Repair Congestion Struggle: Repair Workshops Overwhelmed by Repair Demand
A new study by IFH Cologne predicts an increase in repair requests for specialist retailers and manufacturers, as consumers become more reliant on professional repair services. The study, commissioned by Wertgarantie and the Federal Association of Technology in Retail, reveals that more than 80% of customers are very satisfied with the repairs carried out, and the majority consider the repair duration and costs to be appropriate.
The surge in repair requests poses a significant challenge for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the specialist trade, particularly in light of potential skilled worker shortages. To support these businesses in effectively implementing the EU directive on the right to repair, several political measures are needed.
**Skilled Workforce Development and Support**
Investing in vocational training and apprenticeships specifically tailored to repair skills and specialist trades is essential to address the shortage of qualified repair professionals. SMEs should also be encouraged to train existing employees in new repair technologies and techniques, including digital and electronic repairs, through subsidies or incentives.
Collaboration between governments, trade associations, and educational institutions is crucial in creating repair-focused curricula and certification programs.
**Financial and Regulatory Support**
Financial assistance, grants, or tax relief should be offered to SMEs for upgrading their tools, equipment, and software compatible with the new repair standards. Simplifying administrative procedures for SMEs to access repair information and spare parts is also vital, considering the directive requires availability of parts and manuals for up to seven years after product discontinuation.
**Ensuring Access to Repair Information and Spare Parts**
Manufacturers must be held accountable for providing clear, affordable, and timely access to spare parts, repair manuals, and diagnostic tools. Potential monopolies on spare parts should be addressed by maintaining fair competition safeguards and preventing design rights from blocking necessary repairs.
**Encouraging Innovation and Use of New Technologies**
SMEs should be supported in adopting new technologies such as 3D printing for producing spare parts, while balancing intellectual property rights with fair use provisions. Knowledge sharing platforms and technical support networks can help SMEs navigate the technical complexities introduced by the directive.
**Awareness and Consumer Engagement**
Awareness campaigns for consumers on the benefits of repair and the availability of independent repair options are necessary to strengthen demand for skilled repair services. Certification or “repair-friendly” labeling schemes for SMEs complying with right to repair standards can enhance their market visibility.
These measures aim to mitigate the challenges posed by skilled worker shortages and regulatory burdens, enabling SMEs in the specialist trade to comply with the EU’s right to repair directive effectively, support sustainable consumption, and maintain competitive business operations in the evolving repair market.
Press contacts for Wertgarantie are Ulrike Braungardt and Maike Lehnhoff. The study surveyed 4,131 consumers, 164 specialist retailers, 20 manufacturers, and 6 companies in the spare parts industry in the first half of 2025. The increasing complexity due to regulatory requirements is a major challenge for many businesses, with over half of specialist retailers (52%) and manufacturers (56%) expecting an increase in repair requests.
References: [1] Wertgarantie (2025). Recht auf Reparatur: Aktuelle Erkenntnisse der Studie zur Reparaturwirtschaft. Retrieved from [2] IFH Cologne (2025). Recht auf Reparatur: Aktuelle Erkenntnisse der Studie zur Reparaturwirtschaft. Retrieved from [3] European Commission (2019). Directive (EU) 2019/777 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2019 on certain aspects concerning contracts for the sales of goods, and repealing Council Directive 93/13/EEC. Retrieved from
The surge in repair requests, fueled by consumers' increasing reliance on professional services, highlights the need for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to invest in new repair technologies and skilled workforce development. To overcome potential skilled worker shortages, SMEs should consider vocational training, apprenticeships, and in-house training programs in digital and electronic repair technologies.
The adoption of advanced technologies like 3D printing and knowledge-sharing platforms can assist SMEs in producing spare parts and navigating the technical complexities introduced by the EU's right to repair directive, ultimately enabling them to maintain competitive business operations in the evolving repair market.
