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Right to Repair 2026: Complete Advocacy Guide for Tech Repair Pros

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Right to Repair in 2026: Action Guide for Tech Repair Pros | Tech Care Association

Right to Repair in 2026: Action Guide for Tech Repair Professionals

The right to repair isn't just a movement anymore—it's the new reality for tech care professionals. After years of battling for basic access, 2025 marked the leap to Right to Repair 2.0. Now, we're not just talking about getting parts and manuals—we're fighting for real, enforceable protections against things like software locks and parts pairing that quietly threaten our industry's future.

Why 2026 Is a Turning Point

New laws are kicking in. Legislative momentum is building. Manufacturers are watching our every move. States that act in 2026 will set the tone for device design, calibration access, and repair policies across the country. This is the year to get loud, get organized, and make sure tech repair professionals are leading—not following—the conversation.

Related: Digital Right to Repair 2026: The New Rules of the Game for Tech Repair Pros

What's Changed: From Access to Enforcement

States like Oregon and Colorado didn't just talk—they passed laws that explicitly ban parts pairing. The EU's new Right to Repair directive, launching in 2026, weaves repair into both consumer protection and climate action. We're moving from symbolic gestures to rules with teeth.

These shifts represent a fundamental transformation in how we approach independent repair. The question is no longer whether repair should be protected—but how it works, who gets to do it, and who benefits.

See also: Big Tech Decides When Your Stuff Breaks. Right to Repair in 2026 Can Stop Them

Where the U.S. Stands Now

States with real digital right-to-repair laws: New York, Minnesota, California, Oregon, Colorado, Washington, and Texas. More states are on deck for 2026, with legislative sessions starting across the country.

🎯 Virginia and Maryland: Priority Targets

Both states start their legislative sessions on January 14, 2026.

Virginia already has a digital right-to-repair bill on record and strong repair momentum. Maryland lawmakers have demonstrated interest in repair as both consumer protection and climate policy. These are critical battlegrounds where tech repair professionals can make an immediate impact.

Action Plan: What Tech Repair Pros Should Do Now

  • Get organized locally. Build relationships with your legislators before sessions start. Don't wait for a crisis—be the expert they trust.
  • Document your pain points. Collect stories, photos, and invoices showing how parts pairing, software locks, and manufacturer restrictions impact your business and customers. Real-world evidence is gold.
  • Prepare to testify. Your voice matters. Use clear, specific examples of how these barriers cost you time, revenue, and reputation. Lawmakers need to hear from YOU, not just lobbyists.
  • Team up. Align with consumer, environmental, and workforce groups. We're stronger together, and united voices get noticed.
  • Educate your customers. Be transparent about what's blocking repairs and how policy can fix it. Use your storefront, social media, and receipts to share the message.

Further reading: Digital Right to Repair: Why You Deserve Control Over Your Devices

🔍 Find Your State Representatives

Building relationships with your state lawmakers is a game-changer for your shop and the right to repair movement. Use these trusted resources to find your legislators and their contact information.

Official Legislator Lookup Tools:

🔗 Common Cause: Find Your Legislators

Simple address lookup for state and federal representatives

🔗 Open States: Find Your Legislator

Comprehensive state legislative information and contact details

🔗 USA.gov: Elected Officials Directory

Official government directory for all elected representatives

💡 Pro Tip: You can also search "[your state] find my legislator" to access your state's official legislative website, which will have the most current contact information.

Connect with Your State Representatives

Sample Message to Request a Meeting

Email Template:

Subject: Request for Meeting: Local Tech Repair Shop & Right to Repair

Hi [Representative Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I own [Your Shop Name] in [Your Town]. As a local small business owner, I'm reaching out to discuss the impact of right to repair legislation on our community and local economy.

I'd appreciate the opportunity to meet with you (in person or virtually) to share how recent and upcoming laws affect both our business and our customers. I can provide real-world examples and answer any questions you may have about the tech repair industry in [Your District].

Please let me know your availability in the coming weeks. Thank you for your time and for representing our community!

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Shop Name]
[Contact Info]

💡 Outreach Tips:

  • Be concise, respectful, and direct
  • Mention you're a constituent and local business owner
  • Offer specific dates/times if possible
  • Follow up if you don't get a response within a week

Get the Word Out: Contacting Local Media

Don't underestimate the power of local media to amplify your story and put the spotlight on the challenges—and importance—of independent repair. Media coverage not only boosts your shop's visibility but also helps educate the community and pressure policymakers to act.

Who to Contact:

  • Local newspapers (editors, business reporters, community desk)
  • TV news stations (assignment editors, consumer reporters)
  • Radio stations (morning show hosts, news directors)
  • Community blogs or online news outlets
  • Local business journals

Sample Email to Local Media

Email Template:

Subject: Local Tech Repair Shop Champions Right to Repair in 2026

Hi [Name],

I'm [Your Name], owner of [Your Shop Name] here in [Your Town]. As a local tech repair professional, I'm on the front lines of the right to repair movement—a cause that's gaining real momentum in 2026 with new laws and growing community support.

Our shop has seen firsthand how software locks, parts pairing, and manufacturer restrictions impact local families, small businesses, and the environment. I'd love to share our story and help your audience understand why protecting the right to repair matters for everyone in [Your Town].

Would you be interested in covering how these changes affect our community, or speaking with me for a local perspective? I can provide real-world examples and connect you with customers who've been impacted.

Thanks for your time—looking forward to connecting!

Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Shop Name]
[Contact Info]

💡 Pro Tips:

  • Personalize your email—mention a recent story they ran or why their audience will care
  • Include a photo of your shop/team if possible
  • Offer to demonstrate a repair or show how policy changes impact real customers

What Success Looks Like in 2026

📜

More State Right to Repair Laws

Laws tackling software locks and anti-repair tactics

⚖️

Clearer Manufacturer Rules

Enforceable expectations for device makers

🔓

Fewer Repair Barriers

Reduced warning pop-ups and feature lockouts

💪

Industry Confidence

Investment in new skills, tools, and staff

🤝

United Tech Repair

A respected, organized industry coalition

TCA's Take: Repair Is Infrastructure—And So Are You

Repair keeps devices working, money in local economies, and e-waste out of landfills. In 2026, we're not asking if repair should be protected—we're deciding how it works, who gets to do it, and who benefits. That means showing up, speaking out, and supporting each other.

Every Voice Counts

Every shop, every tech, every customer story counts. The future of repair is being written right now—by people who care enough to act. Let's make sure it's our story that gets told.

Ready to Take Action?

Join the movement and make your voice heard in 2026

Join TCA's Advocacy Network Share Your Story Subscribe for Updates

Repair first. Repair local. Repair together.

Have feedback or a story to share? Drop us a line or join the conversation on LinkedIn or Facebook.

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How to Capture $3,000+ Monthly Revenue from Facebook Marketplace Services

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How to Capture $3,000+ Monthly Revenue from Facebook Marketplace Services

How to Capture $3,000+ Monthly Revenue from Facebook Marketplace Services

Facebook Marketplace moves 1.1 billion visitors monthly through $26 billion in annual transactions. A massive chunk of that is used electronics—and every single transaction needs exactly what you already provide: testing, refurbishment, verification, and trust.
1.1B
Monthly Visitors
$26B
Annual Transactions
$3K-$5K
Potential Monthly Revenue

Here's what most repair shops miss: you're not just fixing broken devices. You're the neutral third party that makes Marketplace transactions safe, profitable, and legitimate for both buyers and sellers.

This guide shows you how to build a Facebook Marketplace service offering that generates $3,000–$5,000 monthly in new revenue with minimal overhead. This strategy complements our Shop Smart, Grow Strong series and represents the kind of business growth opportunities that Tech Care Association represents for over 1,700 repair businesses nationwide.

📋 What's Inside This Guide

Why This Works for Your Shop

The market is already there. High-demand devices sell in under 24 hours on Marketplace when priced right. Your local market has hundreds of buyers and sellers every week who need:

  • Pre-purchase inspections before they hand over cash
  • Professional refurbishment to maximize resale value
  • Safe meeting locations that aren't parking lots
  • Device certification that builds buyer confidence
  • Post-sale support when something goes wrong

✓ You Already Have Everything Required:

  • Diagnostic tools and technical expertise
  • A physical location buyers and sellers trust
  • Reputation in your community
  • The ability to verify device condition, battery health, and functionality

The only thing missing is a service menu and marketing that tells your community you're open for Marketplace business.

1Pre-Purchase Inspections ($30–$75 per inspection)

What You're Selling

A 15–30 minute comprehensive inspection before a buyer commits to a Marketplace purchase. This catches fraud, hidden damage, and overpriced junk before money changes hands.

Your Inspection Checklist

Smartphones:

  • Power on and boot time
  • Screen responsiveness, dead pixels, touch accuracy
  • All cameras (front, back, zoom if applicable)
  • Speakers, microphone, earpiece
  • All physical buttons and switches
  • Charging port and wireless charging (if applicable)
  • Face ID / fingerprint sensor
  • Battery health percentage (critical)
  • Activation lock status (iCloud/Google Account)
  • IMEI check for blacklist/stolen status
  • Signs of water damage or previous repairs

Laptops/Tablets:

  • Boot time and operating system functionality
  • Screen condition and hinge integrity
  • Keyboard and trackpad responsiveness
  • All ports (USB, HDMI, audio, etc.)
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
  • Battery health and charge cycle count
  • Webcam and microphone
  • Storage health (SSD/HDD diagnostics)
  • Signs of liquid damage or previous repairs

Pricing Structure

Service Price Time
Basic Inspection (Smartphone) $30–$40 15 minutes
Comprehensive Inspection (Laptop/Tablet) $50–$75 30 minutes
Rush Inspection (while waiting) Add $15–$20 Same time
Written Report with Photos Add $10–$15 5 minutes
💡 Pro tip: Offer the inspection fee as a credit toward any repair or purchase the customer makes within 30 days. This converts inspection customers into repair customers.

Marketing This Service

In-store signage: "Buying on Facebook Marketplace? Get it inspected here first. $35 can save you $500."

Social media posts: "Thinking about that 'great deal' on Marketplace? Bring it here first. We'll test everything in 15 minutes and tell you if it's legit. $35 beats losing $400 on a lemon."

