First, check whether the fault is covered by a warranty. If a repair may be possible, ask a professional to assess it. If you need to replace the appliance, a professionally refurbished model and a new one meet different needs: compare the condition and accessories of the refurbished appliance, and check what repairability information is available for the category of the new one. If you can manage without the appliance for a while, a professional assessment can help you decide without replacing it straight away.
You want to know whether the fault might be covered by a warranty or repaired by a professional. To qualify for the Repair Bonus, ecosystem says the appliance must, among other things, be out of warranty and the repair must be eligible.
You can’t wait for an uncertain repair and want to compare the condition, accessories and cover that apply to a refurbished or new appliance.
If you need a replacement, you want to check what repairability information is available for the relevant appliance category.
If a small appliance breaks down, start by checking the warranty and whether it’s safe to use. Then weigh up the possibility of a repair against how quickly you need a working appliance again.
| What matters | What to check | Who this applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Whether it can be repaired | Check the warranty and the nature of the fault. For the Repair Bonus, also check whether the repair is eligible and carried out by a QualiRépar repairer. | If my appliance could still be useful, I want to know whether a professional can repair it before I replace it; around 36% of consumers put this first. |
| A quick replacement | For a refurbished appliance, check its stated condition, whether it comes with the accessories you need and that it’s being sold by a professional seller. | If I can’t wait for an assessment, I need an appliance I can use and a clear description of what I’m buying; around 29% of consumers put being able to carry on using an appliance first. |
| The new appliance’s repairability | For a new purchase, check whether a repairability index applies to its category and review the information available for the model. | If I replace my appliance, I want to look at how easy it may be to repair before choosing; around 21% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Waiting for an assessment | If there are any signs of danger, stop using the appliance. Ask about a professional assessment and a temporary solution. | I can manage without the appliance for a while and would rather wait for a professional opinion than make a rushed decision; around 14% of consumers prioritise waiting. |
In France, the Ministry of the Economy explains that the statutory guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual. If the fault is covered, contact the seller before arranging a repair or replacement yourself.
Keep your proof of purchase and any correspondence with the seller so you can explain the fault.
According to ecosystem, eligibility depends on factors including the appliance, whether it’s still under warranty, the fault and whether you use a QualiRépar repairer. Cosmetic damage and some faults related to how the appliance has been used are among the exclusions.
Before agreeing to the work, ask the repairer to confirm the diagnosis, the proposed repair and whether it qualifies for the bonus.
ecosystem strongly advises against repairing a microwave yourself because of the risk of potentially fatal electric shocks.
Stop using any appliance that seems dangerous. Have a professional assess the microwave, and don’t try to take it apart.
The stated condition, any faults listed and the accessories included will determine whether the appliance suits your needs. A repairability index isn’t necessarily displayed for a refurbished product.
Check the model description, the accessories you need, who the seller is and the applicable terms of sale.
According to ecosystem, the Repair Bonus may apply to an eligible appliance that’s no longer under warranty, provided the fault qualifies and the repair is carried out by a QualiRépar repairer. Ask the repairer to confirm that these conditions are met for your appliance and its fault.
Don’t take a broken microwave apart: ecosystem strongly advises against repairing one yourself because of the risk of potentially fatal electric shocks. Stop using it if it seems dangerous and ask a professional to assess it.
Yes. In France, when a private individual buys a refurbished appliance from a professional seller, the Ministry of the Economy says this guarantee also covers second-hand and refurbished goods. Check the description of the appliance’s condition and accessories so you know exactly what you’re buying.
No. According to the ministry responsible for the ecological transition, the repairability index applies to certain categories, and displaying it isn’t compulsory for second-hand or refurbished products. Check whether it applies to the category of the new model you’re considering; its absence doesn’t mean an appliance can’t be repaired.