Why Companies Oppose the Right to Repair

Companies often vehemently oppose the right to repair policies, primarily due to their business models and the inherent challenges in providing repair services. This article explores the reasons behind this opposition and examines how these policies impact the manufacturing and consumer electronics industries.

The Core Reason: Increased Costs and Revenue Shifts

Companies are designed to maximize profits by selling products, which involves a focus on manufacturing rather than ongoing service. To them, providing repair services means incurring additional costs and headaches, which translates to less revenue. As a result, they are against initiatives that promote the right to repair, as it limits their ability to sell products consistently and globally.

Manufacturing vs. Service: A Profitability Challenge

Manufacturers often develop products with single-use or quick-disposable designs. These products are engineered to be difficult to repair, thereby ensuring that consumers are compelled to purchase replacements. For instance, Apple and Samsung have been criticized for designing smartphones with such thin and fragile shells that they tend to bend in people's pockets, making it easier for the company to sell new units.

Liability and Revenue Streams

Companies have a significant financial stake in maintaining their service monopolies. If they allow the right to repair, they run the risk of bearing liability for repair failures or customers damaging the devices during attempted repairs. Additionally, companies prefer to sell new products over fixing old ones, as the profit margin from repairing an old device is often lower. For many tech companies, the revenue from selling new devices surpasses the repair income, making it more profitable to encourage customers to get new products.

Limiting Competition and Protecting Intellectual Property

Another reason why companies oppose the right to repair is that it breaks down the exclusivity of their proprietary designs. For businesses like Hewlett-Packard (HP) and Apple, having access to the exclusive parts and services is a lucrative business model. HP, for example, made it difficult for consumers to access the necessary parts to repair their products, thereby ensuring a steady stream of service revenue.

Designing for Repair vs. Manufacturing for Disposal

The right to repair also challenges the fundamental principles of modern manufacturing. Designing products to be easily and economically repairable requires extensive time, resources, and expertise. This involves several critical steps:

Deciding on Replaceable Components

Engineers must determine which components are replaceable. This decision impacts not only the product design but also the manufacturing processes, including safety and material handling. For instance, circuit boards that can be easily repaired may require more traditional manufacturing methods, which are often less advanced and more costly.

Testing and Documentation

Repair-friendly designs necessitate the inclusion of test points and comprehensive service manuals covering various failure scenarios. This process requires significant time and resources, possibly leading to increased production costs.

Impact on the Industry and Environment

Denying consumers the right to repair has environmental and ethical implications. Encouraging the disposal of older devices in favor of new ones leads to increased electronic waste. Moreover, it may hinder the development of sustainable manufacturing practices and design for longevity.

Enhancing Environmental Consciousness

Companies have a moral obligation to be more environmentally conscious. The right to repair can play a crucial role in reducing electronic waste and promoting more sustainable practices. However, the opposition from manufacturers often stems from a lack of immediate financial benefits and a resistance to change.

Conclusion

The opposition to the right to repair is deeply rooted in the profit-oriented business models and market dynamics of the manufacturing sector. While companies focus on maximizing profits and avoiding risks, they may overlook the long-term benefits of a more sustainable and repair-friendly approach to product design. The right to repair offers a path towards a more sustainable and ethical manufacturing future, one that aligns with both consumer needs and environmental responsibility.