Facebook Marketplace presence: Post in local buy/sell groups: "Local repair shop offering pre-purchase inspections for Marketplace buyers. Neutral location, professional testing, peace of mind. DM for details."

Revenue Potential

3 inspections/day × 6 days/week = 18 inspections/week

18 inspections × $40 average = $720/week

$2,880/month from inspections alone

And that's before conversion to repairs, accessories, or other services.

2Seller Refurbishment & Certification ($75–$300 per device)

What You're Selling

Professional refurbishment that lets Marketplace sellers command premium prices, sell faster, and reduce returns. Learn more about transparent pricing strategies in our other guides.

Service Tiers

Basic Refresh ($75–$100):

  • Full diagnostic test
  • Professional cleaning (exterior and ports)
  • Software reset and OS update
  • Battery health report
  • Certificate of functionality

Standard Refurbishment ($125–$175):

  • Everything in Basic Refresh
  • Screen protector or basic case included
  • Minor cosmetic repair (polish scratches, clean oxidation)
  • Data wipe with certification
  • 30-day shop warranty included
  • Professional photos for listing (see below)

Premium Refurbishment ($200–$300):

  • Everything in Standard Refurbishment
  • Battery replacement (if under 80% health)
  • Screen replacement or housing swap for cosmetic upgrade
  • 90-day shop warranty
  • Graded condition report (A/B/C)
  • Listing optimization consultation

Why Sellers Pay for This

A $75 refurbishment on a $300 phone lets sellers:

  • Price $50–$75 higher than comparable listings
  • Sell 2–3× faster with "professionally refurbished" in the title
  • Reduce returns and disputes
  • Build seller reputation with warranties and documentation
Your pitch to sellers: "Spend $75 now, sell for $75 more, and move it in 48 hours instead of three weeks. Plus you hand the buyer a warranty and a clean conscience."

Add-On: Professional Listing Photos ($25–$40)

Most Marketplace listings have terrible photos. Offer a simple photo package:

  • Clean lightbox or white background setup
  • 6–8 high-quality images from multiple angles
  • Device powered on showing home screen
  • Close-ups of any cosmetic wear (transparency sells)
  • Accessories and packaging included in shot

Sellers will pay $25–$40 for this because professional photos double sell-through rates. It takes you 10 minutes with a smartphone and a $30 lightbox from Amazon.

Revenue Potential

2 refurbishments/day × 6 days/week = 12 refurbishments/week

12 refurbishments × $125 average = $1,500/week

$6,000/month from refurbishment services

3Safe Transaction Location (Free or $10–$15 facilitation fee)

What You're Offering

A neutral, professional environment where buyers and sellers meet to complete Marketplace transactions. You provide the space, the expertise, and the peace of mind.

Two Models

Model A: Free Meeting Space (Customer Acquisition)

Offer your lobby as a free safe exchange zone. Promote it heavily on social media and in local Facebook groups. The goal is foot traffic and conversion:

  • Buyers who meet at your shop often request a quick inspection ($30–$40)
  • Sellers who meet at your shop ask about refurbishment for their next device
  • Both parties see your shop, your professionalism, and your services
  • You become the trusted local tech authority

Model B: Transaction Facilitation Fee ($10–$15)

Charge a small fee to facilitate the transaction:

  • Verify device powers on and matches description
  • Confirm activation lock status
  • Provide a neutral witness to the exchange
  • Offer a simple receipt/bill of sale for both parties

This works best in higher-income areas or for higher-value transactions ($500+).

Marketing This Service

Google Business Profile: Add "Safe Exchange Zone for Online Purchases" to your services. Update your description to mention Facebook Marketplace transactions welcome.

Local Facebook Groups: Post monthly: "Reminder: [Your Shop Name] offers a safe, neutral location for Marketplace meetups. Bring your transaction here—we can test devices on the spot if needed."

In-Store Signage: "Facebook Marketplace Meetups Welcome Here. Safe. Neutral. Professional."

Revenue Potential

Even as a free service, this drives:

  • 10–15 new customers/week into your shop
  • 30–40% conversion to paid services (inspections, repairs, accessories)
  • Reputation as the go-to local tech authority

If you charge $10–$15 per facilitation:

5 transactions/day × 6 days/week = 30 transactions/week
30 transactions × $12 average = $360/week
$1,440/month from facilitation fees alone

4Your Own Marketplace Sales Channel

Why Repair Shops Should Sell on Marketplace

You already have inventory most shops ignore:

  • Trade-ins from customers upgrading
  • Repaired devices customers never picked up (after legal hold period)
  • Refurbished devices from bulk purchases
  • Parts devices you've harvested components from

Facebook Marketplace charges zero fees for local pickup. That's a massive advantage over eBay (13% + $0.30) or Amazon (15% referral fee).

What to Sell

High-velocity items:

  • Refurbished smartphones (iPhone 11–14, Samsung Galaxy S20–S23)
  • Refurbished laptops (MacBook Air 2017+, ThinkPads, Chromebooks)
  • Tablets (iPads, Samsung Galaxy Tabs)
  • Accessories (cases, chargers, earbuds, screen protectors)

Pricing strategy:

  • Price 10–15% below retail refurbished prices (Back Market, Gazelle, etc.)
  • Emphasize local pickup, same-day availability, and shop warranty
  • Include "professionally refurbished" and your shop name in every listing

Tools to Manage Marketplace Sales Efficiently

  • Facebook Commerce Manager (Free): Meta's built-in tool for managing listings, inventory, and sales across Facebook and Instagram. Start here—it's free and integrates directly with Marketplace.
  • Crosslist ($10–$30/month): Cross-post your inventory to Marketplace, eBay, Mercari, and Poshmark simultaneously. One listing, multiple platforms. Saves hours of manual work.
  • ManyChat ($15–$145/month, free tier available): Automate responses to Marketplace inquiries via Facebook Messenger. Set up auto-replies for common questions (price, condition, pickup location) so you're not glued to your phone.
  • Sku Grid ($10–$50/month): Repricing tool that keeps your Marketplace listings competitive. If you're selling volume, this ensures you're always priced to move inventory fast.
  • DataFeedWatch or CedCommerce ($50–$200/month): For shops selling across multiple platforms, these tools sync inventory and manage product data feeds efficiently. Overkill for most single-location shops, but valuable if you're scaling.

For more business growth tools and templates, visit TCA Member Resources.

Listing Best Practices

Photos:

  • Use your lightbox setup (the same one you offer sellers)
  • Show device powered on
  • Capture any cosmetic wear honestly
  • Include accessories and packaging

Description Template:

"[Device Model] - Professionally Refurbished by [Your Shop Name]

  • Fully tested and certified
  • [XX]% battery health
  • [30/60/90]-day warranty included
  • Local pickup at our shop - see it before you buy
  • [X] years in business, [XXX] 5-star Google reviews

Condition: [Grade A/B/C with honest description]
Includes: [Charger, case, etc.]

Questions? Call or text [your number]. Same-day pickup available."

Transparency wins. Mention your shop name, your warranty, and your Google reviews. You're not some random seller—you're a local business with a reputation to protect.

Revenue Potential

Conservative estimate:

  • 10 devices/month sold on Marketplace
  • $150 average profit per device
  • $1,500/month from Marketplace sales

Aggressive estimate (with refurbishment pipeline):

  • 30 devices/month
  • $175 average profit
  • $5,250/month from Marketplace sales

5Post-Purchase Support & Repairs

The Follow-Up Revenue Stream

Buyers who purchase on Marketplace often need:

  • Screen protectors and cases
  • Software setup and data transfer
  • Repairs for issues discovered after purchase
  • Battery replacements
  • Accessory upgrades (chargers, earbuds, etc.)
Your pitch: "Bought it on Marketplace? Bring it here for setup, protection, and peace of mind."

Service Packages

New Device Setup ($25–$50):

  • Screen protector installation
  • Case fitting
  • Data transfer from old device
  • App installation and account setup
  • Quick tutorial on key features

Post-Purchase Checkup ($20–$35):

  • Full diagnostic (same as pre-purchase inspection)
  • Identify any issues missed during initial purchase
  • Provide repair quote if needed
  • Battery health report

Marketing This Service

To Marketplace buyers: "Just bought a phone on Marketplace? Bring it in for a free 5-minute checkup. We'll make sure you got what you paid for."

(The "free checkup" converts to screen protectors, cases, and repairs.)

To Marketplace sellers: "Sold a device? Send your buyer to us for setup and protection. We'll take care of them—and you'll build a reputation as a seller who stands behind what they sell."

How to Market Your Marketplace Services

1. Update Your Google Business Profile

Add these services:

  • Pre-purchase device inspections
  • Facebook Marketplace transaction support
  • Safe exchange zone
  • Device refurbishment and certification
  • Post-purchase device setup

2. Social Media Blitz

Facebook:

  • Post weekly in local buy/sell groups
  • Share success stories: "Saved a customer $300 today with a pre-purchase inspection. The 'like new' iPhone had a swollen battery."
  • Go live during an inspection to show your process

Instagram:

  • Before/after refurbishment photos
  • Quick video tips: "3 things to check before buying on Marketplace"
  • Stories featuring happy customers

For comprehensive strategies, see our social media marketing guide for repair shops.

3. In-Store Signage

Window decals:

  • "Facebook Marketplace Meetups Welcome"
  • "Get It Inspected Before You Buy - $35"

Counter signs:
"Selling on Marketplace? We refurbish, certify, and photograph your device. Sell faster. Sell for more."

4. Local Partnerships

Real estate agents, apartment complexes, college housing: These groups have high turnover and lots of people buying/selling used electronics. Offer them referral fees or bulk inspection discounts.

Pawn shops and resale stores: Partner with local pawn shops. They often get electronics they can't verify. Offer wholesale inspection/refurbishment services.

5. Paid Advertising (Optional)

Facebook/Instagram ads ($100–$300/month): Target local audiences (5-mile radius) with:

  • "Buying on Marketplace? Get it inspected first."
  • "Selling your phone? We'll refurbish it and help you get top dollar."

Google Local Services Ads: Appear at the top of Google searches for "phone repair near me" and related terms. Pay per lead, not per click.

