Technology solution providers that offer break-fix services on tech products may find new business opportunities by adding mobile device repair to their portfolio.
“We think it can be a valuable business [and] source of income, especially for smaller repair businesses,” said Dan Rivoire, director at iFixit Pro, a community of repair professionals.
Rivoire spoke Tuesday on “Modern Mobility Device Repair” as part of the ChannelCon Track4Techs program. This ChannelCon-exclusive program was created specifically for the IT pro community to keep them informed about the innovations and trends that will impact their careers.
Nearly two-thirds of American adults own a smartphone, up from 35 percent in 2011, according to Rivoire. When the number of work-related smartphones and tablets is factored in, it’s creating a growing market for mobile device repair. Rivoire cited the following stats:
- 15 percent of Americans are currently using a phone with a cracked screen.
- 15 percent have damaged a smartphone in a fit of emotion.
- 20 percent have dropped a smartphone in a toilet.
“This all combines to potentially drive a huge amount of repair business,” he said. Estimates peg the cell phone repair market at $4.09 billion. By comparison, the computer and electronics repair market is estimated at $21.5 billion.
“Despite some of the challenges there are many organizations out there trying to help us fix these things,” Rivoire concluded.
