What Do We Want?! SPARE PARTS When Do We Want Them? NOW, And For At Least 7 Years!!

The FTC recently found that manufacturers are intentionally making it difficult and expensive to repair products like cellphones and automobiles. Consumer groups are advocating for "right to repair" laws in multiple states to give customers the freedom to choose where they get their devices fixed. However, some people have criticized the FTC's findings.

The FTC's study, called "Nixing the Fix" reveals the negative impact of repairs that require specialized equipment, hard-to-find parts, and exclusive diagnostic software. This creates challenges for consumers and independent repair shops when fixing faulty items.

The study also highlights that these limitations disproportionately affect communities of color and low-income customers who lack access to third-party repairs, particularly impacting small businesses owned by people of color.

Advocacy organizations, like Consumer Reports, believe that these tactics should be regulated. They argue that it makes repairs more difficult and expensive, pushing consumers towards purchasing new technology instead.

The research identifies several problems, such as special screws and fasteners that make it challenging to fix devices without the right tools. Additionally, manufacturers often solder or glue components in place, making them impossible to replace.

The study also mentions how some companies make it difficult to obtain service manuals and parts, actively preventing third parties from creating their own diagnostic software.

In the car industry, manufacturers discourage the use of third-party parts and repair services, raising concerns about safety and warranty coverage. Some businesses unfairly criticize non-original parts like oil filters and vehicle glass.

Manufacturers claim that these restrictions are necessary for customer safety and to protect their intellectual property, but the study questions these reasons, stating that there is limited evidence to support them.

Right-to-Repair Bills Are Pending

Since January, many states (approximately 27) have been introducing right-to-repair laws. These laws are often based on model legislation created by advocacy organizations, including Consumer Reports. The purpose of these laws is to ensure that individuals and third-party repairers have the same access to information, parts, and tools as authorized repairers from manufacturers.

Interestingly, these state laws could potentially lead to a national right-to-repair law and prompt businesses to change their practices. For instance, in 2012, Massachusetts passed a right-to-repair law, which compelled car manufacturers to collaborate and protect consumers nationwide.

The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened our reliance on personal devices, especially for those working or studying from home. Therefore, the right to repair is crucial, as it ensures affordable and convenient repair services are available. Additionally, due to disruptions in the computer chip supply chain, there is a shortage of certain replacement products.

I want the best of both worlds Honey I know what it is worth If we could have the best of both worlds A little bit of heaven right here on earth - Van Halen

The paper suggests providing customers with information about the ease of repairing items at the time of purchase, like the repairability score implemented in France seen just below.

The Repairability Index is a score ranging from 0 to 10/10, calculated based on five criteria: Documentation - a score determined by the manufacturer's commitment to make technical documents available free of charge, for a certain number of years, to repairers and consumers.

We would enjoy hearing from you; let’s start a dialog!

For more information, insights, or conversations regarding your forklift or material handling needs. You can visit our online contact form, call us at 763-425-9066, or email sales@toyotaequipment.com. We are also on Twitter, @ToyotaEquipment or @KyleThill on X or Twitter

We would welcome the opportunity to address your material handling questions or concerns. Toyota Lift of Minnesota works extremely hard to be your partner and material handling consultant. Remember this: "you have a guy" in the forklift and material handling businesses.

 Are you located outside of Minnesota or Wisconsin? Find your local authorized Toyota Forklift Dealer through their dealer locator.

If you enjoyed this post, I’d be very grateful if you’d help it spread by emailing it to a friend, or sharing it on X (Twitter) or Facebook.

Did our post generate any ideas for you? What are your thoughts or plans? What are your next steps? Give us some insights [or feedback] through comments! Thank you!

— Kyle Thill, What Do We Want?! SPARE PARTS When Do We Want Them? NOW, And For At Least 7 Years!!