Fallen out of the bag, plopped into the water, dust in the charging socket: If the smartphone is defective, half of the affected users (52 percent) want it repaired. This is the result of a representative survey of 1,003 people in Germany aged 16 and over, including 854 users of smartphones or cell phones.

Smartphone repair popular and resource-saving

Accordingly, various options are used for repairs: A quarter (24 percent) have already had damage repaired by the manufacturer. 19 percent used the dealer's repair services and 9 percent went to a specialized workshop. 10 percent have already repaired damage themselves. “Anyone who has a defective smartphone or other defective IT device repaired instead of throwing it away ensures less electronic waste and protects resources and the environment,” says Bitkom Managing Director Dr. Bernhard Rohleder. Respondents were able to provide multiple options.

“If you have a defective smartphone or other defective IT device repaired instead of throwing it away, you ensure less electronic waste and protect resources and the environment.”

Bitkom Managing Director Dr. Bernhard Rohleder.

For those who did not have a defect or damage to a smartphone repaired at least once, the costs were usually too high. 73 percent say: The repair was too expensive for me. 53 percent wanted a new device anyway and 44 percent found a repair too complicated. For 31 percent, the repair would have taken too long and for 23 percent the damage could not be repaired.

VAT reduction called for as an incentive for smartphone repairs

Regardless of their personal smartphone use, 69 percent of Germans are generally in favor of a reduction in VAT on repairs. “If you want to promote device repairs, you have to set the right incentives. A VAT reduction on spare parts and repair services for IT hardware such as smartphones and laptops is one such incentive that has a direct and immediate effect,” says Rohleder. With a view to the EU Commission's plans to present a draft law for a "right to repair" this Wednesday, Bitkom points out that repairs represent one of many instruments of a comprehensive sustainability strategy.

Among other things, it is also important to promote the use of remanufactured devices, so-called refurbished IT. “We have to generate less garbage and electronic waste in Germany and Europe – that’s for sure. The following applies to electronic and digital devices such as tablets, smartphones or laptops: the longer these products are used, the more sustainable they generally are,” emphasizes Rohleder.

“If you want to promote device repairs, you have to set the right incentives. A reduction in VAT on spare parts and repair services for IT hardware such as smartphones and laptops is one such incentive that has a direct and immediate impact.”

Bitkom Managing Director Dr. Bernhard Rohleder.

9 out of 10 users already had a defective device

Overall, 89 percent of cell phone and smartphone users have already had a device defect. Display damage is the most common cause of a defect - 73 percent of those who have ever had damage to their device were affected by this. 56 percent had a damaged case and 37 had battery damage. Speakers (25 percent) and microphones (24 percent) were each defective in a quarter. 13 percent had water damage to their smartphone or cell phone and 10 percent had a defective charging socket. Rohleder: “Even better than repairing it is protecting the devices from damage, for example with good cases and display films.”

Source:

Bitcom
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