Promote your Marketplace services to local consumers via WhereToRepair.org.

💰 Interactive Revenue Calculator

Calculate your potential monthly revenue based on your expected service volume:

Your Potential Monthly Revenue:

$0

Pricing Summary: What to Charge

Service Price Range Time Required
Pre-Purchase Inspection (Phone) $30–$40 15 min
Pre-Purchase Inspection (Laptop) $50–$75 30 min
Basic Refurbishment $75–$100 45 min
Standard Refurbishment $125–$175 60–90 min
Premium Refurbishment $200–$300 2–3 hours
Professional Listing Photos $25–$40 10 min
Transaction Facilitation $10–$15 or Free 5–10 min
Post-Purchase Setup $25–$50 20–30 min
Post-Purchase Checkup $20–$35 15 min

Revenue Model: What This Looks Like Monthly

Conservative Scenario

• 15 inspections/month: $600
• 8 refurbishments/month: $1,000
• 10 devices sold: $1,500
• Walk-in conversions: $800

$3,900
per month

Aggressive Scenario

• 50 inspections/month: $2,000
• 25 refurbishments/month: $3,750
• 30 devices sold: $5,250
• Walk-in conversions: $2,500

$13,500
per month

Even the conservative scenario adds nearly $47,000 annually with minimal overhead.

Common Objections (And How to Handle Them)

"I don't have time for this."

Start with the free safe exchange zone. It requires zero active effort—just a sign and a social media post. The foot traffic will show you the demand, and you can add paid services as bandwidth allows.

"What if I inspect a device and the buyer still gets scammed?"

Your inspection is a snapshot in time. Include a simple disclaimer: "This inspection reflects device condition at time of testing. [Shop Name] is not responsible for subsequent damage or issues." Charge for your time and expertise, not for guarantees about the seller's honesty.

"I don't want to compete with my own repair business."

You're not. You're adding a new revenue stream that complements repairs. Marketplace services bring new customers into your shop who wouldn't have come otherwise. Many will need repairs, accessories, or future service.

"Facebook Marketplace is sketchy."

That's exactly why this works. The sketchiness is the problem you're solving. You're the trusted local authority that makes Marketplace transactions safe and legitimate.

✅ Action Steps: Start This Week

Week 1:

Add "Safe Exchange Zone" signage to your front window
Update your Google Business Profile with Marketplace services
Post in 3–5 local Facebook buy/sell groups offering free meetup space

Week 2:

Create a simple inspection checklist (use the templates in this guide)
Set your pricing for inspections and refurbishments
Print service menus for your counter

Week 3:

List 3–5 refurbished devices on Marketplace (test the waters)
Set up Facebook Commerce Manager
Post your first "before/after" refurbishment on social media

Week 4:

Track results: How many inspections? How many meetups? What converted to repairs?
Adjust pricing and marketing based on early feedback
Double down on what's working

Need hands-on training? Check out upcoming TCA training events.

The Bottom Line

Facebook Marketplace is a $26 billion ecosystem, and your local market is a piece of that. Every transaction needs trust, verification, and expertise—exactly what you already provide.

This isn't about adding a second business. It's about positioning your existing expertise as the essential service for Marketplace buyers and sellers. The customers are already there. The demand is already there. You just need to tell your community you're open for business.

Start small. Test what works in your market. Scale what converts.

And if you're a TCA member, share your results in the community. We want to know what's working, what's not, and how we can help the industry capture this revenue opportunity together.

Organizations like Tech Care Association are leading advocacy efforts to support independent repair businesses and create opportunities like this for our industry.

📚 Resources

Questions? Drop them in the comments or reach out to the TCA community. Let's turn Marketplace into a revenue stream.

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Know Your Customer: The 7 Types of Tech Repair Buyers (And How to Win Each One)

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Know Your Customer: The 7 Types of Repair Buyers (And How to Win Each One)
Part 2 of "Shop Smart, Grow Strong" Series 📖 8 minute read

Know Your Customer: The 7 Types of Repair Buyers (And How to Win Each One)

Stop trying to be a "salesperson" and start being the confident repair expert your customers actually need.

💡 Key Insight

73% of successful repair shops focus exclusively on repair services rather than diluting their business with retail sales or device flipping. These repair-focused operations consistently outperform shops that chase multiple revenue streams.

If you've been told that you and your staff need to become "salespeople" to grow your tech repair business, you've been getting bad advice. Tech repair is fundamentally different from auto repair or retail phone sales where traditional sales tactics work well.

Tech repair is all about being authentic, honest, and clear about what needs to be done. When you understand your repair customers well enough to communicate genuinely with each type, your natural expertise becomes your greatest business asset.

🎯 Focus on Repair: The Foundation of Repair Shop Success

This isn't about limiting your repair business—it's about being the best repair operation in your area. Add services only where they make sense and you can manage them correctly. At the end of the day, you are a tech repair business. Don't chase get-rich-quick schemes or over-zealous retail approaches that distract from your core competency.

The Anti-Sales Approach That Actually Works for Repair Shops:

If you don't genuinely believe repair is the best option, find a new line of work. Your repair customers can sense hesitation and doubt. If your staff members don't believe it either, coach them up or move them out.

When you truly believe that repair is always cheaper than buying new, more sustainable, and avoids buying and setting up a new device and then configuring it to what you had before—that confidence comes through naturally. No scripts needed.

📊 Understanding Your Repair Customer Base: The Two Main Groups

22%
DIY Repair Customers

Want parts, tools, and guidance. Cost-conscious and hands-on repair enthusiasts.

78%
DIFM Repair Customers

Want professional device repair solutions. Busy and value expertise.

Here's what's interesting: iFixit dominates the DIY space for tech repair, making them the biggest brand in tech repair by far. They've built an empire serving that 22% with guides, tools, and parts. Meanwhile, the remaining 78%—the DIFM customers—are split among thousands of independent repair shops like yours.

This means your real opportunity lies in becoming the go-to expert for DIFM customers in your local market.

🛠️ FREE Customer Type Assessment Tool for Repair Shops

Use this exclusive tool to quickly identify which type of repair customer you're dealing with and get instant tips for the best approach. This tool can help increase your conversion rates by up to 35%:

What's the first thing this repair customer asks about?

🎭 The 7 Types of Tech Repair Buyers Every Shop Owner Must Know

Within that 78% DIFM market, you'll encounter seven distinct repair customer types, each with different motivations and communication preferences. Master these customer types to grow your repair business.

1

The Price-Sensitive Buyer

20% of customers
What they really want: Assurance they're not being ripped off
How to identify them:
  • First question is always "How much?"
  • Compares your prices to online quotes
  • Questions every line item on estimates
  • Asks about discounts or payment plans
The authentic approach:
  • Lead with value: "Here's exactly what you get for that investment..."
  • Be transparent: "The screen costs $X, labor is $Y, and here's why that's fair..."
  • Show the real comparison: "Repair saves you $400 compared to replacement"
Your authentic pitch: "You came here for a reason. Repair is always cheaper than replacement. Why make it more complicated?"
2

The Convenience-Focused Buyer

25% of customers
What they really want: Their problem solved quickly and easily
How to identify them:
  • Asks about turnaround time before price
  • Wants to know about drop-off/pickup options
  • Values extended hours or weekend availability
  • Willing to pay extra for faster service
The authentic approach:
  • Give them a clear timeline: "I'll have this ready by 3 PM tomorrow"
  • Eliminate their worry: "I'll text you when it's done"
  • Make it effortless: "Just drop it off, we'll handle everything"

💰 The $21,420 Game-Changer:

Always ask when they plan to come in:

Customer: "Hi, I need my iPhone screen repaired."

You: "No problem, screen repair is $150 and takes about an hour. When were you planning to bring it in?"

Customer: "Probably Thursday or Friday."

You: "Perfect, we'll hold the part for you. Let us know if anything changes."

This simple approach increases conversion rates by 35% and adds $21,420 annually to your revenue.

3

The Quality-Oriented Buyer

15% of customers
What they really want: Confidence in your expertise
How to identify them:
  • Asks about certifications and experience
  • Wants to know about warranty terms
  • Inquires about parts quality (OEM vs. aftermarket)
  • References your reviews or reputation
The authentic approach:
  • Share your experience: "I've been doing these repairs for 8 years"
  • Explain your standards: "We use high-quality parts with a 90-day warranty"
  • Let your work speak: "Here's exactly how I ensure this fix lasts..."
Your authentic pitch: "I guarantee my work. This repair will extend your device's life significantly and save you hundreds."
4

The Due Diligence Buyer

15% of customers
What they really want: Complete information to make a confident decision
How to identify them:
  • Asks detailed technical questions
  • Wants written estimates
  • Compares multiple shops
  • Takes time to research and consider options
The authentic approach:
  • Give them details: "Here's exactly what's involved in this repair..."
  • Respect their process: "Take your time deciding—I'll hold this pricing for a week"
  • Follow through: "I'll email you everything we discussed"
5

The Cautious/Guarded Buyer

10% of customers
What they really want: Trust and assurance
How to identify them:
  • Seems skeptical or suspicious
  • Asks about guarantees repeatedly
  • Wants references or reviews
  • Takes longer to make decisions
The authentic approach:
  • Be completely transparent: "Here's my guarantee and some recent reviews"
  • Take your time: "I understand you want to be sure about this repair"
  • Prove reliability: "I've been serving this community for X years"
6

The Know-It-All/Assertive Buyer

10% of customers
What they really want: Respect for their knowledge while getting expert service
How to identify them:
  • Tells you what's wrong before you diagnose
  • Questions your methods or recommendations
  • May seem pushy or demanding
  • Wants to be involved in the repair process
The authentic approach:
  • Acknowledge their expertise: "I can see you know a lot about this device"
  • Stay factual: "Based on my diagnostic, here's what I'm finding..."
  • Set professional boundaries: "Here's why I recommend this approach..."
7

The Verbal/Social Buyer

5% of customers
What they really want: A friendly, personal experience
How to identify them:
  • Shares personal stories and anecdotes
  • Asks about your business and experience
  • Enjoys chatting about unrelated topics
  • Takes longer to get to the point
The authentic approach:
  • Be genuinely interested: "That's a great story!"
  • Gently guide: "Now, let me take a look at what's going on..."
  • Use their friendliness to build trust

🎯 Your Authentic Repair Shop Pitch Arsenal

When they seem hesitant:

"You came here for a reason. Repair is always cheaper than replacement. Why make it more complicated?"

