The concept of device repair has grown tremendously as mobile electronics have increased in popularity. Rising technology prices have led many consumers to keep devices longer through device repair. Third-party repair shops are often preferred over OEMs, who have become notorious for costly repairs. Still, restricted repair access prevents many repair shops from performing certain repairs, and two industry leaders in device repair are partnering to advocate for improved repair access.
The Battle of Device Repair
Device repair has been a controversial industry topic, specifically the right to repair. On one side, consumers are fighting for the right to repair their devices cost-effectively rather than relying on original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). On the other hand, tech giants have lobbied against the movement, citing the dangers of device repair and battery handling. The problem is third third-party repair shops do not have access to specific tools and information that enable them to repair devices. There has been much debate concerning the reasons behind restricted access. Still, many consumers are pushing for repair legislation, and two companies in the electronics repair industry have partnered to advocate for device repair access.
Back Market and iFixit announced April 16 that the partnership will integrate iFixit’s tutorials across Back Market and add iFixit’s refurbished technology options and information from Back Market on all its channels. Additionally, Back Market will also offer iFixit’s repair toolkits for sale. According to Back Market’s co-founder and CEO, Thibaud Hug de Larauze, the partnership is grounded in the simple fact that “we’re fighting for the same thing.”
“We want to extend the life of products,” he said. Separately, Back Market focused on the circular economy, while iFixit “has been building all the knowledge and all the network of people to enable people to fix their stuff,” Hug de Larauze said. “I think actually those two value propositions should live hand-in-hand.”
Device Repair Supports a Circular Economy
A circular economy eliminates waste by reducing, reusing, and recycling. The primary goal of responsible IT asset disposition is to reduce the amount of e-waste the world generates, and device repair is a key component of device reuse. Reusing devices helps reduce the amount of e-waste that is produced by helping to reduce the demand for new devices to be manufactured, and ITAD providers like HOBI offer repair and remarketing opportunities for retired IT assets. Rather than wasting perfectly usable materials and devices, ITAD providers work with clients to repair and remarket used technology to help maximize the value of retired equipment.