Second-hand and repair: making things last

Why making things last matters

A product's environmental impact does not arise only while you use it. Mining raw materials, manufacturing, packaging and transport all consume resources and energy before it reaches you. For electronics in particular, manufacturing is known to account for a large share relative to use. So the longer you keep something, the less often a new one needs to be made. Repairing things, and letting someone else carry on using them when you no longer need them, comes before recycling in the order of priorities. This guide covers what to do when something breaks, how far you can repair it yourself, and what to check when buying or selling second-hand. Avoiding second-hand scams is covered in the second-hand trading guide under the life tips topic.

What to check first when something breaks

Before looking up new models the moment something fails, check a few things. The cause is often simpler than you think, and if it is under warranty the repair may cost nothing. Recording the symptoms precisely makes talking to a technician and comparing quotes far easier.

• Check purchase date, warranty and receipt
• Note when and how it started; take photos or video
• Read the troubleshooting section of the manual
• Check simple causes: power, filters, blocked drains
• Look for recalls or free repair notices for the fault

Authorised versus independent repair

There are two routes: the manufacturer's authorised service and independent repair shops. Authorised service offers genuine parts and a warranty on the repair; independent shops can be cheaper or faster. Opening a product still under warranty at an independent shop may void the remaining cover, so check first. Either way, ask for an estimated cost and scope of work beforehand, and compare quotes from at least two places if you can. Many places require manufacturers to keep repair parts available for a set period after sale; the period varies by product, so check official or consumer advice sources.

Deciding whether to repair or replace

If the repair cost is close to the price of a new product, replacing may make sense. But do not decide on cost alone. Consider whether the rest of the item is still sound once the fault is fixed, whether the same fault is likely to recur, and whether a new model would be much more efficient. For a very old appliance used heavily every day, like a fridge, the efficiency gap is worth factoring in. For devices used infrequently, repairing and carrying on is usually better. If the fault is safety-related, such as a burning smell, electrical leakage or a suspected gas leak, stop using it and get a professional inspection before thinking about cost.

What you can fix yourself, and what you cannot

Not every repair needs a professional. Clothing repairs like sewing on buttons, mending seams and taking up hems, tightening loose furniture screws, cleaning filters and replacing consumables are all well within reach at home, as are parts the manual says users can replace. On the other hand, never open anything carrying mains electricity, the inside of appliances like microwaves that can hold high voltage even when unplugged, swollen batteries or gas appliances. These carry risks of electric shock, fire and gas accidents. When doing your own repairs, always unplug first, and stop at any step you are not confident about.

What to check when buying used

Buying what you need second-hand is another way of making things last. If you meet in person, switch the item on there and then and check its main functions. Look at battery condition on rechargeable devices, wobble and joints on furniture, and smells and stains on clothes and bags. Make sure all accessories and chargers are included. You can check whether the model has been recalled through official manufacturer or government notices. For safety equipment like child car seats and helmets, where past impacts affect performance, avoid buying second-hand if you cannot know the history.

Selling or giving things away

Before throwing out things you no longer use, see whether you can sell, share or donate them. Cleaning them and describing their condition and flaws honestly speeds up sales and reduces disputes. For devices holding personal data, such as phones, computers and tablets, sign out of your accounts, remove the device from your linked devices list and do a factory reset. If you sell a storage drive separately, make sure nothing remains on it. When donating, check what the recipient accepts first so you are not offloading things they cannot use.

Choosing things that will last

Making things last starts when you buy. At the same price, products with easily available spare parts, separately sold consumables and replaceable batteries tend to last longer. After buying, simply following the care instructions in the manual makes a real difference to lifespan.

• Check that parts and consumables are available
• Prefer classic designs over passing trends
• Follow the manual's routine maintenance
• Keep warranties and receipts in one place