Despite state aid, the French still seem reluctant to have their devices repaired and prefer to buy a new model.
Repairing defective appliances is an excellent gesture for the environment, and the government recently decided to encourage the French to consider this solution.
Immediate discounts to encourage repair rather than a new purchase
Voted in 2020 and applied since December 15, 2022, the anti-waste law for a circular economy includes a repair bonus which allows customers to have part of the price of the repair of their electronic and electrical devices deducted.
The amount of the reductions is fixed, depending on the type of product taken for repair. You can get 25 euros off for a smartphone or tablet, 30 euros for a TV and up to 45 euros off on laptop repairs. The discount is automatically applied to the invoice, at QualiRépar certified professionals.
If the list of products concerned is limited for the moment, other families will be added by 2024, such as food processors and printers.
Insufficient aid when the profession does not attract crowds
If this bonus is a good thing in absolute terms, the French do not necessarily seem convinced by the interest of having their devices repaired. Already in 2019, only 10% of out-of-warranty devices were repaired.
The situation has not really improved, the fault of a cruel lack of repairers. Only 450 brands are labeled QualiRépar, and 1,500 in total will be by 2023. This is largely insufficient, according to Laurent Falconieri, general manager of the Compagnie du SAV, a company specializing in the repair of household appliances, interviewed by What to choose : “ Where the shoe pinches is our ability to support mechanisms such as the repair fund. The territory is poorly covered and the age pyramid is unfavorable: we would need 3,500 to 4,000 additional technicians over 5 years in order to be able to meet the needs. »
The other obstacle that repels consumers is the cost of repairs. Many customers are cost sensitive and will not have it refurbished once the mark exceeds 35% of the new purchase price “, continues Mr. Falconieri.
While these bonuses are significant, the manager explains that the profession does not attract crowds and that other levers could be activated to attract both new repairers and convince consumers more easily: “ If VAT could finally be a subject of discussion, the consumer would come out ahead in terms of savings, the repairer in terms of profitability, and the government in terms of repairability. »
Source : What to choose
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