We\u2019ve all had some version of this happen: Your cellphone refuses to boot up.\u00a0 You take it to your favorite repair shop, and they tell you that they can\u2019t get the parts to fix it.\u00a0 Your choices now are either to go to an authorized repair shop and pay a lot more to get your cellphone fixed or just bite the bullet and get a new one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This problem is not unique to cellphones; almost every product has some digital core components these days. Other devices can have problems, refrigerators go on the blink, washing machines go down, computers fail to perform, yet it\u2019s nearly impossible to get a fix without going to the manufacturer. Manufacturers have made it difficult to repair things, for instance by limiting availability of parts, by designing their products to make them difficult to fix, or by putting prohibitions on who gets to repair them. It affects not only cars, kitchen devices and computers, but even hospital ventilators, which were critical for treating patients severely ill with COVID-19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why? Electronics manufacturers increasingly design and build their products to force consumers to return to them or to authorized repair shops for service by refusing to share basic product information and access to replacement parts. Some will void the warranty if Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are not used or if the repair is done by an independent party\u2014even if the repair caused no additional damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Generally, OEMs cite concerns over divulging proprietary information or the difficulty of formatting technical information for general usage. Some companies go so far as to design products with sealants so internal repairs require cracking the outer casing, potentially damaging the device, and voiding the warranty in the process. And of course, they make money by charging you for parts and repairs and getting you to upgrade instead of fixing your old device. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In some cases, wait times for repairs as simple as a battery change are so long that customers will forgo a replacement and buy a new phone. You will also pay more for manufacturer or authorized dealer servicing. And remember they have an incentive to sell you something new, not fix your phone (unless it\u2019s under warranty).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Manufacturers, on the other hand, argue that their products are repairable, and that they are protecting consumers\u2019 safety, privacy, and security by restricting who does the repairs. Apple, for example, has argued that they believe the safest and most reliable repair is one handled by a trained technician using genuine parts that have been properly engineered and rigorously tested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why does this problem exist and why are manufacturers able to limit independent repair of purchased products? Doesn\u2019t owning the device you paid for give you rights to fix it yourself or bring it to the repair shop of your choice?<\/p>\n\n\n\n