Who are these options for?

Households looking to avoid replacing an appliance too soon

You want to find out whether a repairer can get your appliance working again and apply the Repair Bonus before you consider buying a new one.

Households that need an appliance quickly

If you can’t wait to get your washing machine, fridge or another household appliance working again, the repair timescale and whether your old appliance can be taken away at delivery both matter.

Consumers open to refurbished appliances

You’re considering a refurbished second-hand appliance, provided you can identify the professional seller, check the condition and features of the item being delivered, and understand your available rights.

What should you consider first?

Repair

Consider if: the appliance still meets your needs and suitable repair work can be carried out.

Bear in mind: your decision depends on the quote, the availability of parts and the timescale. The Repair Bonus only applies to eligible work carried out by a certified repairer.

Buy new

Consider if: a repair can’t restore the function you need within an acceptable timescale.

Bear in mind: free take-back of an old, equivalent appliance isn’t a buy-back scheme. You should confirm the practical arrangements when placing your order.

Buy refurbished

Consider if: the listing describes the specific item on offer in detail and its features suit your home.

Bear in mind: this is a second-hand item. Assess its condition, accessories and any work carried out based on the specific item, rather than comparing it with a reference model in new condition.

What matters to you What to check Who this is for
Repair before replacing Ask for a quote and timescale, then check with a certified repairer whether the appliance and the work are eligible for the Repair Bonus. I’d rather keep an appliance that suits me if it can be repaired within an acceptable timescale. Around 31% of consumers facing this choice might prioritise repair.
Get a working appliance again Check the delivery timescale for a new appliance and how your old, equivalent appliance can be taken away. When I’m without an essential household appliance, I want to know when I can get it working again without having to leave the old one behind. Around 38% of consumers would prioritise uninterrupted use.
Choose a refurbished appliance Check the condition and features of the item on sale, what’s included and the identity of the professional seller. If I buy refurbished, I want to be able to assess the appliance I’ll actually receive and know who to contact if there’s a problem. Around 23% of consumers might put this reassurance first.
Have your old appliance taken away Check during the ordering process which types of appliance are accepted and the collection arrangements linked to delivery. I can’t easily transport my old appliance, so how it will be collected could determine what I buy. This would be the main concern for around 8% of consumers.

What pitfalls should you avoid?

  • Assuming the Repair Bonus covers every fault

    According to the French government departments responsible for the environment and the QualiRépar label, the bonus is applied by a certified repairer, provided the product and the work are eligible. A minimum repair cost may also apply to some categories.

    Before the work starts, ask them to confirm eligibility, the amount of the bonus, the quote and how long it will take to obtain the parts.

  • Confusing free take-back with buy-back

    In France, one-for-one take-back covers an old, equivalent appliance when you buy a new electrical appliance, including online. It doesn’t mean that your old appliance will be bought from you. ecosystem distinguishes between take-back linked to a purchase and the practical arrangements for collection.

    Check the option offered in your basket or the delivery terms, particularly if a large appliance needs to be collected from your home.

  • Relying on the words ‘like new’ alone

    The DGCCRF explains that a refurbished product is a second-hand item whose functions have been tested and which has been restored if necessary. The description should help you assess the specific item on sale, including its condition and what’s included.

    Before paying, check the advertised features, included accessories, the identity of the professional seller and the warranty terms.

  • Overlooking information that could help with a future repair

    Once you’ve decided to replace your appliance, how easy it will be to repair the new one is still worth considering. The DGCCRF says that the durability index has replaced the repairability index for the washing machines and televisions concerned; the repairability index still applies to other categories.

    For the model you’re considering, check the relevant index and its details, as well as any information available about spare parts.

Labels and retailers to know

These are useful for different things: finding a certified repairer or checking a retailer’s published take-back terms. Always check the conditions that apply to your appliance and order.

QualiRépar

A label to look for if you want to have a repair assessed for the Repair Bonus.

  • According to the French government departments responsible for the environment and QualiRépar, a certified repairer can deduct the bonus directly from an eligible invoice.
  • The label doesn’t automatically make every appliance, repair or quote eligible. Confirm the conditions before the work begins.

Darty

A retailer offering take-back services for used appliances, including with some large-appliance deliveries.

  • Darty says that take-back can be arranged at the time of delivery for eligible products.
  • Check the terms for the product and seller you’ve selected, especially if the offer is from the marketplace.

Boulanger

A retailer that describes home collection during some large-appliance deliveries, as well as other drop-off and return options.

  • Boulanger offers take-back of old appliances with eligible deliveries.
  • The arrangements depend on the service you choose. The appliance being collected must not pose a risk to staff’s health or safety.

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Frequently asked questions

Which appliances are eligible for the Repair Bonus?

QualiRépar lists washing machines, dishwashers, fridges and several other types of household appliance among the eligible products. You must use a certified repairer, but the work must also meet the scheme’s conditions and, depending on the category, a minimum cost may apply. Ask for confirmation when you request a quote.

What warranty applies to a refurbished appliance?

In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to a refurbished appliance bought from a professional seller, as the DGCCRF explains. You can rely on it for two years from the date the item is delivered. Check that the description and included items match the specific appliance being sold.

Does an online retailer have to take away my old appliance when I buy a new one?

In France, free one-for-one take-back must be offered when you buy a new appliance in exchange for equivalent used electrical equipment, including when you buy online, under the take-back rules explained by ecosystem. Collection arrangements depend in particular on the product and delivery, so check them during the ordering process before completing your purchase.

Which index should I check to assess how repairable a new appliance is?

Check the index that applies to the model’s category, and look at its details rather than relying on the score alone. According to the DGCCRF, the durability index replaced the repairability index for the washing machines and televisions concerned from 2025; the repairability index remains a useful guide for other categories where it applies.