Are you tired of constantly replacing your tech every few years? The good news is that repairing your tech is becoming a popular alternative to replacing it. In fact, experts Tekeurope state that the IT repair industry is growing, and for good reason. Not only can repairing your tech save you money, but it’s also better for the environment. Here’s why repairing tech is better than replacing it.
The Wider Economic Picture and Availability
With the UK economy facing low growth, high inflation, and a falling exchange rate, a recession in the second half of 2022 is looking likely. During times of economic downturn, the repair market tends to perform better than the replacement market. When consumer and business confidence is low, many people will be looking to spend less, which means repairing rather than replacing items. In addition, ongoing global chip shortages are limiting the availability of some items, such as graphics cards and consoles, making it difficult to replace them.
The Slowing of the PC Upgrade Cycle
The PC upgrade cycle has slowed down considerably in recent years, with many people now upgrading their machines every five or even six years, compared to the previous three-year cycle. This is primarily due to the migration to handheld devices, such as phones and tablets, which perform many tasks that PCs used to perform. As a result, many older desktops can still perform everyday tasks comfortably, making it unnecessary to upgrade them. It’s understandable that many people would choose to prolong the life of their existing machine at a lesser cost than buying a new one.
Access to Information
Thanks to the internet, there is a wealth of information available about how to repair tech equipment. From public forums and YouTube to the websites of manufacturers, there is a diverse range of sources that can provide information on what parts are needed, how to perform repairs, and which companies may be able to help. Although the amount of information available may vary based on popularity and what manufacturers are willing to provide, the internet can still provide a good starting point for those looking to repair their equipment.
Environmental Impact
Climate change and sustainability are at the forefront of public consciousness and are important factors in buying decisions. As a result, there is an increased desire to repair items rather than replace them. While laptops and smartphones are not covered in recent UK right-to-repair legislation, repairing rather than replacing still has significant environmental benefits. The amount of raw materials and energy required to manufacture, transport, and install a spare part is far less than what is required for a new model. Recycling is better than disposal, but it still requires a certain amount of energy and can cause pollution if not handled correctly. Repairing tech equipment is the best option from an environmental standpoint.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite the benefits of repairing tech equipment, there are still obstacles to making the PC and tech market more repair-focused. Some companies provide detailed documentation about what spare parts are needed, while information for other brands is hard to find. Repairing tech equipment can also lead to lower sales of new products, which could explain the reluctance to provide information. Changing this could provide a big boost to the number of devices repaired. In addition, some repairs can be difficult for home users to perform, making it necessary to take them to a repair shop.
Repairing IT equipment offers both businesses and individuals significant cost savings while simultaneously lessening their environmental impact. The growing IT repair industry is evidence of this shift in attitude toward repairing tech rather than replacing it. Although there are still challenges to overcome in increasing access and desirability of repairs, doing so could lead to even more significant growth in the market. So, next time your tech breaks down, consider repairing it instead of replacing it. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also be doing your part for the environment.
