This April and May, The Repair Finder asked our community an important question: why do you choose to repair instead of replace?
The answers filled us with hope. The number one reason people repair is to avoid waste—to keep perfectly good items out of landfill. But right behind that, many told us about the powerful emotional or sentimental value of their belongings: the coat that’s traveled with them for years, a watch passed down from a parent, or the bicycle that’s carried them through countless sunny afternoons. Repair, it turns out, isn’t just practical—it’s personal.
What’s stopping people from repairing themselves?
- Knowledge was the biggest barrier (78%). Many simply don’t know where to start.
- Tools came next (70%). Without the right screwdriver or soldering iron, a repair can feel out of reach.
- And for 39%, it was time—life gets busy, even when our favourite things need care.
This is not a surprise and in line with many other studies and results, demonstrating the need for platforms like The Repair Finder to connect people with the right repair solution for them.
What was a surprise to us, was that more than half of the respondents (57%) had never taken an item to a community repair event.
What are people repairing?
The most common items were everyday essentials:
- Electronics (laptops, mobiles), household appliances (washing machines, dishwashers) , shoes, clothing, and bicycles (70–80%) – the things we rely on daily.
- Clocks, watches, furniture, and jewellery (48%) – objects that often carry stories as well as function.
- Garden tools (lawn mowers) and knives (30–40%) completed the top three.
Who do people trust when booking a repair?
Nearly everyone surveyed (95%) said they trust the voices closest to them – friends and family – when choosing a repair service. Reviews from locals or previous customers (70%) also play a vital role. It’s a reminder that trust is at the heart of repair.
