7 Common Misconceptions about Cell Phone Repair

7 Common Misconceptions about Cell Phone Repair

Here at eTech Parts we hear a lot about the cell phone repair industry from the media and the Repair Community -- including how the general public perceives the repair industry. While we do everything we can to educate the Repair Community and advocate for high industry standards, there are still several misconceptions that consumers have about repairing iPhones, Samsung devices and other cell phones. Without further ado, here are 7 of the most common misconceptions about cell phone repair. Take from this list the necessary information to educate your customers on repair and help us to give the cell phone repair industry a good reputation! Share it on your Facebook page, Tweet it, and let the public know they can trust repair!

7 Common Misconceptions about Cell Phone Repair

 

1. "The only people who can fix my cell phone are certified technicians."

No certification is required to operate a cell phone repair shop (with the exception of California, the only state which requires a special license to repair electronics). While "certification" for this industry is only attainable through privately-owned cell phone repair training schools, there are many self-taught technicians in the industry who haven't attended a single training course. These technicians use their vast resources available to research and learn repairs themselves, instead of traveling and paying several hundred dollars to attend a training school. There are hundreds of great repair shops out there with savvy technicians who aren't technically "certified," but could fix your phone without error in no time flat. On the other hand, there do exist technicians who probably should attend cell phone repair training courses, but this is why we suggest checking online reviews before trusting any repair shop with your device. Online reviews from past customers tell a lot about the service you'll get from any small business.  

2. "If a third-party repair shop fixes my cell phone, it will void the warranty.”

If you have an iPhone or Samsung smartphone with a broken screen or any other accidental damage, the phone’s limited one-year warranty is already voided. Going to a “non-certified” repair shop won’t void your warranty. Service providers will try to convince you to buy a new device instead of repairing it. Repair shops offering post-warranty repairs will always do what they can to fix your device so you don’t have to buy a new one — and 9 times out of 10, repairing your device will be cheaper than replacing it.  

3. "It costs too much money to repair my cell phone."

This is subjective and prices vary based on location, but many people think it’ll cost a fortune to get a wireless device fixed. According to industry data collected in January 2015, the average price to fix the iPhone 6 is $179. Considering how much of your life revolves around your smartphone and how often you use it on a daily basis, it’s a small price to pay to get your favorite device working like new. And once you learn how much your device is actually worth, you’ll realize the repair is definitely worth it.  

4. "You want $200 to fix my Galaxy S5?! But I only paid $100 for it!"

This might be the most common misconception about smartphone repair, just because many people don’t know how valuable flagship devices like the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy actually are. The subsidized rate you pay when signing a 2-year contract is essentially a down-payment on that device. What seems to be a great deal at first – $199 for a new phone on a 2-year contract – actually costs more over time and greatly skews the perceived value of the phone. Check out our blog and infographic to learn the true value of a smartphone.  

5. "My cell phone can't be fixed."

Yes it can. Promise.  

6. "I can fix this iPhone/iPad/Smartphone myself, no problem!"

You can ask any repair technician his/her biggest pet peeve and we can almost guarantee it’s this: customers will buy cell phone repair parts online, attempt to fix the device themselves, and then show up at his or her local repair shop with a bag full of screws and a half-assembled smartphone. It doesn’t take a genius to repair a smartphone, but rarely does the average consumer realize how time-consuming (and frustrating) these repairs can often be. While we would never stop a determined DIY-er from attempting to repair his or her own cell phone, we must warn you: it looks a lot easier than it actually is. Even if you get it back together with all the pieces in place, if the screen doesn’t turn on, you’re in for a long and painstaking troubleshooting process. Unless you’re highly technical or very confident in your personal abilities, we advise any inexperienced consumer to leave it to the professionals.  

7. "Cell phone repair shops are sketchy and the technicians aren't certified."

Unfortunately, just like every other industry in the world, there exist dishonest business owners who take advantage of their customers. This can give an industry a bad reputation, but this does not mean the industry as a whole can’t be trusted. The cell phone repair industry is filled with thousands of awesome, trustworthy business owners who love helping other people. 90% of repair shops are independently owned small business repair shops. Since local business thrives on community trust, check out online reviews of your local repair shop to see how they’ve taken care of their customers before. Chances are they’ll take care of you, too.     Thanks for reading and be sure to share with friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ to educate them on the facts of the growing cell phone repair industry. Let us know in the comments below which misconceptions you hear the most or if we missed any! We always love hearing from the Repair Community and look forward to getting your feedback. Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google+ and let your voice be heard!