Making the right choice for your wallet and your tech needs

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When your laptop screen cracks, your smartphone battery dies, or your gaming console stops working, you’re faced with a crucial decision: should you repair it or replace it entirely? At Dead or Alive Technology in Wishaw, we’ve developed a systematic approach to help you make this decision with confidence.

After years of helping customers across North Lanarkshire make these tough choices, we’ve created the R.E.P.A.I.R. Formula – a comprehensive framework that takes the guesswork out of repair vs replace decisions.

What is the R.E.P.A.I.R. Formula?

The R.E.P.A.I.R. Formula is our systematic approach to evaluating whether repairing your device makes financial and practical sense:

• R – Repair Cost Ratio
• E – Equipment Age Factor
• P – Performance Requirements
• A – Availability of Parts
• I – Investment Recovery Period
• R – Risk Assessment

This isn’t just about finding the cheapest option – it’s about finding the smartest investment for your specific situation.

How the Formula Works

Step 1: Calculate Your Repair Cost Ratio

The foundation of any repair decision starts with basic maths:

Cost Ratio = (Repair Cost ÷ Replacement Cost) × 100

For example, if your laptop screen repair costs £150 and a comparable new laptop costs £400, your cost ratio is 37.5%. Generally speaking:

• 0-25%: Strong repair recommendation
• 26-40%: Good repair candidate
• 41-60%: Worth discussing both options
• 61-80%: Leaning towards replacement
• 81%+: Usually better to replace

Step 2: Factor in Equipment Age

Not all devices age equally. A 2-year-old smartphone has plenty of life left, whilst a 6-year-old laptop might be approaching retirement. We consider:

• Smartphones/Tablets: 4-5 year expected lifespan
• Laptops: 5-6 year expected lifespan
• Desktop PCs: 6-8 year expected lifespan
• Gaming Consoles: 7-8 year expected lifespan

Newer devices get bonus points for repair consideration, whilst older devices need to show exceptional value to justify the investment.

Step 3: Assess Your Performance Requirements

Your usage patterns matter enormously:

• Basic users (email, web browsing, documents): Can often extend device life significantly through repairs
• Moderate users (streaming, light gaming): Usually benefit from repairs on devices under 4 years old
• Heavy users (gaming, video editing): May need newer hardware capabilities sooner
• Business users: Must factor in productivity costs of downtime

Step 4: Consider Parts Availability

Some repairs are straightforward with readily available parts, whilst others require hunting for discontinued components. We factor in:

• Current parts availability
• Expected future availability
• Quality of available replacement parts
• Lead times for ordering

Step 5: Calculate Investment Recovery

How long will you realistically keep the device after repair? If you’re planning to upgrade in 6 months anyway, even a cost-effective repair might not make sense.

Step 6: Assess the Risks

Every repair decision involves some risk factors:

Positive factors:

• Device has sentimental value
• You’re on a tight budget
• Simple, common repair type
• Good repair history

Risk factors:

• History of multiple previous repairs
• Liquid damage involved
• Complex motherboard issues
• You’ve been wanting newer features

Real-World Example: The 3-Year-Old Laptop

Let’s walk through a typical scenario we see at our Wishaw shop:

The Situation: Customer brings in a 3-year-old laptop with a cracked screen. They use it mainly for work documents and web browsing.

The Calculation:

• Repair cost: £150
• Comparable replacement: £400
• Cost ratio: 37.5% ✓
• Age factor: Mid-life device ✓
• Usage: Basic requirements ✓
• Parts: Screen readily available ✓
• Recovery: Customer plans to keep for 2+ years ✓

Our Recommendation: “I’d definitely recommend the repair. At 37.5% of replacement cost for a mid-life laptop that meets your needs, you’ll get excellent value and likely 2-3 more years of reliable use.”

When We Recommend Replacement

Sometimes the numbers clearly point towards replacement:

The Situation: 5-year-old tablet needs new screen costing £120, but comparable new tablets start at £150.

Our Recommendation: “Given the minimal cost difference and the age of your device, I’d suggest looking at new options. You’ll get updated software support, better battery life, and warranty coverage for just £30 more.”

The Dead or Alive Technology Difference

What sets our approach apart is transparency and honesty. We’re not trying to sell you the most expensive option – we’re helping you make the smartest decision for your situation and budget.

Every repair consultation includes:

• Free written estimates with no obligation
• Clear explanation of our reasoning using the R.E.P.A.I.R. framework
• Discussion of payment plan options for larger repairs
• 30-day labour warranty on all repairs
• Honest advice even when it means recommending replacement

Beyond the Numbers: Other Considerations

Sometimes the formula is just the starting point. We also consider:

• Environmental impact: Repairing extends device life and reduces electronic waste
• Data and setup: Keeping your current device means no data transfer or software reinstallation
• Familiarity: You already know how your device works
• Timing: Sometimes a repair buys you time to research and choose the perfect replacement

Making Your Decision

The R.E.P.A.I.R. Formula gives you a structured way to evaluate your options, but the final choice is always yours. We’re here to provide the information and expertise you need to make that choice confidently.

Whether you’re in Wishaw, Motherwell, Hamilton, or anywhere across North Lanarkshire, bring your device in for a free consultation. We’ll walk through the formula together and give you our honest professional recommendation.

Ready to Make Your Decision?

Don’t let a broken device stress you out. Pop into our shop at 6 Stewarton Street, Wishaw, or give us a call to discuss your repair vs replace decision. Our free estimates include a complete R.E.P.A.I.R. analysis, so you’ll know exactly where you stand.

Contact Dead or Alive Technology:

• Address: 6 Stewarton Street, Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, ML2 8AN
• Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 10am-4pm
• Services: Walk-in consultations welcome, appointments available

Remember: the best decision is an informed decision. Let us help you make the choice that’s right for your device, your budget, and your needs.

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At Dead or Alive Technology, we believe in honest, transparent advice that puts your interests first. Our R.E.P.A.I.R. Formula is just one way we ensure you get the best value from your technology investments.