Households still considering a repair
Your appliance is still useful, but it works intermittently. Before buying a replacement, you want to find out whether a professional repair is an option.
Who are these options for?
Consumers looking for a durable replacement
You need an appliance that suits your household and want to consider its maintenance, repairability and the information available about spare parts before choosing a new model.
Consumers open to buying reused appliances
You are considering an appliance that has been used before, provided you can identify the specific item for sale, its condition, the checks carried out and the seller responsible.
What should you check before choosing?
Start by working out whether you can keep your current appliance. If you need to replace it, check that the new appliance suits your household before comparing its ratings or considering a reused option.
| Your priority | What to check | Who this is for |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping your appliance | Ask an approved repairer whether your appliance and its fault may qualify for the Repair Bonus, particularly if the appliance is no longer covered by a warranty. | I’d rather keep an appliance that’s still useful if a professional repair is possible; around 29% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Finding an appliance that suits your needs | Check the dimensions and capacity you need, then look at noise levels and energy consumption where this information applies to the category. | If my appliance no longer does its job day to day, I want a replacement that genuinely suits my household; around 29% of consumers would prioritise this continuity of use. |
| Planning for future maintenance | Compare the relevant rating across models in the same category, and check information about spare parts, dismantling and maintenance. | I want to be able to maintain my new appliance and have the option of repairing it in future; around 24% of consumers would make durability their top priority. |
| Choosing a reused appliance | Check the condition and model of the specific item for sale, along with its accessories and the tests carried out if it is described as reconditioned. | I’m happy to buy an appliance that’s been used before if I can clearly understand exactly what’s being sold; around 18% of consumers would prioritise verifiable reuse. |
Mistakes to avoid when replacing an appliance
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Confusing second-hand with reconditioned
According to the DGCCRF, an appliance described as reconditioned must have undergone full functionality tests and, where necessary, been restored to working order. A straightforward second-hand sale does not involve these steps.
Ask what tests have been carried out, and check that the condition, model and accessories described match the specific item for sale.
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Relying on a listing without identifying the seller
The seller’s status and the terms stated are important when you want to understand the protections and commitments associated with a second-hand or reconditioned product.
Identify the seller before placing your order, and keep the appliance description and any documents provided with your purchase.
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Comparing the wrong rating
According to the French Ministry for the Ecological Transition, the durability index applies to household washing machines and televisions, while the repairability index still applies to categories including vacuum cleaners and dishwashers. A rating does not replace checking the appliance’s practical features.
Look for the index that applies to the category in question, then also compare the dimensions, capacity and other features that matter for your household.
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Ruling out a repair too soon
The Repair Bonus has specific eligibility requirements: the appliance must, among other things, be out of warranty, the fault must be eligible and the work must be carried out by an approved repairer. It does not guarantee that every fault can be repaired.
Before choosing a replacement, ask an approved repairer whether your appliance and its fault qualify for the scheme.
Reuse networks to know about
The French Ministry for the Ecological Transition names Envie and Emmaüs among the organisations involved in preparing products for reuse in France, particularly large white goods. Consider each offer individually before deciding whether to buy.
Envie
A network named by the ministry as one of the organisations involved in preparing products for reuse.
- Worth considering if you’re looking to replace an appliance with a reused one.
- Check the model, condition and locally available terms for each offer.
Emmaüs
A network named by the ministry as one of the organisations involved in preparing products for reuse.
- Another option to explore if you want to extend the useful life of a household appliance.
- Check the appliance, its condition and locally available terms for each offer.
Vacuum cleaners available on Joybuy
These models are for replacing a vacuum cleaner with a cordless model that has an emptying station. If your unreliable appliance is in a different category, start by choosing the criteria that apply to that category. For these vacuum cleaners, check the model’s applicable repairability index and information about spare parts before deciding.
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Deerma Z50 Combo cordless vacuum cleaner with emptying station
Worth considering if you’re replacing a vacuum cleaner and want to reduce manual emptying with an automatic collection station.
The product listing states that it offers up to 70 minutes of run time, a five-section extension wand and a 180° flat position. Check that these features suit your needs, along with the model’s repairability index, information about spare parts and the terms of the offer.
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Deerma T50W XT Station cordless vacuum cleaner with emptying station
Worth considering if you’re looking to replace a vacuum cleaner while spending less time handling its dust container.
The product listing describes an auto-empty station and a multi-surface brush. Before comparing its figures with those of another model, confirm the specifications of the variant being sold. Also check its repairability index, information about spare parts and the terms of the offer.
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roborock H60 Hub Pro cordless vacuum cleaner with emptying station
Worth considering as a replacement vacuum cleaner if you’d like a station that empties the dust container automatically.
The product listing states that it offers up to 80 minutes of run time and an anti-tangle brush. Check whether these features suit your cleaning sessions, along with the model’s repairability index, information about spare parts and the terms of the offer.
Frequently asked questions
When should you consider a repair instead of buying another appliance?
Consider a repair before buying a replacement if your appliance could still meet your needs after professional work. For the Repair Bonus in France, check with an approved repairer that the appliance is out of warranty and the fault is eligible. The scheme does not mean that every fault can be repaired.
Which rating should you compare for a new washing machine, dishwasher or vacuum cleaner?
In France, look for the durability index for a household washing machine and the repairability index for a dishwasher or vacuum cleaner. The French Ministry for the Ecological Transition explains that the indices apply to different categories, so compare models in the same category and check their practical features too.
Is a reconditioned appliance the same as a second-hand one?
According to the DGCCRF, a reconditioned appliance is a second-hand product that must have undergone full functionality tests and, where necessary, been restored to working order. When considering an offer, ask which checks were carried out on the specific item for sale rather than relying on its label alone.
What should you ask before ordering a reconditioned appliance?
Ask for the exact model, the technical and cosmetic condition of the item, the tests and restoration work carried out, the accessories included and the delivery terms. The DGCCRF reminds consumers that the description must relate to the actual reconditioned appliance being sold, not the reference new model. Also identify the seller and check the terms that apply to the offer.