A free replacement for a broken item is a good day. It was a brand new controller for me. The controller snapped off in my bag. The analog mechanism still worked despite the nub snapping off, so I reached out to the manufacturer for a replacement stick, and they sent me a new one. Like Carrie from Sex and the City, I didn't want a new iBook. I just want my computer to work again.
Don't misunderstand me. I am just as grateful for the new turkey as I was for the old one. My request was for a part, not a replacement. They told me to just throw the broken controller away. I didn't want to waste a good controller so I went to eBay and found a broken one. All it took was 11 screws to get that in and I was able to use it.
It took me a while to figure out which donor to get, wait on slower eBay seller shipping, and then fix it. A quick and easy replacement controller is better for most people. This repair job is easy, but for many it can be frightening to dismantle something. I am trying to cut down on waste here.
Imagine if you needed to replace your car because of a leak. The right-to-repair lobby has only begun to stem the tide of electronics makers expecting you every time a keyboard stem snaps or a joystick breaks. It is hard to find replacement parts for this controller.
As more right-to-repair legislation passes, more and more products from larger manufacturers are starting to have parts and repair guides. MacBooks have limited components that are replaceable by design, while Apple Watches can't be opened by the user. Let's not think about the tech piata that was the Surface Laptop.
The world faced a record 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste last year and only 17 percent of it was recycled. There was only a marginal improvement in the economy in 2021.
Customer service is important to retain customers. Swift replacements will always get positive feedback for a company trying to build a reputation. Sometimes megacorps like Amazon don't ask for the old item to be returned. Apple provides quick swaps for AppleCare customers. People are reaping the benefits of not having to deal with repairs.
The repair process is something I am all about. After self-repairing, I now have two controllers. It was a victory for me and a small one for the environment. I wonder what the donor controller needs to do to work again.
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