How Companies Should Manufacture With Right To Repair Legislation In Mind

Right to Repair (R2R) legislation is gaining momentum globally and of course cheered on by consumers, because it allows them to possibly repair their devices independently. As this movement evolves and becomes more popular, it’s true to say that manufacturers must adapt their production processes to work with these regulations and keep up consumer trust.

But where is R2R in play right now? Well, both the EU and UK have approved certain legislation, while the US is still pending federal legislation. That said, many states have enacted their own R2R laws in relation to electronics.

So, how might your business conform to this new standard? Let’s consider that, and more:

Market Your Pivot

The good thing is that R2R is a great thing to market. People appreciate transparency, especially when it comes to a topic like repairability, which directly impacts them.

That means focusing on the changes you’ve made, perhaps through product design, support services, or parts availability too, can show that you’re forward-thinking and responsive to consumer needs. You can even use this as a soft launch of your business again.

For example, sharing how your products are now easier to disassemble or repair lets people see that you’re taking R2R seriously, and can come with a lighthearted video series posted to your YouTube channel and website.

Redesign & Recalbirate

But before we market, we must do. R2R often means rethinking how products are built, for obvious reasons. That might involve redesigning certain components to make them easier to access or repair, or recalibrating your production process to include repair-friendly features.

For example, switching from adhesives to screws can make a product more repairable and open up sections more easily. Using modular parts can also be worthwhile too as it allows individual components to be replaced without needing a whole new device. Just make it clear which areas should be tackled first and any safety mechanisms in place to prevent harm.

Use Reliable Manufacturing Services

To meet R2R standards, you’ll need partners who can deliver quality components and assembly processes. For example, a Aluminum CNC machining Service that has strong experience working with consumer goods can be more than worth your time here.

On top of that, those who provide detailed schematics or easily sourced replacement parts can help ensure your products meet the necessary standards so you always have a fallback to use if needed. This also makes it easier to support repairs later, perhaps allowing you to authorize official or partnered repair centers.

Create A Healthy Parts Economy & Product Library

One of the main goals of R2R is to ensure that spare parts and repair guides are available to consumers, but of course, that means making the items clear that can be used. This can feel like a big shift for companies used to keeping those things in-house, but it’s also an opportunity, because creating a sustainable parts economy means making it easy for people to access what they need to fix their products and you can sell those too. But no matter if you’re selling parts directly, partnering with third-party retailers, or even offering downloadable repair manuals, it all points back to you. The more people have your parts, the more they’ll want to stick with your products too.

With this advice, you’re sure to nail your approach to right to repair.