Before, consumer electronics and household appliances were made to last. They could be repaired and spare parts were found. The EU is pushing for improvements in the quality of current devices, but the repair is still often expensive for the consumer.
The old television may have worked for twenty years, but it is pointless to expect this from the new ones. This is influenced by the constantly renewing technology and new features of the devices, but the fact that the old devices could be repaired is of great importance. It is not necessarily possible to repair new ones, or it is so expensive that it is not worth repairing.
The regulation aims to extend the service life of the devices.
The intention is good, but still a loophole was left for manufacturers and importers.
– The problem is that the price of spare parts cannot be controlled. It essentially affects whether you want to repair the device or buy a new one, says Toivanen.
The importer sets the price, the consumer pays
With the EU regulation, the availability of parts has improved, but their pricing often does not leave the consumer with a reasonable alternative.
The importer’s service network also affects the equation. Some of the importers of home appliances have concentrated maintenance on large companies with offices only in large cities.
– There are already areas in Finland where it is difficult to organize maintenance due to the distances. The longer the trips, the more expensive the maintenance and repair prices. The consumer pays the bill, reminds Lehtonen.
In addition, there is a glaring labor shortage in the home appliance maintenance sector.
– In the last education reform, the home appliance fitter degree was abolished. Companies must train the installers themselves, for example through an apprenticeship contract. It has made the situation difficult, Lehtonen laments.
There are few people who repair old devices
It is even more difficult to repair or service old consumer electronics than other old electrical devices. The selection of devices and the spectrum of manufacturers is large. The number of repairmen familiar with the devices is close to zero.
– The repairers of such devices have almost disappeared from Finland. The work is now done more as a hobby. That hardly makes for a profitable business, reflects Jan Lehtonen.
– I guess I’m a bit like the last rider, he laughs.
The workshop of Elektronikahuolto Raimo Sinisalo oy exudes echoes of the past. There are tube radios, tape recorders, vinyl record players, c-cassette players and even an old crystal radio. Customers know that Sinisalo, if anyone, brings old equipment back to life.
– The creators of the industry have stopped or died. I’m retired, and that makes this kind of work possible. It would be quite difficult to cope with this, admits Sinisalo.
But miracles are still possible in today’s world, because Sinisalo has found a successor to his work.