 90-120 minutes. Factors like stairs, haul-away, and new plumbing connections add time to every category.

Can I import service times in bulk instead of setting them manually?

Yes. Most route planning platforms support spreadsheet imports where each row (stop) includes a service time column. This lets you upload hundreds of stops with pre-assigned durations based on appliance type, eliminating manual entry for each individual stop.

How do I know if my service time estimates are accurate?

Track actual time spent at each stop and compare it against your planned service time. Over a few weeks of data, patterns emerge showing which appliance categories are consistently under- or over-estimated. Use those insights to adjust your default durations.

Should I account for haul-away time in my service duration?

Yes. Hauling away an old appliance adds 10-20 minutes to the stop, depending on the appliance size and building access. Include haul-away as an add-on modifier to your base service time tier rather than creating a separate category for every appliance-plus-haul-away combination.