Right-to-Repair Laws Could Save You Money
Proponents say consumers should have the ability to fix their products.
If you’ve ever replaced your smartphone because the screen was cracked or put a relatively new flat-screen TV out for trash pickup, you know how difficult it is to get consumer products repaired.
That’s changing. Legislation enacted or introduced in more than two dozen states requires manufacturers of everything from smartphones to farm equipment to make it easier for consumers to take damaged products to an independent repair shop — or fix the products themselves. Some state bills would provide “right to repair” protections for all consumer products, while others are limited to smartphones and laptops.
Aaron Perzanowski, a law professor at the University of Michigan and author of The Right to Repair: Reclaiming the Things We Own, says many of the products we buy are inextricably tied to the manufacturer, leading to what he calls the tethered economy. Forcing consumers to go back to the manufacturer to get their products repaired means “we’re not free of that relationship once we make a purchase and bring it home,” he says.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Opponents of right-to-repair legislation say it would jeopardize consumers’ safety and force manufacturers to share proprietary information. “Most consumer-technology products are composed of complex electronics, which require specialized training and sophisticated test instruments to repair safely,” Dusty Brighton, representing the industry-funded Repair Done Right Coalition, said in testimony at a Minnesota House Judiciary Committee hearing in February.
Despite those concerns, several states have moved forward with right-to-repair bills. In May, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed legislation that requires manufacturers of smartphones, laptops, appliances and other equipment to provide independent shops and consumers with the tools and instructions needed to fix their products. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed similar legislation in December. In April, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill that requires manufacturers to give farmers the tools, manuals and software they need to fix their tractors. Farmers who supported the bill said they were frequently forced to wait days for a manufacturer’s representative to repair their equipment, which hurt their profits.
California lawmakers are considering legislation that would require manufacturers of appliances and consumer electronics to make their repair manuals publicly available, sell parts to consumers, and provide consumers with the ability to open digital locks that prevent them from fixing their products. The legislation is significant because California is the nation’s most populous state and home to many large technology manufacturers.
Right-to-repair advocates say the cost of replacing damaged products costs consumers billions of dollars a year. A survey by U.S. PIRG, a consumer advocacy group, found that the average household spent $1,767 to buy electronic products in 2021, up 19% since 2019.
The right-to-repair movement is popular “because it’s common sense,” says Nathan Proctor, a senior director for U.S. PIRG. “People want to be able to fix stuff, and they’re sick of the excuses they get from manufacturers about why they can’t.”
Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.
Related Content
To continue reading this article
please register for free
This is different from signing in to your print subscription
Why am I seeing this? Find out more here
Block joined Kiplinger in June 2012 from USA Today, where she was a reporter and personal finance columnist for more than 15 years. Prior to that, she worked for the Akron Beacon-Journal and Dow Jones Newswires. In 1993, she was a Knight-Bagehot fellow in economics and business journalism at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She has a BA in communications from Bethany College in Bethany, W.Va.
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Sizzle Ahead of Apple Earnings, Jobs Report
The Nasdaq outperformed in a strong day for stocks thanks to Qualcomm's post-earnings pop.
By Karee Venema Published
-
Carvana Stock Surges on Surprise Profit
Carvana stock is rallying following a strong first-quarter earnings report. Here’s what you need to know.
By Joey Solitro Published
-
Your High-Yield Savings Account Is About to Look Less Appealing
High-yield savings accounts are about to pull less of a punch. Here's a look at what to do with your savings once interest rates drop.
By Kim Clark Published
-
Ease on Down the Road to Retirement
Want to keep working, just not as hard? A phased retirement may just be the answer.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
You Should Be Investing in a 529 Now for Your Kids' or Grandkids' Tuition
Learn how to maximize investing in a 529, a state-sponsored college education savings account for qualifying educational expenses.
By Emma Patch Published
-
Retirees are Getting Into Camping — Here's How You Can, Too
A guide to camping for retirees, as older Americans are increasingly trying out the unique time outdoors.
By Yvette C. Hammett Published
-
How Inflation, Deflation and Other 'Flations' Impact Your Stock Portfolio
There are five different types of "flations" that not only impact the economy, but also your investment returns. Here's how to adjust your portfolio for each one.
By Kim Clark Published
-
How to Help Your Kids With Finances When They Move Back Home
For millions of older parents, the nest is as crowded as ever.
By Ella Vincent Published
-
Is Identity Theft Protection Worth It?
Should you consider identity theft protection? Monitoring services can help you spot red flags quickly, but they won’t stop criminals from targeting you.
By Sarah Brady Last updated
-
What's Happening with Frequent Fliers in 2024?
Bargain airfares are back, but use your frequent-flier miles before they lose value.
By Sandra Block Published