According to a survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of the TÜV association, many consumers still prefer to buy a new smartphone than to have their old one repaired when it breaks down. Around a third of respondents had their mobile phone break down at least once in the past five years. Of those who had this problem, only a third had their device repaired. It can be assumed that the remaining majority bought a new smartphone in this case.
“Repairing smartphones is the exception rather than the rule, even though it would definitely be a more sustainable solution,” said Juliane Petrich, sustainability and policy expert at the TÜV Association.
Few repair offers
The reasons are varied. According to the survey, many people considered their mobile phone to be generally beyond repair or the repair seemed too expensive. Others, on the other hand, did not even think of having their device repaired. According to TÜV, the problem is that many manufacturers only offer repairs in a few authorized workshops and they are relatively expensive. Important components are difficult to access and their replacement is troublesome.
“Right to Repair” in the EU
If the EU goes ahead with its plan, it will be easier for consumers to repair technical devices. In April, the European Parliament passed the “right to repair” law, which will allow consumers to contact manufacturers directly to fix faults in the future. They will also have the right to repair ordinary household products after the statutory guarantee has expired, provided they are considered technically repairable.
To encourage more people to opt for repairs, a new one-year product warranty after repairs is to be introduced. The EU also wants to strengthen independent repair shops. It is hoped that they will be able to offer better repair deals once they have more information about products and reasonable prices for spare parts.
The survey, conducted in August by Ipsos, involved a group of 1,000 people over the age of 16. (DPA/jar)
Source: Gazeta
At 247 News Agency, Jason has covered a wide range of topics, from politics and business to crime and entertainment. He is highly respected by his colleagues and peers, and his articles are widely read and shared. With a passion for news and a commitment to accuracy, Jason Root is a valuable asset to the 247 News Agency team.