When they mention buying new:

"Repair gives you time to make that decision on your terms. Fix it now, then upgrade when YOU want to."

When they're worried about reliability:

"I guarantee my work. This repair will extend your device's life significantly and save you hundreds."

💰 The Revenue Impact of Authentic Expertise for Repair Shops

When you focus on being the confident repair expert your customers need rather than trying to "sell" them:

📈 Conversion Rates Improve

From 65% to 85% through genuine communication

💵 Average Tickets Increase

From $120 to $180 through honest recommendations

😊 Customer Satisfaction Soars

Leading to referrals and repeat business

😌 Stress Decreases

No more uncomfortable "sales" conversations

The math: These improvements add approximately $23,400 annually through better customer recognition and natural expertise-based interactions.

✅ Your Action Plan: Expertise Over Sales Tactics for Repair Shop Success

🏆 The Bottom Line: Expertise Beats Sales Tactics Every Time in Tech Repair

The repair industry doesn't need more salespeople—it needs more confident experts who believe in what they do. When you genuinely believe that repair is usually the best option for your customers, that authenticity comes through in every interaction.

Your repair customers aren't looking for a sales pitch. They're already there. They already want their device fixed. Your job is simply to be the expert who can make that happen—simply, confidently, and authentically.

🚀 Ready to Grow Your Tech Repair Business?

The right repair shop software can help you get more business by streamlining operations and improving customer experience. Keep good stock of inventory to win more business and close sales on the spot with quality parts.

Find the Right POS Solution Check Out Trusted Parts Providers

📚 "Shop Smart, Grow Strong" Series

Next Week: In Part 3, we'll explore how to build referral networks and expand services without losing focus on your core repair expertise.

Want more strategies for growing your repair business? Join TCA today and get access to our complete library of business-building resources designed specifically for tech repair professionals who believe in the power of authentic expertise.

Join the TCA Today
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Answer the Damn Phone: Why 92% of Repair Shops Are Losing $70,000+ Annually

Answer the Damn Phone: Why Every Missed Call Costs You Money | Tech Care Association

Answer the Damn Phone: Why Every Missed Call Costs You Money

Published September 10, 2025 | Tech Care Association

Stop hemorrhaging revenue through poor customer communication. Industry data reveals shocking truths about missed opportunities.

Let me start with a hard truth that's going to sting: You're probably losing thousands of dollars every month because you're not answering your phone.

I know, I know. You're busy. You're elbow-deep in a logic board repair, or you're dealing with a difficult customer, or you're trying to manage inventory. But here's the reality check every repair shop owner needs to hear: every missed call is a customer walking into your competitor's shop.

The Numbers That Will Make You Sick

40%

Missed Calls

Average repair shops miss 40% of incoming calls

8%

Return Voicemails

Only 8% of repair shops return voicemail messages

$70K

Annual Revenue Loss

Lost per year from poor phone management

30-40%

Revenue Increase

Potential growth from fixing communication

💸 Calculate Your Revenue Loss

Enter your shop's numbers to see how much money poor communication is costing you:

Your Potential Revenue Loss:

$300
Per Day
$6,600
Per Month
$78,000
Per Year

This is money walking out your door every single day. TCA can help you capture it.

Ready to Stop Losing Money?

TCA members get exclusive access to proven systems, templates, and ongoing support to transform their customer communication and boost revenue.

Join TCA Today - Save Thousands Monthly

Join the 8% of shops that dominate their market through superior customer service

Why Repair Shops Suck at Customer Communication

Before we fix the problem, let's understand why it exists. Most repair shops are terrible at customer communication for four main reasons:

🚫 The "I'm Too Busy" Trap

You're focused on the repair in front of you, and the phone feels like an interruption. But here's the thing: the phone call IS your business. That repair you're working on? It came from someone who called first.

📞 Sales Call Anxiety

I get it. Half your calls are from some guy trying to sell you Google Ads, extended warranties, or "business opportunities." It's annoying. But you can't let the fear of sales calls prevent you from answering legitimate customers.

🔄 No System or Backup

Most shops have no plan for when the main person is unavailable. If you're the only one who answers phones and you're in the bathroom, that customer is gone.

💤 The "Set It and Forget It" Mentality

You set up voicemail, you created a contact form on your website, and you think that's enough. But if you're not actually responding to these messages, you might as well not have them at all.

The Real Cost of Poor Communication

Let's break down what you're actually losing when you don't answer calls, return voicemails, or respond to emails:

💰 Immediate Revenue

That customer needs their phone fixed today, not tomorrow

🔄 Lifetime Value

A good customer will come back multiple times and refer others

📈 Market Share

Every customer you don't serve is one your competitor does

🗣️ Reputation

Customers talk, and "they never get back to you" spreads fast

🚀 Growth Potential

You can't scale a business that can't handle basic customer contact

⚡ Competitive Advantage

While 92% of shops ignore voicemails, you could be the 8% that doesn't

📊 2024 TCA Survey Data

According to our 2024 TCA survey, 67% of repair shops get more than 80% of their revenue from repair work. If you're missing calls and ignoring follow-up communication, you're missing the foundation of your entire business.

The "Sales Call Problem" Solution

Here's how to handle those annoying sales calls without missing real customers:

✅ Answer Every Call Within 3 Rings

When it's clearly a sales pitch, use this exact script:

"Thanks for calling, but we're not interested. Please remove us from your calling list."

Then hang up. Don't be rude, but be firm. This takes 10 seconds and saves you from missing the next call that could be worth hundreds of dollars.

💡 Pro Tip

Most sales calls happen during business hours on weekdays. Real customers call evenings, weekends, and when their devices break (which is always at the worst possible time).

Building Your Complete Communication System

Here's the system that transformed our shops and can transform yours:

📞 The 3-Ring Rule

Every call gets answered within 3 rings. No exceptions. If you can't answer, someone else does. If no one else is available, you stop what you're doing and answer.

⏰ The 30-Minute Voicemail Rule

If a call goes to voicemail, you return it within 30 minutes during business hours. No exceptions. This alone will put you ahead of 92% of your competitors.

📧 The Same-Day Email Rule

All email inquiries and website messages get responded to the same day they're received. Even if it's just to acknowledge receipt and promise a detailed response tomorrow.

🔄 Backup Systems

  • Call forwarding: When you can't answer, calls go to a cell phone
  • Multiple staff trained: Everyone knows how to take basic information and schedule appointments
  • After-hours voicemail: Clear message with callback promise and timeline
  • Email alerts: Set up notifications so website inquiries don't sit unread

Get the Complete TCA Communication Toolkit

Don't figure this out alone. TCA members get phone scripts, email templates, staff training materials, and step-by-step implementation guides.

Access Member Resources Now

Plus: Monthly member calls with Rob Link for ongoing support

Modern Tools That Transform Repair Shop Communication

For tech repair shops, modern tools can streamline phone calls and unify all communication channels—including chat, email, voicemail, and social media—into a single system. This improves efficiency and keeps customers informed without extra manual work.

Key Features for Smarter Communication

📧 Unified Inbox: The Communication Hub

Problem Solved:

No more toggling between a phone, email app, and social media to find a message.

How It Works:

A unified inbox consolidates all customer interactions into one dashboard, giving your team a complete history of all conversations in a single view.

Benefit for Tech Repair:

You can see if a customer called about their phone, then emailed a question about their tablet, all on the same screen, which prevents miscommunication and saves time.

📞 Modern Phone and Voicemail Management

🤖 AI-Powered Assistants

These tools can answer calls 24/7, answer common questions, book appointments, and even provide instant quotes, which frees up your staff to focus on repairs.

📋 Automated Attendants (IVR)

Set up a clear, automated menu to route callers to the right person or department, which reduces hold times and customer frustration.

📧 Voicemail-to-Email

This feature converts voicemails into text transcripts and sends them to your team's email. This allows staff to quickly screen missed calls from their phone and follow up promptly via their preferred channel, like a text message.

📊 Real-Time Call Tracking and Analytics

Monitor call volume, track wait times, and get insights into peak call hours to help optimize staffing and improve customer satisfaction.

🌐 Beyond the Call: Chat, Email, and Social Media

📅 Automated Messages

Send automatic reminders for appointments, updates on repair status, and follow-ups for feedback via text and email. These messages require little effort and keep customers in the loop.

💬 Live Chat and Chatbots

Add a live chat feature to your website and social media profiles. Chatbots can handle simple inquiries around the clock, while live chat allows your team to provide instant support for more complex questions.

📋 Digital Estimates and Approvals

When a repair is diagnosed, send a digital estimate via email or text that includes photos or videos of the issue. Customers can review the details on their phone and provide an e-signature to approve the work, eliminating the need for a follow-up phone call to get approval.

⭐ Online Review Management

Platforms that centralize communication often include tools for managing online reviews and requesting customer feedback after a repair is complete, which helps build your online reputation and attract new business.

🎯 The Bottom Line on Modern Tools

These features work together to create a seamless customer experience while reducing the manual work for your team. Instead of juggling multiple apps and platforms, everything flows through one system that keeps everyone informed and responsive.

The result? Fewer missed opportunities, happier customers, and more revenue from the same amount of effort.

🤖 AI Voice & Chat Agents: The Future of Shop Communication

For shops looking to completely automate their communication challenges, AI voice and chat agents are becoming increasingly sophisticated and affordable. These systems can:

📞 AI Voice Agents

  • Answer calls 24/7 with natural conversation
  • Gather customer information and device details
  • Schedule appointments automatically
  • Provide pricing estimates and repair timelines
  • Transfer complex calls to human staff

💬 AI Chat Agents

  • Respond to website inquiries instantly
  • Handle social media messages
  • Qualify leads before human contact
  • Provide repair status updates
  • Collect customer feedback

🚀 Ready to Explore AI Solutions?

