What are the three components of a great phone repair business?
Having high-quality tools for phone repair is an absolute must. However, the best tools aren’t always affordable if you’re just starting out or getting your bearings with the idea of repairing phones as a business.
In this article, we cover six essential tools for phone repair, including what the pros use and some basic, more affordable options.
Opening tools help you separate the plastic components on phone cases without causing unnecessary wear and tear.
Advanced
Having a set of nylon spudgers in different sizes and materials gives you the most flexibility to handle repairs on any device without risking damage to the case.
iFixit is a reliable choice for spudgers, or you could choose a slightly more durable option with a spudger from 3M.
Basic
A sturdy guitar pick may be your best bet if you’re just starting to repair phones. Find a pick that’s thin enough to work into the seams of the device and sturdy enough that it won’t shatter.
Alternatively, you could use an exacto knife to get the process started, then use plastic playing cards to go around the outside.
Many of the components on a smartphone (particularly screens) are fixed in place with strong adhesive. This makes it necessary to apply heat (usually between 60 to 70 degrees C) to soften the adhesive and safely remove screens, batteries, and other internal components.
Advanced
Many phone repair professionals use a heat mat to control the exact temperature and apply it evenly throughout the device. Others prefer a heat gun with a narrow nozzle to get into specific, hard-to-reach areas.
Basic
In a pinch, a hair dryer can do a great job of softening adhesives. Just make sure you avoid overheating the components. Better to go low and slow than crank it up too high and damage something.
When it comes to tools for phone repair, nothing beats a reliable set of screwdrivers. Precision screwdrivers are a must to avoid stripping tiny screws and to access different components across device types and generations.
Advanced
One option is a reliable tool with interchangeable heads for different bit sizes and types. This gives the most flexibility to repair any type of device and to dial in exactly the right size you need.
Some mobile repair techs would rather avoid the hassle of changing out bits and prefer investing in quality tools. 2UUL is a good option for professional screwdrivers that are lightweight and built to last.
Basic
Unfortunately, there’s no secret DIY alternative for a good set of screwdrivers. There are starter sets and costlier, more versatile sets for professional mobile repair.
iFixit has reliable starter sets to fit various needs. Narrow down which sets are most useful based on the devices you repair the most often. Then, expand your collection over time.
As you disassemble the iPhones, Androids, tablets, and other mobile devices, you’ll create piles of screws, wires, and other components. Keeping them organized is essential to maintaining an efficient repair process.
Remember, the more efficient and organized you are, the more profitable you’ll be.
Advanced
Invest in magnetizers or magnetized tools to make it easier to manipulate small screws and avoid dropping them. You should also consider a magnetic mat to stop tiny components from rolling away and to keep everything organized.
Basic
The board gaming space has various items designed to hold small components, including small plastic trays that can be great for sorting different screws and keeping everything organized.
Or, in the worst-case scenario, use a set of small bowls. Whatever you do, don’t just leave screws randomly on your workspace. If you do, you’re one exuberant arm gesture away from chaos.
As you accept more customers, you’ll need a centralized way to track each device, repair status, required parts, and other essential information.
Advanced
Top repair shops rely on repair ticketing software to streamline processes, communicate with clients, track repair status, and more.
Top cell phone repair systems like CellSmart POS combine ticketing software, payments, and inventory management to give repair shops a holistic view of their repairs. Here are some features to look for when implementing repair ticketing software:
Related Read: Using an End-of-Day Report for Your Repair Shop: 7 KPIs To Track
Basic
Investing in specialized software has more benefits than drawbacks, but if you can’t afford it, you should have some sort of system to track repairs.
Use a spreadsheet that tracks customers, device serial numbers, type of repair, costs, parts required, and notes. This will help you maintain a record of work and stay organized. Be careful — a spreadsheet is prone to errors from manual data entry, so regularly audit it to ensure it’s up to date and accurate.
Developing a basic organizational system will help you better evaluate the features you need when you’re ready to invest in software. Keep detailed notes on what’s working, what’s not, and what would make your job easier.
Unfortunately, many phone repair tools simply don’t have viable basic options. If you’re serious about opening a repair shop or starting a phone repair business, you must invest in quality electronic testing hardware and soldering tools.
The “cheap” versions won’t be as accurate. You might get unusable solder or find items breaking down faster than expected. It’s simply not worth cutting corners in these areas.
Tools should be a major factor when creating a cell phone repair business plan. Investing in high-quality tools ensures you’ll always be ready to handle whatever customers throw your way.
But we all have to start somewhere — so use basic tools initially. However, know that they aren’t a permanent solution. If you’re looking to repair phones as a business, investing in quality tools is a must. If you don’t have the right tools for the job or something breaks, you may upset a customer or lose business.
With how competitive the mobile repair industry is, you can’t afford to make mistakes.
Having the right tools for phone repair is only part of the equation. To maintain customer trust and deliver a consistently high quality of service, you’ll need ways to streamline processes, gain visibility into store performance, and stay organized.
When you’re ready to take the leap from repairing phones as a hobby to running a repair business, we’re here to help. Schedule a custom demo of CellSmart POS to see how we can help your business with the right industry-specific features to set your business up for long-term success.