The European Union is finally introducing the right to repair electronic devices, but don’t expect cheaper repairs or cheaper phones! The new directive, effective from July, requires manufacturers to make it easier to repair mobile phones, washing machines, refrigerators, and other devices. The goal? To reduce electronic waste and extend product lifespans. But experts and retailers are already warning – this right might only lead to pricier devices and more expensive repairs.
Today, it’s almost impossible to open a phone with a regular screwdriver. Manufacturers use glue instead of screws, and the internal components are complex and hard to fix. This saves money in production but forces you to buy new devices instead of repairing old ones. The new rules might allow repairs, but due to expensive spare parts and higher labor costs, repairs will be more expensive than ever.
A study by the Cologne Institute for Trade Research showed that 68% of retailers expect repair costs to rise, and 63% of manufacturers believe these extra costs will be passed on to customers. Even 62% of retailers think new device prices will increase to cover repair costs, although only 37% of manufacturers openly admit this.
Consumers are mostly uninformed – only 44% know about this change, and 70% think it’s more cost-effective to buy a new device than to repair an old one. On average, they are willing to pay only 22% of the device’s price for repairs, which is far less than the actual costs.
Retailers see opportunities in the new rules – 89% believe it will attract more customers, and 80% expect additional sales. However, 75% of retailers say they lack enough trained workers to meet the increased demand for repairs. Also, unclear regulations about automatic warranty extensions after repairs create extra complications and may lead to abuses.
The bottom line? The EU tried to tackle electronic waste, but the new directive might bring pricier devices, costlier repairs, and chaos in repair shops. If you thought this would make your life easier, you might be in for a surprise. So, what do you think – will the right to repair really help, or just make us dig deeper into our pockets? Drop a comment and let’s see who’s for and who’s against!
