Uline Refrigeration Customer Service — Expert Guide
Contents
Overview of Uline refrigeration offerings and channels
Uline, founded in 1980 by Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein, is headquartered in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin (12575 Uline Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158) and sells a wide commercial and light-industrial refrigeration range through its catalog and website (https://www.uline.com). The refrigeration category includes undercounter refrigerators, reach-in refrigerators/freezers, prep tables, merchandisers and insulated cabinets; typical SKU price ranges in 2024 are roughly $250–$1,200 for compact units, $1,200–$5,000 for 1–3 door reach-ins, and $5,000+ for larger specialty or walk-in assemblies. Uline operates multiple distribution centers across North America to support expedited shipping and parts fulfillment.
Purchasing channels are catalog, online order (Uline.com) and phone order. For the most current product specifications, part numbers and live inventory, always consult the product detail page on Uline.com. Uline emphasizes fast order processing for stocked items (many small items ship same or next day when ordered before cutoff), while large refrigeration equipment often ships by freight and may have lead times of 3–21 business days depending on model, configuration and destination.
How to contact and what to expect from Uline customer service
Uline’s primary customer service entry points are the website contact pages, email support and phone. The main corporate web portal is https://www.uline.com — use the “Contact Us” link for region-specific numbers and live chat. As a reference point, corporate ordering and general customer service is commonly reached through Uline’s central phone system (verify the latest number on the site before calling); typical business hours for phone support are Monday–Friday, 8:00–5:00 local time for distribution centers.
When you call, the customer service agent will confirm your account details, order/PO number, product SKU and serial number, and then advise on stock status, shipping options (curbside vs liftgate, inside delivery), pricing and estimated delivery dates. Freight for large refrigeration units is usually quoted per order; expect common freight charges within the continental U.S. to range from $100–$600 depending on size, liftgate requirements and distance. If you need an expedited freight or special handling (pad wrap, inside delivery), request a freight quote before finalizing the order.
What to prepare before you call
- Order/PO and account number; exact Uline SKU and serial number (e.g., SKU U-XXXXX) and date of purchase.
- Model, full serial, photos of the unit and fault, nameplate data (voltage, phase, amps), and proof of delivery if damage claim.
- Installation address, preferred delivery window, access constraints (stairs, narrow doorways), and whether a liftgate or inside delivery is required.
Troubleshooting, preventive maintenance and first response steps
Uline customer service can triage first-level refrigeration issues, but many problems are resolved by on-site basic checks. Before you escalate to parts or on-site service, verify power at the unit (use a voltmeter), confirm breaker and disconnect are on, check thermostat settings and door seals, and inspect the condenser coil for dust or blockage. For food-safety incidents, act fast: move product to a working refrigeration unit and document temperatures — loggers showing time/temperature readouts are essential for claims and inspections.
Routine maintenance reduces service calls: clean condenser coils every 3 months in dusty environments, replace door gaskets annually or when you observe 5–10% leakage, and verify refrigerant charge and oil levels annually with a qualified technician. Typical corrective costs: a basic service call runs $100–$200, a compressor replacement $700–$2,500 depending on model and refrigerant, and major electronic control board replacement $200–$800 plus labor. Keep maintenance logs for warranty claims and expected lifetime planning — many commercial units are expected to provide 7–12 years of service with proper maintenance.
Warranty, parts, repairs and service logistics
Warranty coverage varies by product; many commercial refrigeration manufacturers support a standard 1-year parts and labor warranty with extended compressor coverage (commonly 3–5 years). Uline lists warranty and returns details on each product page; always confirm the precise warranty period and exclusions for the SKU you purchase. For damage in transit, file freight claims immediately (document external and internal damage, retain packaging) and notify Uline within 3–7 days depending on the carrier terms shown at time of delivery.
If Uline does not provide on-site service for a specific model, they will typically help source the correct OEM replacement parts or recommend certified service partners. Typical parts lead times for in-stock components are 2–7 business days; specialty parts can be 2–8 weeks. For warranty repairs, have the serial number, proof of purchase (invoice), and a signed service report from the technician showing failure mode and corrective action — this accelerates approvals and replacement part shipments.
Common electrical and installation items to verify
- Voltage/Phase: confirm 120V single-phase vs 208–230V single or three-phase. Many reach-ins are 115/120V; condensing units and walk-ins often require 208–230V.
- Amperage and breaker size: check nameplate FLA (Full Load Amps) and spec recommended breaker size (e.g., 15A–30A for compact units, 30A–50A for mid-size compressors).
- Plug type and NEMA configuration: ensure the facility outlet matches unit plug or plan for electrician-provided hard-wiring; note cord length and location of disconnects for service access.
What is the Uline exchange policy?
If, for any reason, Customer is dissatisfied with a purchase of non-custom, stock products from Uline (other than a product indicated as “non-returnable”), Customer may return the products within 30 days of Customer’s receipt.
Why is Uline so expensive?
An AI Overview is not available for this searchCan’t generate an AI overview right now. Try again later.AI Overview Uline’s products can be expensive due to several factors, including high shipping and handling costs, especially for large or bulky items, and the cost of their large inventory and warehousing operations. While Uline positions itself as offering high quality, some customer experiences suggest that material quality doesn’t always justify the price, with issues like items breaking within short periods and a limited warranty being mentioned. Factors contributing to Uline’s higher costs:
- Shipping and Handling Fees: Uline’s items, especially boxes and packaging, are often large and bulky, which significantly increases shipping costs. They also add a handling fee on top of shipping.
- Large Inventory and Warehousing: The sheer volume of different packaging and industrial products Uline offers requires a massive inventory and extensive warehousing, which adds to their operating costs.
- Focus on Large Orders: Uline is geared towards businesses buying in bulk, and their pricing and shipping structures can be less cost-effective for smaller orders.
- Perceived vs. Actual Quality: While Uline states their products are high quality, some customers have noted that the materials aren’t as durable as expected, with a short 30-day warranty on some items, which is seen as a red flag for the price paid.
- Market Position: Uline aims to provide a broad range of products quickly, positioning itself as a convenient, one-stop-shop for businesses. This comprehensive service can come at a premium compared to sourcing from multiple specialized suppliers.
AI responses may include mistakes. Learn moreWhy is Uline So Expensive? All Reasons Uncovered | ArkaSep 20, 2019ArkaWhy is Uline So Expensive? All Reasons Uncovered – pakoro.comApr 12, 2025 — High Shipping Costs Even for short routes, Uline’s shipping costs can spike. These costs reduce your profit margin, wh…pakoro.com(function(){
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Is Uline customer service 24/7?
Uline customer service is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Orders placed by 6:00 PM local branch time (on business days) will be shipped the same day. All other orders will be shipped the next business day.
What is Uline customer service?
To learn more about benefits, view our Account Video. Prospective Supplier Information is currently unavailable on Uline’s mobile site. 1-800-295-5510. You can also visit our contact page.
Can I buy Uline products in person?
Uline does not offer retail store locations for browsing products.
Is Uline owned by Walmart?
Company overview
The company is owned by the Uihlein family and set up as a passthrough corporation.