The TCA Resource Hub includes comprehensive guides on AI voice and chat systems specifically for repair shops, including vendor comparisons, implementation guides, and cost-benefit analyses.

Explore AI Communication Solutions →

Tools That Actually Help

You don't need expensive systems to get this right, but modern communication tools can transform your shop's efficiency. Here's what to look for and realistic cost expectations:

💚 Basic Level (Under $100/month)

Perfect for: Small shops or solo operations getting started

✅ Essential Features

  • Voicemail-to-email transcription
  • Basic call forwarding
  • Automated appointment reminders
  • Simple email alerts

🔍 What to Search For

  • "Google Voice business"
  • "Small business phone system"
  • "Basic CRM repair shop"
  • "Appointment reminder software"

ROI: Immediate - reduces no-shows and missed calls within the first month

🧡 Professional Level ($100-250/month)

Perfect for: Growing shops ready to streamline operations

✅ Game-Changing Features

  • Unified inbox (all communications in one place)
  • Digital estimates with photo/video sharing
  • Website chat widgets with mobile alerts
  • Automated repair status updates
  • Customer approval via e-signature

🔍 What to Search For

  • "Unified communication platform"
  • "Repair shop CRM with texting"
  • "Digital estimate software"
  • "Customer communication hub"
  • "Automotive/phone repair software"

ROI: Growth-focused - handle 30-40% more volume with same staff in 3-6 months

💜 Advanced Level ($250-500+/month)

Perfect for: Established shops scaling to multiple locations

✅ Enterprise Features

  • AI phone assistants (24/7 call handling)
  • Advanced call routing and analytics
  • Automated chatbots for website/social media
  • Review management and feedback automation
  • Business intelligence and forecasting

🔍 What to Search For

  • "AI phone system small business"
  • "Enterprise communication platform"
  • "Multi-location repair management"
  • "Advanced call center software"
  • "Repair shop business intelligence"

ROI: Strategic long-term - 50%+ efficiency gains, superior customer experience drives market dominance

🎯 Smart Shopping Tips

Before You Buy:

  • Request free trials (most offer 14-30 days)
  • Ask about setup fees and contract terms
  • Ensure mobile app availability
  • Check integration with your current tools

Red Flags to Avoid:

  • No month-to-month options
  • Poor customer support reviews
  • Hidden per-user or per-message fees
  • No clear pricing on their website

Remember: the goal isn't to spend money on fancy systems. It's to never miss a customer who wants to give you money.

Communication Training for Your Team

Train everyone who might handle customer communication:

📞 Phone Etiquette

  • Professional greeting: "Good morning, [Shop Name], this is [Name], how can I help you?"
  • Active listening: Let customers explain their problem completely
  • Information gathering: Device type, issue, contact info, preferred appointment time
  • Clear next steps: "I can get you scheduled for tomorrow at 2 PM, does that work?"

🎵 Voicemail Returns

  • Listen to the entire message before calling back
  • Have their information ready when you call
  • Reference their specific issue: "Hi, this is [Name] from [Shop Name] returning your call about your iPhone screen repair"

📧 Email Responses

  • Professional but friendly tone
  • Answer all questions asked
  • Provide clear next steps
  • Include your phone number for faster communication

Tracking Your Communication Performance

You can't improve what you don't measure. Here are the KPIs every repair shop should track:

📊 Call Answer Rate

Goal: 95% of calls answered within 3 rings

How to track: Most phone systems provide this data, or use call tracking software

Red flag: Anything below 80% means you're hemorrhaging money

🎵 Voicemail Return Rate

Goal: 100% of voicemails returned within 30 minutes during business hours

How to track: Simple log sheet noting when voicemail was received and when you called back

Industry benchmark: You're competing against 8% - this should be easy to dominate

📧 Email Response Rate

Goal: 100% of emails responded to within 4 hours during business hours

How to track: Use email tracking or simple spreadsheet

Red flag: Any email sitting unanswered for more than 24 hours

📞 Call-to-Appointment Conversion

Goal: 70% of repair inquiry calls result in scheduled appointments

How to track: Simple tally sheet by the phone

Red flag: Below 50% means your phone skills need work

The Competitive Advantage

Here's what most repair shop owners don't realize: being responsive to customer communication gives you a massive competitive advantage.

Why? Because 92% of your competitors are ignoring voicemails, most aren't responding to emails promptly, and many are missing calls entirely. When a customer's phone breaks, they're trying multiple shops. The first one that responds professionally and can help them quickly gets the business.

30-40%

Revenue Increase

Just from implementing proper communication procedures

I've seen shops increase revenue by 30-40% just by implementing proper communication procedures. Not by raising prices, not by adding services, just by being available and responsive when customers need them.

Your Action Plan for This Week

Don't wait to implement this. Start today:

1️⃣ Track Your Current Performance

For the next 3 days, count every call, voicemail, and email, plus your response times

2️⃣ Implement the 3-Ring Rule

Starting tomorrow, answer within 3 rings or have a backup plan

3️⃣ Set Up the 30-Minute Voicemail Rule

Return every voicemail within 30 minutes during business hours

4️⃣ Create Your Communication Protocols

Train your team on phone, voicemail, and email procedures

5️⃣ Set Up Basic Tracking

Even a simple log sheet will show you the dramatic impact

Stop Leaving Money on the Table

Join the TCA community and get the complete toolkit to transform your customer communication. Don't let another customer walk away because you missed their call.

Join TCA Now - Start Saving Today

✅ Phone scripts & email templates
✅ Staff training materials
✅ Implementation guides
✅ Monthly expert calls with Rob Link
✅ Member-only community support

The Bottom Line

Your phone, voicemail, and email are not interruptions to your business—they ARE your business. Every ring is an opportunity. Every voicemail is a customer asking for help. Every email is someone choosing to contact you instead of your competitor.

The repair industry faces enough challenges with OEM restrictions, parts availability, and competition from big box stores. Don't add "terrible customer communication" to the list of reasons customers go elsewhere.

Answer the damn phone. Return the damn voicemail. Respond to the damn email. Your bank account will thank you.

About the Author

Rob Link is Founder and CEO of the Tech Care Association (TCA), the nation's only 501(c)(6) non-profit exclusively representing the tech care industry. A lifelong entrepreneur who has started and sold four businesses, Rob is most proud of his work in tech repair, which began in 2006 when he founded and grew one of the nation's first modern repair businesses to 13 locations.

He has served on the board of repair.org since 2016 and regularly meets with industry leaders and corporate executives to bring more business into the repair sector. Rob frequently holds high-level meetings at events like CES and interacts with government officials to find industry solutions. He has been interviewed and quoted in multiple news outlets and is widely recognized as a leading expert in the tech care industry.

📅 Next Week

We'll dive into understanding your customers better with "Know Your Customer: The 7 Types of Repair Buyers (And How to Win Each One)." Because once you get them on the phone and responding to their messages, you need to know how to convert them into loyal customers.

Tags

#RepairBusiness #CustomerService #PhoneManagement #BusinessGrowth #TechRepair #AIAutomation
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Why Should You Care About the United We Repair Coalition?

,

Every day, you face the same frustrating questions: Why can’t I advertise my business effectively? Why are parts so expensive and hard to find? Why do manufacturers like Apple and Samsung seem to work against me and my business? Why does it feel like the deck is stacked against independent repair shops?

Here’s why you should care: These aren’t just inconveniences—they’re systematic barriers designed to squeeze out independent repair businesses and funnel customers toward expensive manufacturer programs and new device sales.

But what if I told you there’s a proven way to tear down these barriers? That thousands of repair shops working together can force real change? That’s exactly what the United We Repair Coalition is designed to do.

Why Should You Care?

Because These Problems Are Costing You Serious Money

Google Ad Restrictions: Your Customers Can’t Find You

Why You Should Care: 73% of consumers search “phone repair near me” on Google first, but Google’s 2018 advertising ban means your shop is invisible while “authorized centers” and new device ads dominate search results.

What’s At Stake: Access to Google Ads could increase your monthly revenue by 25-40%. If you’re making $15,000/month, that’s $3,750-$6,000 you’re leaving on the table every single month.

Industry Impact: This advertising lockout costs independent repair shops at least $3.4 billion annually based on our comprehensive industry analysis—money that should be flowing to businesses like yours.

Right to Repair: You’re Locked Out of Profitable Services

Why You Should Care: Manufacturers deliberately restrict access to parts, tools, and repair manuals, forcing 60% of potential repairs toward their expensive programs or new device sales.

What’s At Stake: Washington State’s new right-to-repair law (effective 2026) will give shops access to previously forbidden iPhone and Samsung repairs. Early projections suggest this could double repair volume for participating businesses.

The Big Picture: Right to repair could unlock $50 billion in repair revenue nationwide—but only if we fight for comprehensive legislation everywhere, not just piecemeal state victories.

Tariff Threats: Parts Prices Could Explode 145% or More

Why You Should Care: The administration’s 90-day tariff pause expires August 14th. Without repair industry exemptions, parts costs could skyrocket, making repairs uncompetitive against new device purchases.

What’s At Stake: Your profit margins and customer retention. When repair costs approach new device prices, customers stop repairing—and you lose business permanently.

The Opportunity: The administration wants to support small businesses while encouraging domestic manufacturing. Repair industry tariff exemptions align perfectly with both goals, but we need collective voice to secure them.

Parts Availability: The $20 Billion Supply Chain Stranglehold

Why You Should Care: OEMs control 80% of parts distribution, creating artificial scarcity that forces you to turn away 35% of potential customers due to parts unavailability.

What’s At Stake: Every customer you turn away represents lost revenue and damaged reputation. Limited parts sources also inflate costs by 20-40% compared to competitive markets.

Our Integrated Approach: The TCA will work with existing parts providers to integrate new supply programs, including forcing OEM programs to open up, partnering with emerging manufacturers, establishing industry-wide parts standards, supporting platforms like the Basile Network for used parts, and collaborating with 3D printing companies. We’re not replacing your current suppliers—we’re expanding your options.

Why Should You Give?

Because Individual Action Gets Individual Results

The Hard Truth About Going It Alone

You can’t negotiate with Google as one shop. You can’t influence tariff policy as one business. You can’t force Apple to open their parts program as one repair service. Individual companies lack the scale and resources to create meaningful change.

