The 'Right to Repair' movement is having a bit of a moment amid the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, but the concept has been around much longer. Most often associated with the Car and Automobile Manufacturing industry in the United States, attention is now being drawn to consumer electronics manufacturers, as the public grows increasingly unsatisfied with the ethically questionable, but staggeringly common “planned obsolescence” strategies of such producers. The outcome could be beneficial for consumers and the Electronic and Computer Repair Services industry in the US.
What we talk about when we talk about Right to Repair
Right to Repair policies vary, but all are essentially attempting to make manufacturers provide independent repair shops and consumers with the same product information provided to in-house repair centers. Policies also generally argue for the right of the consumer or repair shop to use third-party substitute products instead of replacement parts from the manufacturer. In essence, these policies aim to give consumers the freedom of choice in the cost and method of repairing their products.
And “planned obsolescence”?
In many ways, “planned obsolescence” is the natural result in an industry without right to repair policies in place. Manufacturers purposely design their products to begin deteriorating or otherwise become obsolete in time for the unveiling of a new model. The threat of voided warranties keeps do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiasts and independent repair shops at bay, and even when warranties are no longer an issue, the product-specific tools and replacement parts are controlled by the manufacturers. Since the manufacturers control the extent and means to which consumers can repair their products, consumers are often left with one choice: buy new.
How to Build a Self-perpetuating Machine (courtesy of big-tech):
- Sell affordably-priced tech that has become necessary to day-to-day life, such as laptops and cell phones.
- Ensure products will run efficiently for one to two years, in time for new product rollout.
- Warn customers of the danger of voiding a warranty with DIY or independent repair shop repairs.
- Provide in-house repairs for all customer needs.
- Price repairs and replacement parts just below cost of a new model.
- Provide no information on product specs to customers or independent repair shops.
- Eventually stop offering in-house repairs or replacements for older models.
- Repeat ad infinitum.
Sounds similar to David and Goliath
It is somewhat similar to David and Goliath. “Planned obsolescence” strategies enable large, already successful producers to control their products long after the consumer has paid for them. Consumers are forced to bring their products back to the manufacturer for repairs, which is where the greatest issue lies. A manufacturer has nothing to gain by fixing a consumers soon-to-be-outdated product for a reasonable price. In fact, they would be robbing themselves of a new sale, which manufacturers are aware of. Manufacturers make the cost of repair so high that replacement is a more financially savvy option.
The current situation
For nearly two decades, consumer spending on electronic devices has risen, as a wave of disposable culture, fed by manufacturers’ practices, resulted in a scheduled cycle of buying and disposing. Concurrently, the Electronic and Computer Repair Services industry experienced declines, as operators gradually became unable to offer such services. As a result, repairs to consumer electronics account for an estimated 8.4% of the average independent repair shop’s revenue in 2021. However, a change might be on the horizon.
The rise of the independent repair shop
Right to Repair policies are largely considered at the state level. However, in 2021, more than a dozen states are seriously considering legislation. Changes will likely be slow and gradual; for instance, in 2019, Apple Inc. announced plans to give independent repair shops the same parts and tools used by in-house counterparts. Yet, the conceit comes with a required contract deterring many prospects. Moreover, the change does little to mitigate the costs associated with such repairs, as repair shops cannot offer discounted third-party parts.
Greater change will require the following:
- Manufacturer information regarding product specs
- More lenient warranties
- Permission for third-party replacement parts and tools
Which will likely result in myriad benefits and opportunities:
- Less incentive for manufacturers to continue “planned obsolescence” strategies
- More options and control over purchased products for consumers
- Rising demand for independent repair shops
- Decreased annual spending on consumer electronics
- Reduced waste and environmental impact of disposable culture
Real change will likely convert the landscape of consumer electronics to something akin to automobile repairs and aftermarket industries. Such policies have the potential to limit ethically questionable practices, such as “planned obsolescence,” and return control to product owners. While this may result in manufacturers charging higher prices for their products, it will likely enable consumers to keep their products for longer periods, resulting in their money spent being an investment rather than a nearly annual fee.
