Are you a business owner who feels that cell phone repair is dying?
As an industry, we have statistics to prove that it isn’t – the smartphone repair market value is expected to reach USD 12.57 billion by 2032.
But as a business, you often feel that it’s just not working out. Profits are not as good as you expected, customers don’t seem to be returning to your store, or you just are not able to keep up with the competition.
All businesses face these challenges. But if you’re weak on the operational front, or haven’t incorporated a repair shop management software, then you’re in a different league entirely.
The good news is that a cell phone repair business does not die overnight, so you still have time to make things right. Read on to find out how you can revive your falling cell phone repair business and grow like never before.
It’s Time to Go Beyond Cell Phone Repair
Once you identify the key areas where you might be lagging, you need to do more than just fix the problems. And one of the problems is that you’re not tapping into enough verticals. While your strategy is well-defined, you also need to know what to offer, where to offer it, and how to compete.
Why limit yourself to a small segment of the repair industry?
If there aren’t enough customers asking you to repair their cell phones, you need to expand your services and start repairing computers, game consoles, drones, electronics, micro soldering, and so on. Moreover, you can provide add-on services to your existing customers, like mail-in repair or delivery services to make it more convenient for them.
If you have modern inventory management software in place, you know how many spare parts will be left behind at the end of the day. You can sell those parts on eBay or Aamzon marketplace to make some extra bucks. It’s always better than leaving them on your shelves forever.
And don’t forget to stack up on cell phone accessories. Whether it is screen protectors or cases, you always need to have the right variety for your customers.
Focus on Buy-backs and Pre-owned Device Sales
While many cell phone repair store owners don’t realize it, buying back and selling pre-owned devices is a great way to save your business from falling. There is always going to be a handful of customers who look for slightly older devices that they feel will be sufficient for everyday use. So why not capitalize on this?
You need to start buying back devices like the Samsung S series, iPhones, and Google Pixel smartphones that still hold resale value after years of use. These devices can give your business the push it needs with additional profits and provide customers with easy alternatives. After all, not everyone is willing to spend on a new flagship product every year.
To your relief, adding services for buying back and selling devices is now easier than ever with RepairDesk’s buyback widget. Getting hands-on with the trade-in module of the repair shop POS software, you can seamlessly send instant quotes on used devices with pre-set purchase prices.
Learn more about unlocking higher profits with trade-ins and buy-backs in our latest webinar.
Offer Device Insurance to Retain Customers
Monthly insurance plans on devices are a great way for you to generate repeat business. While you are adding value for your customers, you also incentivize them to come back to your store the next time. You can offer affordable insurance plans and eliminate the worry of unexpected repair costs.
By partnering with renowned providers like Akko, you can give customers peace of mind and build lasting trust. Akko offers phone insurance and free coverage for other personal items, using which you can create a favorable device protection plan.
Defining SOPs to Improve Business Management
When it comes to providing reliable and consistent services, you need to define certain SOPs for your repair business. For instance, each process must have a defined workflow, from device diagnostics to repairs to customer communications. This not only makes your operations error-free but also improves turnaround times.
Jeff Baker, an industry veteran, recommends Profit First by Mike Michalowicz, which teaches business owners how to restructure their finances for profitability. If you are a repair store operating out of the US, you can download a free copy here: Profit First.
Having well-documented SOPs also eases the process of training new employees and getting them up to speed with your daily operations. As you know, having every employee on the same page is crucial to ensure a great customer experience.
Building Relationships with Carrier Stores/Best Buys in Your Area
Carrier stores and big retailers like Best Buy can act as referral points for your cell phone repair business. Look at it this way – these stores are just service providers that don’t provide in-house repair services. So, partnering with them means that customers will be referred to your repair store as the next point of contact.
The stronger your relationship with carrier stores and your area’s Best Buy, the better chances you have at creating a steady stream of customers. This is a free marketing opportunity that requires building trust with service providers in your area. All you have to do is pay them a visit once in a while and communicate the benefits of partnering with your business, like special discounts or commissions for referrals.
Apart from visiting these stores, you can also host community events at your repair store to build awareness and relationships with customers and other businesses.
Prioritize SEO and Google Reviews
Speaking of awareness, how can we skip SEO and Google Reviews?
You know the importance of a strong online presence for attracting new leads. Optimizing your website with relevant keywords like “phone repair near me” or “fast screen replacement” helps improve your search rankings. Similarly, you should constantly update your Google Business Profile and leverage its features to become the most ‘frequently saved’ repair store.
Google reviews also play a huge role in building a strong image of your repair business. Customers naturally trust a business that is rated 5 stars and reviewed positively on Google. For this reason, you need to incentivize your customers to leave positive reviews. With RepairDesk’s review automation system, you can automate SMS notifications with the review form link 24 hours after the repair is completed. This means you don’t even have to go through any hassle to get your valuable reviews.
Here’s how your repair shop can get 100 reviews in 6 months.
Growing B2B Repair: Working with Schools & Other Businesses
We have talked about expanding to other verticals. But what about serving businesses just like you serve walk-in customers?
Yes, B2B repair services are the key to having a steady income stream with a higher volume of repairs. Not only do schools and corporate offices have better chances of getting into long-term contracts, but they also require bulk servicing of devices.
All you need to do is give them discounted rates for bulk repair orders and promise good turnaround times. If you go one step further and provide them with a dedicated account manager, that’s a big plus. You could even become their go-to repair store.
Key Takeaways
Wondering where to get started?
Looking at all these business growth strategies at once might seem like a lot. But you can start with any one of them and you’ll be up to speed in no time. With that said, having a clear understanding of your niche and staying updated with the current trends is a must. And if you’re looking to streamline your repair store operations from scratch, RepairDesk is your go-to solution.