The Power of Collective Action

Proven Model: The Auto Care Association represents 3,000+ automotive repair businesses and regularly wins policy battles that benefit the entire industry. They succeed because they speak with one unified voice backed by substantial resources.

Our Target: To start with, our goal is to find 1,300+ repair businesses and 100+ industry partners, growing to thousands of repair businesses and hundreds of industry partners—companies that sell into our industry—creating the largest advocacy force in tech repair history.

Why Your Investment Matters:

  • For Repair Business Owners: We’re only asking you to invest what you can afford—starting at $10/month. If you can afford to give more, additional support levels are available.

  • For Industry Partners: We’re asking parts, software, accessory, tool, and marketing providers and other repair adjacent companies to invest $100/month (or more if they can afford it) because they have greater capacity and benefit from industry-wide growth.

  • Tax deductible as a business expense through our 501(c)(6) structure

  • Immediate ROI: Even small wins on any single issue could generate thousands in additional annual revenue

What Your Investment Buys

We know you’re busy running your business—that’s exactly why the TCA exists. Your membership dollars go toward organizing comprehensive campaigns, executing strategic plans, and hiring full-time professionals dedicated to solving these problems so you can focus on what you do best: running your repair business.

Professional Advocacy Team: Full-time staff conducting executive-level lobbying with Google, Apple, Samsung, and other manufacturers who currently ignore individual shop concerns. We’ll also bring in consultants and attorneys as needed to strengthen our efforts.

Strategic Campaign Execution: Coordinated policy influence in Washington DC, state legislatures, and regulatory proceedings where your business interests are decided.

Industry Leadership: A unified voice that commands respect from policymakers who currently address repair concerns on a fragmented, case-by-case basis.

Transparent Operations: As a 501(c)(6) non-profit, the TCA maintains full transparency in all activities. Members receive regular updates on campaign progress, fund utilization, and strategic developments affecting the industry.

The Bottom Line:

This Is Your Fight, Whether You Join It or Not

These four barriers will continue costing you money every single day whether you participate in the solution or not. The only question is whether you’ll help tear them down or watch from the sidelines while others determine your industry’s future.

The United We Repair Coalition launches July 7, 2025. Over the next month, we’ll be working hard to find the right people, finalize our comprehensive strategy, and prepare for launch. Following the July 7th launch, we’ll spend July and August building our membership, finalizing a board of advisors from a list of respected industry leaders, and holding our first in-person meeting at the All Wireless & Prepaid Expo in August. We’re also open to working with any other organization that will fully endorse our goals and work with us on this important project. Full program implementation begins in September 2025. This isn’t just another trade association—it’s the most comprehensive advocacy effort in repair industry history, backed by the established Tech Care Association and built on a proven model of collective action.

Your business faces systematic challenges that require systematic solutions. Individual action gets individual results. United action gets industry transformation.

The choice is yours: Continue fighting these battles alone with limited success, or join thousands of repair businesses in the largest advocacy effort our industry has ever seen.

United we repair. Divided we struggle.

Ready to stop losing money to systematic barriers? Contact the Tech Care Association in Washington, DC. Coalition membership drive begins with our 60-day campaign launching July 7th, with program implementation starting September 2025.

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Right to Repair: The Economic Engine America Needs Now

Right to Repair: The Economic Engine America Needs

How legislative momentum across the pond reveals the untapped potential of America’s repair economy
The United Kingdom Parliament just delivered a message that should resonate in every statehouse across America. In their groundbreaking report “Kickstarting the circular economy: A six step plan to make better use of resources,” the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Environment didn’t just call for environmental reform—they outlined an economic transformation that positions right to repair as a cornerstone of national resilience.
As Chair Andrew Pakes MP framed it, this isn’t merely about fixing broken devices. It’s about answering fundamental questions facing modern economies: “How do we make the UK more resilient in a fractured world? How do we bring skilled jobs to our high streets and industrial heartlands? How do we clean up our streets, rivers and seas?”
The answers, according to the parliamentary report, lie in making better use of precious resources through repair, reuse, and recycling. For America’s tech repair industry, this international recognition validates what we’ve long understood: right to repair isn’t just good policy—it’s essential economic strategy.

The Economic Case Grows Stronger

The UK report emphasizes three core principles that should guide right to repair implementation: products designed for repairability, increased affordability of repair services, and consumer access to repair information. These aren’t abstract ideals—they represent concrete economic opportunities.
Consider the numbers. The UK currently holds the dubious distinction of having the second-highest level of electronic waste per person globally. The United States isn’t far behind, generating over 6 million tons of e-waste annually while recycling less than 20 percent of discarded electronics. This represents not just environmental catastrophe, but massive economic waste.
The parliamentary report makes a compelling connection between right to repair and cost of living relief. Poorly-made products disproportionately impact low-income households, where cheap goods must be repeatedly replaced rather than repaired. This cycle traps families in perpetual consumption while denying them access to the economic benefits of repair services.
Dame Caroline Dinenage MP captured the broader vision: “The circular economy has the potential to boost regional growth and leave Britain cleaner and greener for our children. Increasing the size of the repair and reuse economy, and promoting these skills at a local level, must be central to reforms.”

America’s Legislative Momentum

Right to Repair Tech

Right to Repair Tech

While the UK calls for comprehensive reform, America is already witnessing unprecedented legislative momentum. This year alone, 35 states have introduced right to repair legislation, with five states successfully passing six bills into law. The movement has evolved from advocacy to implementation, creating real economic opportunities for repair businesses nationwide.
Pennsylvania represents the latest breakthrough. House Bill 1512 recently passed the House Commerce Committee by a bipartisan vote of 15-11, demonstrating that right to repair transcends traditional political divisions. The bill now advances to the full state house, where it could join Washington’s landmark legislation as the strongest right to repair law in the nation.
Washington’s law, which takes effect January 1, 2026, bans parts pairing and requires original equipment manufacturers to provide repair resources to independent shops. Microsoft’s support for the legislation, combined with iFixit’s designation as “the strongest law yet,” signals a fundamental shift in how technology companies approach repair policy.
This legislative success builds on victories in Colorado, Oregon, New York, Minnesota, and California, creating a patchwork of repair-friendly jurisdictions that collectively represent massive economic opportunity. Each new law validates the repair industry’s economic importance while creating precedent for federal action.

The Skills Economy Opportunity

The UK report emphasizes investment in skills development as crucial for circular economy success. Their proposal for Skills England to focus on repair, remanufacturing, and recycling careers offers a template for American workforce development.
“Boosting the number of apprenticeships in semi-skilled professions, which do not require a degree or advanced training, will improve the accessibility of circular professions,” the report states. This insight directly addresses America’s skills gap while creating pathways to middle-class careers that can’t be outsourced.
Infographic showing 'Right to Repair = Economic Growth' with visual elements including a repair shop storefront, technician working on electronics, upward trending graphs, and job creation icons, emphasizing how right to repair legislation creates local jobs and strengthens small businesses.

Right to Repair isn’t just about fixing devices—it’s about fixing our economy. Creating skilled jobs that can’t be outsourced, cutting costs for families, and building resilient communities one repair shop at a time. 🔧💼

Tech repair exemplifies this opportunity. The average repair shop employs three to four technicians, providing local jobs that serve local communities. These positions offer competitive wages—with labor rates typically ranging from $60 to $100 per hour—while requiring practical skills rather than expensive degrees.
The repair economy also demonstrates remarkable resilience. During economic downturns, consumers increasingly choose repair over replacement, creating counter-cyclical demand that stabilizes employment. This economic characteristic makes repair businesses valuable community anchors that strengthen local economies during challenging times.

Building Economic Resilience

The UK report’s emphasis on economic resilience resonates particularly strongly in America’s current trade environment. With tariffs on Chinese goods reaching 34-54 percent and lithium-ion battery tariffs at 173 percent, repair services offer crucial alternatives to expensive replacement cycles.
Independent repair shops provide economic buffers against supply chain disruptions and price volatility. When new device prices spike due to trade tensions or component shortages, repair services become increasingly valuable to consumers and businesses alike. This dynamic creates natural market opportunities for repair businesses while reducing economic vulnerability to international trade disputes.
The repair industry’s distributed nature also enhances economic resilience. Unlike manufacturing that can be concentrated in specific regions or countries, repair services must remain local to serve customers effectively. This geographic distribution creates economic stability that benefits communities nationwide.

The Innovation Imperative

Beyond traditional repair services, the industry stands poised for technological innovation that could dramatically expand economic impact. Software platforms designed to connect consumers with local repair services, artificial intelligence tools for diagnostic automation, and blockchain systems for parts authentication represent emerging opportunities.
The UK report acknowledges this innovation potential, calling for partnerships between repair businesses and technology developers. American repair businesses are already pioneering these collaborations, creating competitive advantages that could position the United States as a global leader in repair technology.
Three-dimensional printing offers another frontier for repair innovation. As printing technology advances and material costs decline, repair shops could manufacture replacement parts on-demand, reducing inventory costs while expanding service capabilities. This technological evolution could transform repair from a labor-intensive service to a technology-enabled industry with significantly higher economic impact.

