Replace, not replace. Consumers have been keeping their smartphones longer and longer, for about thirty months. They are more careful, but they are also more inclined to repair them to protect the environment, avoiding buying a new device or for economic reasons. This change in habits leads to a profound change in the field.
Fnac-Darty bought WeFix in 2018, Point Service Mobile bought Save in 2020. The latter has saved the name Save for all its stores. With its hundred franchisees, the Save chain has 186 “repair points” in France; it should have 200 by 2023, in addition to the thirty corners of the store. « We carry out “repairs” on behalf of the manufacturers of the products still under warranty, “repairs of individuals who visit directly.t “, concludes Charles Boccillon, CEO of Save. The network repairs 400,000 to 500,000 products annually. And he intends to continue his growth in France, but also in Europe, particularly in Spain.
Spare parts puzzle
Its main purpose is not to convince other consumers of the benefits of repair, but the availability of spare parts and equipment needed to repair smartphones. Some know-how, but also equipment, is needed to ensure the rigidity of the product. First of all, manufacturers limit the availability of original spare parts, which are very expensive and often not very affordable. The very wide range of smartphones, the third in the market by Xiaomi, makes it even more difficult to manage spare parts.
To keep repairs competitive, Save is using more and more repaired parts, especially for screens. This operation is possible only when the protective glass is broken. The whole difficulty is keeping the cost of repairs at an attractive price level. In general, the higher the purchase price of a new smartphone, the more profitable it is to repair it. It is logical that Apple և Samsung are the two leading brands.
More powerful smartphones
Manufacturers have also worked to extend the life of their products. « A few years ago, 90% of repairs were screen replacements. Today it is only 70%, the screens are stronger և better protected “- says Charles Boccillon. On the other hand, the batteries Do not follow. Consumers keep their smartphones longer, increasingly having to change the battery to maintain the autonomy and efficiency of their device. «.
The five-year warranty rate for repaired items is divided into four. A wonderful feat, which Charles Bocillon explains by generalizing waterproof products. Water no longer penetrates smartphones like the dust that tended to damage them. « Manufacturers have invested heavily in improving the durability of their products he greets. Fortunately for Save, there are still clumsy or demanding consumers. They no longer hesitate to change the battery of their device when it starts to show signs of weakness.
Source: Le Figaro
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.