Devices can be fragile. Whether you are using it for personal or business purposes, it can break suddenly if you or your employees are not careful. The decision that you will need to make is whether to replace or repair a Zebra or any other device or brand.
Replacing your device is an expensive decision, while repairs can be a cheaper option. However, each has its advantages and disadvantages. To determine what choice to make, here are some questions you should ask yourself:
What is the problem?
The main question you should be asking is what type of problem your device is experiencing. For example, a broken screen can be repaired or replaced with ease. Just have your local repair shop take care of it. However, some problems can be difficult to fix. A persistent problem can cost you more money than fully replacing a device.
In addition, consider the problem that your device has, as well as its severity. If a major part of the device such as the motherboard or the core chip is damaged, then it might be better to just buy a replacement for a few hundred dollars. If it is just a minor part, repair costs should be affordable.
What brand is it?
There is a big difference when it comes to brands. Several brands are open when it comes to repairs. Generic parts should be easy to source for these brands and this makes it easy to repair the device.
Other brands, with Apple being a notable example, have parts that are difficult to open and repair. Authorized service centers can help with those products, but the problem is that they tend to be expensive when it comes to repairs.
Is the warranty still active?
Warranties are there to help with paying off repairs. If your warranty is still active, you can have the repairs or even the replacement for free. Most warranties for electronic devices last for a year or two. But if the warranty has expired, don’t worry. Some manufacturers can be a bit forgiving and may allow the warranty to be active if the warranty expired just a few weeks or months ago. It is also possible for some warranties to be extended for an additional cost. Check if it is possible and you might get free repairs as well.
How old is your device?
If your device is too old, it might actually be worth it to just get a replacement. Older devices often have more expensive parts because there are fewer parts available. They might actually not be available. Additionally, you might get a device that is even better than your current one. If the replacement has features that are noticeably better than your current device, then it might be better to replace it.
Repairing or replacing a device is a big decision. The questions above should be able to narrow down the options for you. Decide on one so that you can get back to using your device, whether it is a smartphone, a laptop, or a barcode scanner for your retail shop.