United We Repair: A Call to Action

UNITED WE REPAIR: Tackling the Tech Care Industry's Biggest Challenges

United We Repair Coalition

The convergence of international recognition, domestic legislative momentum, and technological opportunity creates an unprecedented moment for America’s tech repair industry. The UK Parliament’s report validates our economic arguments while Pennsylvania’s legislative progress demonstrates political viability.
This moment demands coordinated action. Individual repair shops, working in isolation, cannot fully capitalize on these opportunities. Industry partners (companies who benefit from a strong repair ecosystem), operating independently, cannot achieve the scale necessary for meaningful policy influence. The challenges we face—from Google advertising restrictions to tariff impacts on parts pricing—require collective solutions.
The TCA: Tech Care Association is launching the United We Repair Coalition on June 13, 2025, to harness this moment for transformative change. Our coalition will unite repair businesses, parts suppliers, software developers, and advocacy organizations around four critical objectives: eliminating Google advertising restrictions, advancing right to repair legislation, securing tariff exemptions for repair parts, and increasing parts availability across the industry.
Success requires participation from across the repair ecosystem. Repair shops investing as little as $10 monthly can help build the coalition strength necessary for policy victories. Industry partners contributing as little as $100 monthly can demonstrate commitment to industry growth while accessing expanded market opportunities.
The UK report concludes with Afzal Khan MP’s challenge: “We need bold and comprehensive leadership to tackle the waste crisis. The government has come in with the right ambition and now needs to support circular business to grow.”
America’s repair industry doesn’t need to wait for government leadership. We can create the bold, comprehensive action necessary to realize our economic potential. The legislative momentum exists. The economic arguments are proven. The technological opportunities are emerging.
What we need now is unity. The United We Repair Coalition represents our industry’s best opportunity to transform individual struggles into collective strength, scattered advocacy into coordinated action, and economic potential into economic reality.
The UK Parliament has shown us the vision. Pennsylvania has shown us the path. Now it’s time to show the world what American innovation and determination can accomplish when we work together.
United we repair. United we prosper. United we win.
The Tech Care Association’s United We Repair Coalition launches July 1, 2025. Join thousands of repair professionals working together to strengthen our industry, create economic opportunity, and build a more sustainable future. Learn more and become a founding member in July 2025.
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United We Repair: Solving Tech Repair’s Biggest Challenges

The tech repair industry stands at a critical crossroads. While consumer demand for repair services continues to grow, several significant barriers prevent our industry from reaching its full potential. At the Tech Care Association (TCA), we believe that by uniting our 1,700+ members and thousands more independent tech repair professionals across the nation, we can overcome these challenges and create a thriving ecosystem that benefits repair businesses, consumers, and the environment.

TCA Logo

WHY THE TCA SHOULD LEAD THIS FIGHT

As the leading non-profit trade organization for tech care professionals, the TCA is uniquely positioned to champion this industry-wide movement. Our 501(c)(6) non-profit status means we’re not driven by shareholder demands or profit motives—our sole purpose is advancing the interests of our members and the broader tech care ecosystem. This structure allows us to focus entirely on advocacy, industry unification, and creating tangible benefits for repair professionals across all 50 states. Unlike for-profit entities, every resource we generate goes directly toward fighting for right to repair legislation, negotiating with tech giants, developing alternative supply chains, and creating new business opportunities for our members.  By uniting under the TCA banner, repair professionals gain a powerful, mission-driven advocate whose success is measured not by profits, but by the prosperity of its members and the sustainability of the tech care industry.

It is important to note that we already partner with other likeminded organizations and seek to partner with any and every organization that is working to make the industry stronger.

Let’s examine the four most pressing issues facing our industry today—and how collective action through TCA can help us overcome them.

Right to Repair Tech

RIGHT TO REPAIR: Building on Recent Momentum

The right to repair movement has gained significant traction, with Washington State recently becoming the sixth state to pass comprehensive legislation—and the strongest to date. This landmark victory provides companies like yours with greater access to parts, tools, and documentation needed to repair their devices.

However, most of us still lack these basic rights. Major manufacturers continue to implement software locks, parts pairing, and other tactics that make repairs unnecessarily difficult and expensive. These restrictions affect 54.3% of repair shops according to our recent survey, limiting your ability to serve customers effectively.

By working together through TCA, we can amplify our collective voice in state legislatures across the country. Our growing membership gives us the legitimacy to testify before lawmakers, share real-world impact stories, and demonstrate how repair restrictions harm small businesses and consumers alike.

GOOGLE AD RESTRICTIONS: Following the Locksmith Playbook

Many repair shops struggle with Google’s restrictive advertising policies, which often treat legitimate repair businesses like potential scammers. This significantly impacts customer acquisition and drives business toward manufacturer-authorized options.

There’s a proven path forward. In 2017, locksmiths faced similar challenges but overcame them by working together as a formal industry organization. Through collective action, they established the “Local Services” certificate and “Advanced Verification” process, allowing legitimate businesses to prove their credibility through business licenses and proper documentation.

TCA is positioned to negotiate with Google on behalf of the entire tech repair industry. By establishing industry-wide standards and verification processes, we can help legitimate repair businesses regain visibility while protecting consumers from actual scammers. Our collective bargaining power is far stronger than any individual shop or agency could achieve alone.

TARIFFS: Navigating Rising Costs While Creating Opportunities

The recent tariff increases on imports from China (34-54%), Vietnam (46%), India (26%), and South Korea (25%) present significant challenges for our industry. These tariffs directly impact the cost of devices and repair parts, potentially forcing price increases that could deter customers.

However, this challenge also presents an opportunity. By working together through TCA, we can:

  1. Advocate for specific exemptions for repair parts, arguing that they support small businesses and extend device lifespans, reducing e-waste, and making our economy more resilient
  2. Push OEMs like Apple and Samsung to increase domestic manufacturing, creating more accessible supply chains
  3. Develop group purchasing power to negotiate better terms with suppliers

The data shows consumers are increasingly turning to repair rather than replacement as device prices rise. With historical pricing trends showing aftermarket components becoming more affordable as device models age, our industry is positioned to thrive despite these challenges—if we work together.

PARTS AVAILABILITY: Creating Alternative Supply Chains

Parts availability remains one of the most significant barriers to repair, with 48.1% of shops identifying it as the biggest threat to the industry in our recent survey. OEM restrictions, serialization, and error messages continue to limit access to quality components.

At GRE2025, the TCA announced an exciting new initiative by one of our partners to address this challenge head-on. By leveraging our collective purchasing power and industry connections, we’re working to establish alternative supply chains that provide reliable, high-quality parts at fair prices.

Additionally, as right-to-repair legislation continues to advance, we’re positioned to negotiate directly with manufacturers as a unified industry voice. Rather than thousands of individual shops facing these giants alone, the TCA represents a powerful coalition that can demand fair access to parts, tools, and documentation.

But only if we all work together!

UNITED WE REPAIR: Tackling the Tech Care Industry's Biggest Challenges

United We Repair

BUILDING A COALITION FOR CHANGE

The challenges facing our industry are significant, but they’re not insurmountable. By uniting under the TCA banner, repair professionals gain strength in numbers and a powerful voice in shaping the future of our industry.

In the coming weeks, the TCA will be announcing several major initiatives to address these challenges directly. We’re building coalitions with environmental organizations, consumer advocacy groups, and other stakeholders who share our vision of a sustainable, accessible tech repair ecosystem.

Together, we can transform the tech repair landscape, ensuring that local repair shops thrive while providing consumers with the affordable, accessible repair options they deserve.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT TODAY

The time for action is now! As the challenges facing our industry intensify, so does our resolve to overcome them—together. The Tech Care Association invites your business to become an integral part of this growing movement by joining our 1,700+ members nationwide.

Whether you operate a repair shop that could help by becoming a CAPACITOR ($100/yr) level member, RESISTOR ($250/yr), or higher membership tiers, or maybe you are an industry partner that can strengthen our ecosystem by starting at the MANGANESE ($1,200/yr) level, the NICKEL ($5,000/yr), or maybe you want to go all in and become our first COBALT ($20,000/yr) level member, your participation directly empowers our collective voice. Every membership strengthens our ability to advocate for right to repair legislation, negotiate with tech giants, develop alternative supply chains, and create new business opportunities that benefit us all. Our recent survey shows that 92.3% of our members rely on repair work for the majority of their revenue—your livelihood is exactly what we’re fighting to protect and enhance. Don’t face these industry challenges alone. Visit our website today to select the membership tier that’s right for your business and join the thousands of tech care professionals who are proving that united, we repair not just devices, but an entire industry’s future.

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Tech Repair Leaders Unite at GRE2025 in Miami

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The Gadget Repair Expo 2025 transformed the Miami Beach Convention Center into a vibrant hub of repair innovation on May 7-8. With approximately 70 exhibitors and an estimated 500+ attendees, the event demonstrated the strength and innovation of our repair community. As TCA’s representative, I had the opportunity to introduce many new faces to our association and share our important industry initiatives.

Competition Highlights

The competitive events drew the largest crowds, showcasing the incredible talent in our industry:

Beau Dorsey , 2025, GRE 5.0, Micro Soldering Competition Winner

Beau Dorsey, Micro Soldering Competition Winner at 2025 GRE 5.0

  • Samuel Lansberry dominated the competitions, winning the LCD Swap “Show Down On South Beach” and securing runner-up in the Micro Soldering Competition, taking home over $1,500 in cash prizes
  • Beau Dorsey claimed the Micro Soldering Championship title after an intense double face-off in the finals, earning over $2,500 cash, a PACE Soldering Iron, and the coveted GRE Title Belt
  • Rebekah Kenney took first place in the ProtectionPro Installation competition

Industry Innovation Spotlight

The most buzzed-about announcement came from the launch of Basile, a groundbreaking universal graveyard marketplace and diagnostics database system. This platform aims to revolutionize how repair shops handle donor devices and parts sourcing. Key features include:

  • A searchable system connecting shops’ donor device inventories across cities, states, and countries
  • Analytics-driven pricing and inventory management
  • Universal diagnostics database with bounty system for component-level data
  • Integration with popular POS and ticketing systems
  • Structured B2B board repair framework

Expert Presentations

GRE2025 had four presentation rooms that offered attendees lots of options, here are some highlights

  • Martin Organista (EZ Fix Smartphone) delivered an enlightening micro-soldering demonstration
  • Jessa Jones of iPadRehab showcased critical data recovery techniques
  • Christian Kelley (My Tech Bench) demonstrated diverse repair skills across TV, drone, and e-mobility sectors
  • Timothy Phelps, COO of Techy, shared strategies for optimizing customer interactions and store operations
  • Christopher Smith’s packed session received enthusiastic audience response, particularly resonating with attendees who brought their families

Evening Events

The networking continued beyond the show floor with a cocktail party and laser light show, providing valuable opportunities for industry professionals to connect and share experiences. Many groups continued discussions outside of the convention center over dinner and drinks, strengthening the community bonds that make our industry unique.

TCA Impact

As your TCA representative, I used this opportunity to connect with shops facing challenges from recent tariff increases (up to 54% on China-origin products) and discuss how our association can support them. The conversations reinforced the critical importance of having a unified voice in our industry, especially as we navigate significant supply chain changes.

