cmonova
06-22-2009, 04:08 PM
From the Wall Street Journal: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124096297211566031.html
Economic fears are driving a resurgence for repairmen. When it comes to autos, computers and all kinds of appliances, consumers are more likely to repair what they have, rather than buying a new replacement.
At Daniel Hand's Computer Medics of Northern Virginia in Fredericksburg, work orders are stacked up on his desk. Two years ago, the repair estimates would have scared off his customers. "When people used to come around, if the cost was $300 to fix it and a new one was only $500 or $600, they'd typically get a new one," says Mr. Hand. Now, he says, "nine out of 10 times they come back and say, 'Fix it.' " His business's revenue is running about 30% higher now than a year ago.
Mr. Hand, who is president of the National Association of Computer Repair Business Owners, said the pattern he sees in his business is consistent across the industry.
Economic fears are driving a resurgence for repairmen. When it comes to autos, computers and all kinds of appliances, consumers are more likely to repair what they have, rather than buying a new replacement.
At Daniel Hand's Computer Medics of Northern Virginia in Fredericksburg, work orders are stacked up on his desk. Two years ago, the repair estimates would have scared off his customers. "When people used to come around, if the cost was $300 to fix it and a new one was only $500 or $600, they'd typically get a new one," says Mr. Hand. Now, he says, "nine out of 10 times they come back and say, 'Fix it.' " His business's revenue is running about 30% higher now than a year ago.
Mr. Hand, who is president of the National Association of Computer Repair Business Owners, said the pattern he sees in his business is consistent across the industry.