At the end of May, the government set the subsidy to abruptly repair electrical household appliances, mobile phones, bicycles, etc. because the budget was exhausted. A new edition has been announced, but has not yet emerged. Now affected companies are fiercely on a “repair bonus”.
Due to the EU requirements (“right to repair” for consumers), financing is even mandatory, according to Mario Fasching of the large repair network Eseco. “The nation states must implement this! We are currently a decrease in repairing a good 10 percent in large household appliances such as washing machines, etc. etc. The bonus is especially important for socially weaker. It also strengthens awareness that repairs are useful.”
Sharpers required
The amount (most recent 50 percent of the costs, a maximum of 200 euros) must also stay with a new regulation, so that the financing is effective enough. However, sharper requirements would be logical. Only companies with a tested quality may be included in the bonus program.
In the old model there were around 6,000 companies in Austria, which sometimes lacked the assets due to well -trained employees. Fasching: “There was abuse to fraud, especially with mobile phone stores.” That is why the old bonus was even stopped in between and changed somewhat. Customers then first had to pay the full invoice and then received the financing.
Manufacturers rode the prices of spare parts partially high
He also demands an independent body that transmits the prices of spare parts transparently. It was recognizable that some manufacturers of e-spending made their parts more expensive to make the purchase of their new devices more attractive despite the bonus. “However, the consumer decides between repair or new purchase according to the costs. The labor costs are not very different, therefore the part prices are essential and determine the manufacturers.
The companies must also contribute to the financing of the bonus, Fasching advises. So far, 130 million euros have come from the EU and another 80 million euros from the budget. To secure the long -term financing, a fund that is more useful by the industry would be more logical. The model is electronic waste and packaging where the companies are already depositing in pots, for which collection and recycling are paid, Fasching advises.
With Eseco it has long been offering repair services for household and electronic devices, especially for the processing of manufacturers’ guarantee cases. Consumers can also find suitable companies themselves via https://repartatur.at.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
