COVID-19 has changed so much since it was first discovered to be a threat. In just a few weeks, every country has taken measures to protect its citizens against the danger that it poses. Businesses are shut down, people are encouraged to work from home, and social distancing has become the new norm.
However, many within the cellphone repair industry are fighting back and continuing to help others out. Cellphone repair stores have undertaken measures to protect people at large, coming up with ingenious ideas and solutions. Building on our previous article about how to run your business during this time, let’s have a look at how experts are fighting COVID-19 in another installment on our Business Survival Guide.
COVID-19 Suggestions from RepairLift
RepairLift is a marketing agency that specializes in the repair industry. They have seen all sorts of repair businesses, and have insight into a lot of different strategies. The CMO of RepairLift, Matt Ham, shares the following points on how to deal with the COVID-19 epidemic:
This is temporary – don’t panic
Despite the scary situation people find themselves in because of the Coronavirus, we need to remember that this is a phase. The repair industry is not going anywhere, and consumer demand for repairs will still remain despite the epidemic. The important thing to remember here is that any changes that happen will only last a while. The Coronavirus threat will not upend things permanently, so there is no reason to panic. While the effects of social distancing may last for a while, life and business as we know it will return to normal in no time. Until then, we need to keep ourselves safe.
Maintain NORMAL OPEN HOURS for a long as possible
Right now, if your government is not forcing all non-essential businesses to shut down in places, then you should stay open for business. Try to serve customers from your normal business location for as long as possible. You can reduce your working hours, but maintaining regular store hours for as long as you can is important.
Do NOT let go of your staff
Your employees are your people, and they’re just as worried about the COVID-19 threat as anyone else. More importantly, they need to keep things running, and as a leader, you need to be responsible for them. Try to make them feel hopeful and use the best of their talents, because you’ll need them tomorrow just as you do today. If it’s absolutely necessary, reduce working hours, and always be straightforward with them.
Stay connected to customers
Let your customers know you’re still open for business, and redirect them to special web pages to keep things rolling. Put out notices on social media, post signs outside your store, and email them to keep them informed. They’ll appreciate the gesture, especially if they’re in lockdown.
Statement by Scott Reid of S & A Technology
S & A Technology is a Pennsylvania-based repair store that deals in electronic repairs. It’s owner, Scott Reid, recently shared a post on their Facebook page letting customers know that they’re open for business, and sharing their plans to run a drive-thru service only.
S & A Technology with their official statement on Facebook
The statement clearly highlights that their store will remain open, and that customers can make use of their drive-thru service. This is a great strategy to stay in business and keep everyone safe, and other stores should adopt it too.
Measures by The Smartphone Medics
Another outfit that is open for business is The Smartphone Medics based in Alabama. The owner, Jeff Sandridge, has closed off the lobby of the store, and have begun offering repair drop-off and pickup facilities. This allows customers to safely drop off their devices for repair without any harm from COVID-19.
COVID-19 Store Precautions by iRepairIT
iRepairIT, a Georgia-based repair franchise, has recently taken several precautions at its stores to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The owner, Shahzad Pirani, shared the following images of his repair store.
Notice saying the lobby is closed at iRepairIT
Notice instructing customers not to touch anything at iRepairIT
iRepairIT has also kept the following guidelines at all their stores following the COVID-19 outbreak:
- Remove all seating from the lobby
- Have lysol wipes and give it to each customer so they can clean their device before we touch it
- Gloves and N95 masks to be worn by employees at all times
- Have customers remove their cases
Tips from Injured Gadgets
Injured Gadgets is a name familiar to a lot of repair store owners. They are an online wholesale distributor for cell phone, tablet and MacBook repair parts, accessories, and tools. The CEO of Injured Gadgets, Aakshay Kripalani, recommends the following tips to curtail the Coronavirus threat:
- Wipe every device down with a disinfectant or use a UVC box to disinfect before and after repairs. Keeping devices free of any bacteria, viruses or germs should be the standard for every repair that comes in.
- Make sure to clean mats where you work on devices multiple times a day. The COVID-19 threat can sneak up on you if you’re not careful, and it should be your practice to keep your work area clean, especially your mats and carpets.
Final Words
The COVID-19 pandemic is definitely a scary time, but seeing repair stores fighting it is very reassuring. Professionals in the industry are doing everything to make things easier for everyone in this difficult time. We’re also learning great tips and getting good advice on how to make the best of the situation. The most important thing for everyone running a business right now is to put the safety of their staff and customers first. We hope that with this article, you learn more about how to combat COVID-19 and keep the fight going.
From all of us at RepairDesk, stay safe, and stay healthy!
