Ways to Save Money on Electronics Repairs

Americans spend a lot on electronics — nearly $1,500 per household annually. Unfortunately, many of these electronics inevitably encounter issues where they need to either be repaired or replaced.

While there are many cases where replacement is the only choice, a repair is often possible. Studies find that repairing electronics can save households up to $330 per year! That equates to $40 billion for the nation as a whole, so repair is definitely an option to consider.

With that said, here are the top three ways to save on electronic repairs.

While this may sound a little intimidating if you’re not super tech-savvy, many basic electronic repairs can be done on your own. In fact, headphones, earbuds, TVs, smartphones, and power cords have been ranked by experts as some of the most straightforward electronics for DIYers to fix.

And we’re living in a time where a wealth of information on nearly every device imaginable is at your fingertips. YouTube is usually the best starting point. You can easily find a detailed overview of how to fix many electronics step-by-step. Beyond that, there are websites devoted entirely to offering electronic repair tutorials, with iFixit and SOSAV being two of the most popular.

Also, Apple recently started offering a Self Service Repair kit for iPhone 12 and 13. It includes professional-grade machinery, along with parts, tools, and materials. If you feel comfortable making iPhone repairs, give the kit a try. Apple also announced that they plan on expanding this offering to other products like Mac computers and M1 chips in the near future. You can learn more about the process here.

If handling electronics repairs yourself isn’t in the cards, try bringing it to an independent repair shop. Skipping the big stores and shopping small can save you some money. In fact, when we said that American households can save up to $330 per year, this is one of the main ways to go about it.

That’s because independent repair shops tend to charge less than larger brands. With fewer overhead costs and smaller payrolls, you can usually find a reasonable deal, with the average cost in 2022 being $94. And if you’re living in a mid to large size city, there should be plenty of options to choose from. The most difficult part is finding one that you trust. Just be sure to read multiple reviews before making your choice.

Zooming out, perhaps the best way of all to save money  on electronics repairs is to get extended warranty coverage whenever you buy a device. While most electronics come with a one-year limited manufacturer’s warranty, you’re on your own once that time passes.

But with extended coverage through a provider like Upsie, you can maintain the same level of protection long after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired. Upsie protects over 60,000 types of electronics and appliances. They make it simple to get the repair you need as quickly as possible.

All you have to do is file a claim. Call Upsie's 24/7 claims center or fill out an online form to start. Upsie will then help you get a local repair with a professional technician, mailing your device in to Upsie’s repair center, or through an in-home repair appointment for large electronics. Service is quick, and many devices qualify for same-day repair. And if you ever need help along the way, you can contact Upsie’s friendly representatives by phone, chat, email, or social media.

As for pricing, Upsie costs up to less than in-store warranties. And you always have full control of your plans through your Upsie.com account.