'Right to Repair' law

[diy_fun_uk]

Aim is to tackle things like built-in obsolescence and lack of parts availability to consumers. Government want appliances to last up to 10 years longer. Also new supposedly simpler energy labeling to be introduced.

If it does what it says on the tin I think this is a positive step. The only slight concern I'd have (although I suppose this has always been the case) is those without sufficient skill trying to repair an appliance and either harming themselves or having a 'fixed' appliance that is now dangerous.

And I suppose many of those who are inclined to simply bin and replace will likely remain so. 'Fix it? Are you kidding?!?'

'Right to repair' law to come in this summer - BBC News

 

[JP_]

Makes sense, will stop a lot of waste. In some "less developed" countries, they repair everything - the thought of replacing a washing machine or drill after 3 years because something stopped working is totally alien to many people, but for us, it's cheaper to just get a new one half the time. That needs to change.

 

[Diver Fred]

Whist it is a good sound byte I very much doubt it will stop people replacing rather than replacing. It does need clarifying in the press and on the web as the early statements indicated that the law would only allow replacement parts to be available to 'Professionals' and not the general public.
I very much doubt that will stop goods being thrown away as the repair costs will have to include the cost of the repair mans time, etc.

Presently many spare parts are available for 'white goods' but not necessarily from the manufacturers, this law change could actually make getting such parts harder and 'hidden' behind the 'right to repair' statement (Firewall).
A case in point - specialist I agree but a similar issue; SCUBA diving equipment, in this country the manufacturers/importers have stitched up the market so the user cannot have spares to carry with themselves or maintain their kit. Most people will pay a 'professional' to service their kit but do wish to carry spares and consumables when away on holiday so they can keep on enjoying their sport.

 

[sxturbo]

It's a good start, but imo it needs to go much further into all walks of life.

At present it doesn't even include mobile phones.

It doesn't include industrial applications either, so there are many companies out there that are forced to use the OEM only

 

[charliegolf]

I seem to recall that Black and Decker used to run a string of high street repair and refurb shops. Why not eh?

 

[Diver Fred]

Failed 'cause the difference in cost between repair or replace just didn't make the cost of repair worthwhile.

 

[johnny2007]

They should impose a compulsory 5 years fully comprehensive warranty for all large white goods.
Manufacturers would then be forced to build products of better quality.
It would cost more to buy, but in the long run it would be cheaper.
I have opened up washing machines and dishwashers of very young age but just out of warranty and found parts disintegrating, joints leaking, pipes held with rusty jubilee clips (not real jubilee, but the cheap version).
The electrics are awful compared to older appliances: lots of exposed connectors ready to trip as soon as there's some condensation or leak.
How much would it cost to have an enclosed connection so spade connectors are covered???
Unfortunately we've become so obsessed with cheap stuff that we don't want to spend more than a couple of hundred on a washing machine.
This culture must be reversed.
I have seen a shift to quality parts in automotive industry, where mechanics are now even refusing to fit chinese parts.
No 2 ways about it: pay peanuts and get monkeys.

 

[jeds]

I always get a 5 year warranty on new tumble dryers - because they are so unreliable. My current Beko one has been repaired at least 10 times in about four and a half years. To be fair it's a good machine when it's running, but I am on first name terms with the repair bloke.

 

[diy_fun_uk]

I think those of us aged maybe 40+ will have seen a definite reduction in the overall quality of some appliances. Yes you have to watch you're not reminiscing through rose-tinted glasses, however I'm nearing 50 and can remember things like the fridge freezer, washing machine and vacuum cleaner we had when I was young. The materials used, certainly the superficial ones, were of much higher quality. Mum bought a fridge freezer, maybe an Electrolux, when I was in my teens. Built like a tank with robust metal door hinges etc. A few years later she was getting a new kitchen with built-in appliances so we gave the fridge freezer to a family we're friendly with. That appliance ran for years, to the extent when we used to visit them we'd make a joke about it 'ah, I see old faithful is still going!'

Todays appliances, even more expensive ones, seem to have paper thin metal panels, very cheap looking plastics etc.

As touched on by johnny2007 re: rubbish components, there are vids on YouTube of a certain washing machine manufacturer. The metal spindle/spider part that locates across the rear of the drum is known for literally disintegrating within a few years if that. Apparently it's some sort of metal on metal chemical reaction that could be resolved by making the part out of a different material. Known issue, however the manufacturer is sticking with the material they've always used. I wonder why ...

 

[Alec_t]

It's all very well having parts available for ten years, but at what price? Unless there are legal limits on price I can see manufacturers charging nearly as much for some trivial proprietary part as the price for a whole new appliance. OEM spares prices are already outrageously high.

 

[motorbiking]

I think manufacturers will find ways around it.

 

[sxturbo]

It's all very well having parts available for ten years, but at what price? Unless there are legal limits on price I can see manufacturers charging nearly as much for some trivial proprietary part as the price for a whole new appliance. OEM spares prices are already outrageously high.

That would be counterproductive for the OEM.

They don't want to have to keep parts available for 10 years and never sell them. It would cost them a fortune

They will want the shelves to empty.

What you will find however is that new product release will fall greatly, rather than release a new product every 6 months to a year, they may well wait 5 to 10 years to save costs on stocks and tooling.

 

[JohnD]

.Mum bought a fridge freezer, maybe an Electrolux, when I was in my teens. Built like a tank with robust metal door hinges etc. ...

When you were young, how many weeks of average earnings did it take to buy a fridge-freezer?

And now?

 

[motorbiking]

It’s amazing that you can buy such a thing for less than £200 and also spend £1500

 

[EddieM]

I suppose there will need to be a cost of replacement / efficiency calculation.