At the start of 2023, the repair bonus came into force. This system allows consumers to benefit from state financing from specialized service providers to help them finance certain electronic devices. The idea is of course to reduce waste and combat planned product obsolescence, while saving customers money. Almost two years later, where are we?
A positive outcome?
According to The World which cites figures from Ecologic, an eco-organization responsible for collecting contributions from manufacturers and distributing aid, the first year worked very poorly for the repair bonus. But it is a little better from the end of 2023 to the end of 2024 with a doubling of repairs: 574,163 in France. This means that one in 20 repaired devices benefits from the system.
TF1 cites data from the eco-organization Ecosystem according to which the products most supported in two years are mobile phones (306,000 repairs), followed by washing machines (105,000 repairs) and dishwashers (100 000 repairs).
The fact remains that only 18% of the budget of 154 million euros available to these eco-organizations for the year 2024 has been spent. There remains therefore a very good margin for progress.
Proposals to boost the repair bonus
Quoted by our colleagues of the Worldseveral associations make recommendations to improve the repair bonus. For example, Stop Planned Obsolescence (HOP) wishes to strengthen the network of repairers by strengthening the attractiveness of these professions. It also asks to remove the trigger thresholds to access the bonus.
For its part, the Consumer Housing and Living Environment association (CLCV) wants to broaden the bonus eligibility criteria to include other types of breakdowns. This includes damage and software updates.
Finally, other experts cited by TF1 advocate a simplification of the bonus, the amounts of which are not always very legible or clear depending on the breakdown encountered. Have you already benefited from the repair bonus? And if so, what did you think? What are the potential improvements of this system? Tell us in the comments.
What to remember:
- The repair bonus celebrates its two years
- The use of this aid is accelerating in France
- The system could, however, be greatly improved and simplified to appeal even more to consumers.
