The figure: the repair bonus made it possible to save 23 million euros in 2024

While a year ago, the repair bonus figures were hard to seeat the end of December 2024, the famous state financial aid has regained color. According to figures communicated by Ecosystemthe organization responsible for financing this measure, the bonus reduced the bill by 670,000 repairs.

In total, more than 23 million euros were saved thanks to the use of this bonus. Despite this stratospheric growth compared to last year, when only 4 million euros were committed, only 20% of the annual envelope was used this year. 100 million and some still remain in the Ecosystem coffers, even more if we count the amounts reserved for the textile or furniture repair bonus (which are managed by other organizations).

Smartphones, big winners

Unsurprisingly, it is smartphones that take the prize for the most repaired devices with 360,000 devices tested. This is followed by washing machines, then dishwashers.

The dominance of smartphones in this category is mainly due the extension of the bonus to “accidental” breakages, such as screen breakage. Also note that the average reimbursement amount increased, from €24 to €33 from 2023 to 2024. Here too, it is the “superbonus”, introduced in 2024, which played a role.

On the remote repair side, Spareka claims “more than 10,000 bonuses validated in less than 10 months” with a record month of November with 5,500 views. Enough to legitimize this practice, also made eligible for the bonus this year.

Still not enough certified stores

All is not rosy, however. The massive use of remote repair also hides a significant lack of certified stores in the region. As explained by the association Stop Planned Obsolescence (HOP) “only 1/3 of electrical and electronic equipment repairers are certified” on the territory.

As the association already noted at the time of the 1st anniversary of the bonus, the administrative burden weighing on companies wishing to obtain the label remains too high according to numerous testimonies. The Fnac-Darty group, for example, has just obtained the famous QualiRépar seal.

HOP also regrets a lack of communication on the subject and too much confusion around the bonus. The association is campaigning for the creation of a single, cross-industry platform, serving as a directory to find all eligible stores, regardless of the sector. Currently, your smartphone, pair of sneakers, or office chair are all eligible for the bonus, but each requires finding eligible stores on a different platform.

Big stakes

It must be said that the stakes are high. To meet its objectives, the bonus must have used up its entire envelope by 2027. Of the 512 million budgeted, only 27 have been used today. Unless you seriously bet the second, it is difficult to see how the bonus will fulfill its bet.

If HOP welcomes the population's interest in the bonus, the association hopes that the process will be “harmonized and deployed on a larger scale”. Spareka, for its part, calls for “expanding eligible products” and “increasing the number of certified repairers”.