The unsuspected benefits of the repair bonus

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The repair bonus is an initiative that is beneficial for the environment, but not only that; more and more French start-ups are noting the positive impact of this financial aid.

Increased turnover

Provided for by the anti-waste law for a circular economy (AGEC) and deployed since December 2022, the repair bonus aims to encourage the repair of a broken product, instead of replacing it by purchasing a new product. Objective: to combat the scourge of electronic waste. It consists of deducting an amount directly from the bill of the consumer who goes to a certified repairer.

Despite an unsatisfactory start, this system is starting to find its feet. According to the eco-organization Ecologic, repairs doubled in 2024 compared to the previous year, with 574,163 operations. In concrete terms, one in 20 repaired devices benefits from the scheme, with mobile phones, washing machines and dishwashers in the lead.

Startups that specialize in repairs are logically benefiting from this increase. Spareka, which notably offers a remote repair service via videoconference, has seen its monthly repairs increase from 500 to 5,000 since March 2024, when its service was included in the repair bonus, its co-founder, Geoffrey Malaterre, told Les Échos.

The company's turnover increased from 5 million to 8.7 million euros between 2023 and 2024. Likewise, repairs have become its main source of income, surpassing its spare parts sales business.

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Multiple sectors affected

Same story for Murfy, which is dedicated to the repair of household appliances. Thus, its turnover from home repairs has tripled. Repair now accounts for 60% of the startup's revenue, marking a major strategic shift from its initial focus on reconditioning. The repair bonus plays a key role for Murfy, particularly in dealing with inflation in fuel costs and wages.

The electronics sector is not the only one benefiting from the initiative. Fashion is also benefiting. Tilli, which offers sewing, alteration and repair services for clothing, believes that brands are acting more quickly thanks to this regulation.

It still has significant room for improvement. By 2024, only 18% of the €154 million budget available to eco-organizations has been spent. The reason for this is, in particular, the lack of awareness of the initiative among repairers.

• The repair bonus, which consists of deducting an amount directly from the bill of the consumer who goes to a certified repairer, benefits startups specializing in repairs.
• Murfy and Spareka have noted a significant increase in their turnover, resulting directly from the initiative.
• Despite everything, communication around the system must be strengthened so that its benefits reach their full potential.

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