Service Policy
Last updated: August 13, 2026
At Midwest Small Engines, we aim to provide honest recommendations, clear communication, and dependable service. By requesting service or leaving equipment with us, you agree to the following policies.
Service Authorization
Work will only be performed after receiving authorization from the customer. Authorization may be provided in person, by phone, text message, email, online form, estimate approval, or invoice approval.
If additional problems are discovered that would significantly change the cost or scope of the repair, we will contact you before continuing.
Estimates and Pricing
Estimates are based on the condition of the equipment at the time it is inspected. Hidden damage, seized components, previous repairs, missing parts, and other unexpected problems may affect the final cost.
An estimate is not a guarantee that every possible problem has already been identified. No additional work beyond the approved amount or scope will be completed without customer authorization.
Labor, diagnostic charges, parts, supplies, pickup or delivery charges, applicable taxes, and other approved fees may appear separately on the final invoice.
Diagnostic and Minimum Charges
The current labor rate is $60 per hour, with a $50 minimum service charge. The minimum charge applies to inspections, diagnostics, adjustments, minor repairs, and other service work. Labor exceeding the minimum charge is billed at the current hourly labor rate.
Diagnostic time and labor already performed remain chargeable if the customer chooses not to proceed with the recommended repair.
Parts
Replacement parts may be original-equipment, aftermarket, used, or special-order parts depending on availability, cost, and the customer’s approval.
Special-order parts may require advance payment. Once ordered, special-order or installed parts may not be refundable unless they are defective or returnable through the supplier.
Midwest Small Engines is not responsible for delays caused by unavailable, backordered, or discontinued parts.
Customer-Supplied Parts
Customer-supplied parts may be installed only with prior approval. Midwest Small Engines cannot guarantee the quality, compatibility, or performance of parts supplied by the customer.
Additional labor caused by an incorrect, defective, or incomplete customer-supplied part is the customer’s responsibility. Customer-supplied parts are not covered by Midwest Small Engines.
Completion Times
Completion dates are estimates and may change because of parts availability, seasonal workload, weather, equipment condition, or unexpected repair issues.
We will make reasonable efforts to communicate significant delays, but we cannot guarantee an exact completion date unless specifically agreed to in writing.
Payment, Equipment Pickup, and Storage Fees
Payment is due when service is completed and before the equipment is released unless other arrangements have been approved in advance.
Customers will be notified by phone, text message, or email when their equipment is ready. Equipment must be picked up within seven calendar days after notification.
Beginning on the eighth calendar day after notification, a storage fee of $20 per day will apply until the equipment is picked up. Midwest Small Engines may waive, reduce, or delay storage fees when an exception has been approved.
Pickup and Delivery
Pickup and delivery are available within the approved service area and are subject to scheduling availability.
There is currently no pickup or delivery charge within the Wausau, Wisconsin area. Equipment located outside the Wausau area may be subject to a mileage or transportation charge. Any applicable charge will be communicated before pickup is scheduled.
Customers must provide safe and reasonable access to the equipment. Equipment should be accessible, free from excessive debris, and ready for transportation at the agreed location and time.
Repair Concerns
Midwest Small Engines does not provide a fixed repair warranty unless one is specifically stated in writing.
If a customer believes a completed repair has failed within a reasonable period, they should contact Midwest Small Engines before another person or repair shop performs additional work. Each situation will be reviewed individually, and Midwest Small Engines will make a reasonable effort to work with the customer when the problem appears related to the repair performed.
This does not guarantee free labor, replacement parts, transportation, refunds, or additional repairs. Unrelated failures, normal wear, misuse, accidents, improper storage, contaminated or incorrect fuel, neglected maintenance, and unauthorized modifications are not the responsibility of Midwest Small Engines.
Manufacturer warranties on replacement parts remain subject to the manufacturer’s individual terms and approval. Nothing in this policy limits any customer rights that cannot legally be waived.
Preexisting Conditions
Used and older equipment may have worn, damaged, modified, or previously repaired components that are not visible during the initial inspection.
Midwest Small Engines is not responsible for unrelated failures or preexisting damage discovered during or after an authorized repair. We will notify the customer if additional concerns are found.
Declined or Canceled Repairs
If a repair is declined or canceled after inspection, diagnosis, disassembly, parts ordering, or repair work has begun, the customer remains responsible for authorized labor, diagnostic time, parts, supplies, and applicable fees already incurred.
Some equipment may require additional labor to be safely reassembled after a repair is declined.
Refunds
Completed labor is generally nonrefundable. Installed, used, electrical, fuel-system, and special-order parts may not be returnable unless defective and accepted for return by the supplier or manufacturer.
Questions involving an alleged defective repair will be handled under the Repair Concerns section of this policy.
Unclaimed Equipment
We will make reasonable attempts to contact the customer when equipment is ready or when a repair decision is needed.
Equipment that remains unclaimed may continue to accumulate storage fees and will eventually be handled in accordance with applicable Wisconsin law. Equipment will not be sold or disposed of solely because a customer misses one notification.
Used Equipment Sales
Unless a written warranty is provided at the time of sale, used equipment sold by Midwest Small Engines is sold as-is. Customers are encouraged to inspect used equipment and ask questions before purchasing.
Policy Updates
Midwest Small Engines may update this policy as services and business operations change. The policy in effect when service is authorized will apply to that service unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Questions about this policy may be submitted through our Contact Us page or by calling or texting Midwest Small Engines.