The repair bonus is a beneficial initiative for the environment, but not only that; more and more French start-ups are noting the favorable repercussions of this financial assistance.
Rising turnover
Provided for by the anti-waste law for a circular economy (AGEC) and deployed since December 2022, the repair bonus aims to encourage the repair of a broken product, instead of replacing it with the purchase of a new product. Objective: fight against the scourge of electronic waste. It thus consists of deducting an amount directly from the invoice of the consumer who goes to a certified repairer.
Despite an unsatisfactory start, this system is starting to make its mark. According to the eco-organization Ecologic, repairs have doubled in 2024 compared to the previous year, with 574,163 operations. Concretely, one device in 20 repaired benefits from the system, cell phones, washing machines and dishwashers in the lead.
Startups that specialize in repairs logically benefit from this increase. Spareka, which notably offers a remote repair service by videoconference, saw its monthly repairs go from 500 to 5,000 since March 2024, when its service was included in the repair bonus, indicates its co-founder, Geoffrey Malaterre, to Echoes.
The company’s turnover increased from 5 million to 8.7 million euros between 2023 and 2024. Likewise, repair has become its main source of income, surpassing its spare parts sales activity.
Several sectors affected
Same story for Murfy, who dedicates himself to repairing household appliances. Thus, its turnover from home repairs has tripled. Repair now represents 60% of the startup’s revenuemarking a major strategic shift from its initial focus on repackaging. The repair bonus plays a key role for Murfy, particularly in keeping up with inflation in gas costs and wages.
The electronics sector is not the only one to benefit from the initiative. This is also the case with fashion. The Tilli firm, which offers sewing, alteration and clothing repair services, believes that brands act more quickly thanks to this regulation.
She still has significant room for improvement. In 2024, only 18% of the budget of 154 million euros available to eco-organizations has been spent. In particular, the lack of awareness of the initiative among repairers.
- The repair bonus, which consists of deducting an amount directly from the bill of the consumer who goes to a certified repairer, benefits startups specializing in repair.
- Murfy and Spareka have noted a significant increase in their turnover, as a direct result of the initiative.
- Despite everything, communication around the system must be strengthened for its benefits to reach their full potential.