Community Connections

What truly makes these events valuable is the incredible sense of community that emerged both during and after show hours. As repair professionals, we often work in relative isolation, facing similar challenges with OEM restrictions and parts availability. However, at GRE, these shared challenges transformed into opportunities for collaboration. During the cocktail reception and even over dinner and drinks afterward, I witnessed countless conversations where shop owners exchanged solutions for common repair issues, shared supplier recommendations, and discussed strategies for navigating recent tariff challenges.

One particularly powerful moment was watching Christopher Smith’s presentation with his children in attendance – a reminder that we’re not just building businesses, but creating legacies in the repair industry. These personal connections are invaluable, especially considering that 42% of repair shops frequently have to turn away customers due to restricted access to parts and materials.

By building strong networks at events like GRE, shop owners can help each other find solutions, share resources, and strengthen our collective voice in advocating for right to repair. The after-hours networking proved just as valuable as the daytime sessions, with many attendees forming lasting connections that will serve as ongoing resources for their businesses.

Looking Forward

Innovations like Basile’s marketplace platform show how our industry continues to evolve and adapt to challenges. With an estimated 40 million original parts sitting in repair shops across the U.S. alone, solutions that help connect and mobilize these resources will be crucial for our industry’s future.

TCA’s Industry Support

The energy and collaboration witnessed at GRE2025 perfectly aligns with TCA’s mission to strengthen our industry through connection and advocacy. While events like GRE provide valuable face-to-face networking opportunities, TCA continues to build digital bridges between consumers and repair professionals through WhereToRepair.org – the internet’s only dedicated directory of repair shops.

This platform, highlighted in our recent Earth Day initiatives, emphasizes repair over recycling and connects consumers directly with local repair professionals. As our industry faces challenges revealed in our 2024 annual survey – where 48.1% of shops identified parts availability as their biggest threat and 38.5% expressed desire for more business from insurance and warranty services – TCA remains committed to developing tools that address these needs.

WhereToRepair.org represents just one of our efforts to increase consumer awareness of repair options, particularly important given that 70-80% of consumers don’t even know about repair services. By combining the in-person connections made at events like GRE2025 with our digital initiatives, we’re working to create a stronger, more connected repair ecosystem that benefits both consumers and repair professionals across all 50 states.

More TCA Resources

You can find additional tech repair industry resources on our website: Tech Care Industry Resource Hub

Join the TCA today to get your company listed in one of our professional directories:

Join as a Repair Business

Join as an Industry Partner

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How Much Should Your Tech Repair Shop Charge? 2025 Diagnostic Fee Survey Results

Results form the 2025 TCA survey on diagnostics fees in the tech repair industry

 

The State of Diagnostic Fees in Tech Repair:

Industry Insights 2025 – A Comprehensive Analysis

In an ever-evolving tech repair landscape, setting the right pricing strategy is crucial for business success. Our recent industry survey reveals interesting trends about diagnostic fees and upfront charges that could help shape your business decisions. We’ve focused a lot on pricing this month in an effort to help you figure it all out and be more profitable.

At the beginning of this month we published: Simplifying Your Repair Shop Pricing: The Parts + Labor Formula

Which was followed by: How 2025 Tariffs Will Hit Tech Repair – And What Shops Must Do Now

Phone Diagnostics: A Clear Industry Standard The data shows that a significant portion of repair shops (40%) charge between $20-$50 for phone diagnostics. Interestingly, about 23% of shops don’t charge any diagnostic fee, while a smaller percentage implements higher fees ranging from $50-$100. This suggests that while diagnostic fees are becoming standard practice, there’s still room for businesses to evaluate their pricing strategies.

Console and Computer Repair Trends: For gaming consoles, approximately 33% of repair shops charge between $20-$50 for diagnostics, matching similar patterns seen in phone repairs. Computer and laptop diagnostics show a more diverse pricing structure, with 33% charging $20-$50, 20% charging $50-$80, and only 10% implementing fees between $80-$100.

Industry Best Practices

Based on our historical data and member feedback, successful shops typically implement diagnostic fees in several ways:

  • Charging an initial diagnostic fee ($25-$50) that gets waived if the customer proceeds with the repair
  • Using an hourly rate model (example: $75/hour with a minimum 1-hour charge)
  • Implementing tiered pricing structures that include diagnostic services

Additional Upfront Service Charges

Beyond basic diagnostic fees, successful repair shops are implementing various upfront charges for specialized services:

  • 40% charge for liquid damage assessment
  • 27% collect full parts and labor fees for common repairs
  • 20% charge for virus/malware removal
  • 17% implement secure device wipe fees
  • 17% charge upfront labor fees based on repair estimates

Pricing Strategy Evolution

Our research shows that shops are moving away from simple cost-plus pricing to more sophisticated models:

  1. Tiered Service Levels
    • Standard repairs with basic warranties
    • Premium services with extended warranties and OEM parts
  2. Bundled Services
    • Combined services at discounted rates
    • Membership plans that include free diagnostics
  3. Transparent Labor Calculations
    • Clear separation of parts and labor costs
    • Professional time valuation for complex repairs

What This Means for Your Business

While approximately 43% of shops don’t charge any upfront fees, the trend is clearly moving toward implementing structured diagnostic and assessment fees. This approach helps:

  • Value your time and expertise
  • Filter serious customers from window shoppers
  • Create a more sustainable business model
  • Cover initial assessment costs
  • Protect against potential losses on complex repairs

Making the Transition

If you’re considering implementing or adjusting your diagnostic fee structure, consider starting with the industry standard range of $20-$50 for basic devices. For more complex repairs or specialized services, higher fees between $50-$100 might be appropriate, especially when dealing with liquid damage or data-related services.

Remember: Your time and expertise are valuable. A well-structured fee system not only helps cover your operational costs but also positions your business as a professional service provider in the tech repair industry.

Pro Tip: Consider implementing a diagnostic fee waiver program where the fee is applied to the final repair cost if the customer proceeds with the service. This approach has proven successful for many shops in our network.

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How 2025 Tariffs Will Hit Tech Repair – And What Shops Must Do Now

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Essential Guide for Local Tech Repair Businesses

Are the 2025 Tariffs a financial crisis or an opportunity for tech repair people

Important decisions need to be made now!

  Important Note: Regardless of your political views, the new tariffs are a market reality that demands immediate business planning and strategic decisions. This isn’t about politics – it’s about protecting and growing your tech repair business in a changing market. The Current Situation (April 8, 2025)
  • New tariffs range from 10% baseline to 54% (updated: Just announced 104%) on Chinese imports  • Vietnam (46%), India (26%), and South Korea (25%) tariffs • Additional increases have been proposed • Tariff policies could shift based on diplomatic negotiations or elections • Apple projects a $33 billion impact (they have a plan, do you?)
Immediate Market Response
  1. Panic Buying Wave • Apple stores seeing holiday-season-level traffic • Consumers rushing to buy before price increases • Apple has stockpiled inventory to temporarily maintain prices • This creates a challenge and a unique opportunity for tech repair businesses
  2. In the short-term expect a brief lull in repairs as panic buyers opt for new devices • Prepare for increased repair demand once stockpiles deplete and prices rise • Use this time to upgrade skills and inventory for newer model repairs
  3. The Refurbishment Opportunity Based on insights from Tony Baker at GSMWarehouse and other industry experts: • Refurb prices are lower now because of recent inventory shifts to the US market • Prices expected to rise in 1-2 weeks • Buyback market for second-hand devices is surging • Current panic buyers will need to sell their old devices • Shops should actively buy devices from customers upgrading now • Consider offering competitive buyback programs to build inventory
Strategic Business Opportunities
  1. Device Acquisition Strategy • Target customers who just purchased new phones due to panic buying • Offer competitive buyback rates for used devices • Create trade-in programs with store credit incentives • Build relationships with local retailers for referral programs
  2. Cost Management Through Parts Harvesting • Begin systematic harvesting of parts from older devices • Create inventory of commonly needed components • Reduce Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) through parts recovery • Focus on high-demand components likely to be affected by tariffs
  3. Refurbishment Business Development • Expand refurbishment services • Create tiered pricing for different quality grades • Build relationships with wholesale buyers • Develop quality testing and certification processes
Inventory Management
  1. New Parts Strategy • Strategic stockpiling before price increases • Multiple supplier relationships • Focus on high-demand components • Monitor tariff changes and adjust purchasing accordingly
  2. Used Device Strategy • Increase used device purchasing now • Create grading systems for bought devices • Establish testing protocols • Build repair/refurb inventory • Find strategic partners to buy handsets
Market Positioning
  1. Customer Communication • Educate about value of repair vs. replacement • Highlight quality of refurbished options • Transparent pricing communication • Emphasize environmental benefits
  2. Service Diversification • Repair services • Device sales (refurbished) • Trade-in programs • Parts recovery and recycling
Risk Management
  1. Tariff Considerations • Monitor proposed tariff changes • Plan for potential increases • Maintain flexible pricing strategies • Keep cash reserves for market shifts
  2. Supply Chain Adaptation • Develop domestic supply relationships • Build inventory buffers • Create alternative sourcing strategies • Consider vertical integration opportunities
Action Items for Next 30 Days
  1. Immediate Actions • Launch buyback program for used devices • Set up parts harvesting system • Review and adjust pricing strategy • Begin strategic parts stockpiling
  2. Business Development • Create customer education materials • Train staff on refurbishment • Develop quality control processes • Establish grading standards
  3. Marketing Focus • Promote trade-in programs • Highlight refurbished device quality • Emphasize repair cost savings • Build environmental messaging
Looking Ahead The market is entering a period of significant change. Shops that adapt quickly and position themselves correctly could see substantial growth. Focus on: • Building inventory before price increases • Developing multiple revenue streams • Creating efficient parts recovery systems • Maintaining pricing flexibility Remember: These aren’t just market changes – they’re business opportunities. The short-term could be tough and the shops that make smart, strategic decisions now will be better positioned when prices stabilize at higher levels.  

This article is © 2025 by the TCA: Tech Care Association. All rights reserved. Please do not copy or reproduce any part of this content without permission. Sharing with attribution is always appreciated.

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