118 MacDirectory
PROFILE
IREPAIR > BRINGING IPODS BACK TO LIFE
What do many consumers do when their
iPods stop running? They go out and buy
new iPods. iRepair would like customers
to look in a new direction – fixing the
iPod. From its modest beginnings in
downtown Toronto, the company now
repairs hundreds of broken iPods a month.
iRepair currently repairs the following iPod
models: 3rd Generation, 4th Generation,
iPod Photo, 1st & 2nd Generation Mini,
iPod Video, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Generation
Nano, 2nd Generation Shuffle, iPod Touch
and iPod Classic, as well as the iPhone. All
repair types are listed on the left side bar
on the home page of the Web site
under "iPod Repair Services"
or by selecting the iPod model you have
from the upper bar.
In the words of founder Matt Bremner,
"We look to exceed customer
expectations by providing friendly and
knowledgeable customer service, quick
turnaround, and quality workmanship."
"The most common problems would be
dead batteries, broken screens, and failed
hard drives. We do however fix a variety of
other problems relating to scrolling issues,
audio problems, freezing, syncing,
upgrading and more," said Bremner. "We
offer free testing with no obligations, so
the customer has nothing to lose"
One of the company's goals is to reduce
the amount of recyclable electronics that
ends up in landfills. Apple produced a
product that is made to be replaced
every couple of years, Bremner explains
on the Web site. The company's goal is
to continue to support something that is
notoriously breakable.
"An iPod can be repaired until the user
decides that it may be time to get a
new one. If there is extensive damage
to an iPod and the repair costs would
be close to a new unit then it may be
time to upgrade. If that is the case we
would buy the unit from the customer
for salvage or have it recycled properly,"
said Bremner.
Bremner noticed a niche in the iPod
market when browsing e-bay. Hundreds of
iPods were listed on the site for parts from
owners hoping to regain a little money on
their investment. He purchased the
broken iPods and began refurbishing them
for sale.
"We look forward to offering a second
solution to avoid putting out more cash
on a brand new iPod," said Bremner. "This
could save so many units that are not
nearly close to their last legs, from being
tossed into landfills."
iRepair offers a one-year warranty to
customers in any of the three retail store
locations or via mail-in service. While-you-
wait service is available at store locations
in Toronto and Nashville. The average cost
of a repair is $80 and the turnaround time
is less than a week for mail-in customers.
"We have based our drive on exceeding
customer expectations through service,
warranty and support. Our customer base
is driven from all consumers of iPod
products; experiencing errors, out of
warranty issues, and consumer related
damages," said Bremner. "We commit to
24-hour response on all repair-related
diagnosis, and one-day turnaround on
repairs for in stock items."
With an eye toward the future, Bremner
and his employees have recently started
repairing iPhones, and hand-held games
like the PSP. Answers to simple questions
can be found at the iRepair Web site. The
site also features 24-hour technical
support and a wide array of accessories
for the iPod enthusiast. It is easy to use
with a list of commonly found iPod and
iPhone problems that can be fixed by a
user at home.
"Our online business has recently been
improved, through verified payment
options, Web site offerings and a
expanded selection of refurbished iPods,
accessories and services," said Bremner.
"We have also improved the content of
our site, to allow customers to find the
answers they need."
WORDS BY MARY ROSENTHOL
