When to Repair or Replace? Tips to Consider When Deciding
You have to accept that nothing lasts forever – even gadgets. Whether you accidentally spilled something or it finally gave in to wear and tear, there will come a time that gadgets will let you down. Fortunately, you have two options when the day of reckoning comes – consider Device Repair or buy a new one?
Before anything, the first step is to make sure that the device is actually broken. This means you have to check if the cable is loose or if there is some minor flaw. After checking, you can decide if it needs replacement or just Device Repair.
Here are some things you should know about the repair and replacement of gadgets:
Understand the 50% formula
When it comes to deciding whether you should fix or buy a new one, there is one rule – the 50% formula. In this rule, it involves finding out the cost of repair. If it is more than 50% of buying a new gadget, it is better to purchase a new one.
Many consumers do not get this rule right. When you calculate, make sure that it is against the cost of buying a replacement not against the cost of the original device. In other words, you should not compare the repair cost with whatever you paid for the gadget. You should compare the repair cost with what you will pay if you buy a new gadget.
Know when to ignore the 50% formula
The 50% formula is not applicable all the time. If the gadget has already broken down once before, replacement makes more sense.
Try to look beyond the price
It is normal to base the decision according to the price but when it comes to gadgets, money is not only valuable. You should take into consideration other items like the time spent on repairs and sentimental value.
Utilise replace or repair worksheet
The good news is there’s a “replace or repair worksheet” you can use online. This can significantly help your journey. This extensive worksheet will assess everything to help you come to an informed decision.
Determine if buying new is actually an upgrade
Keep in mind that not everything “new” is considered an “upgrade”. If you buy a new unit but the same model, it is not considered an “upgrade”. If the past gadget is not working according to your needs, buying the same thing is actually counter-productive.
The key here is if you are going to spend your money buying new instead of repairing, you should ensure that you are actually getting something that is better than what you had.
Think about offsetting the cost by selling broken gadgets
If you want to make the most of your broken gadgets, you can sell it and offset the cost of the new purchase. The good news is that people pay good money for broken gadgets – you just need to find them online.
Final words
At the end of the day, the final decision will be up to you. There is no answer that applies to everyone. Before you decide, you should weigh your options including the value of your time and its sentimental value. From there, you can make an informed decision.
