Electronics Repairability vs. Warranty Trade-off Study

Welcome to this research study on consumer electronics purchasing preferences. This survey explores how repairability and warranty features influence your buying decisions. It should take approximately 7–10 minutes to complete. Your participation is entirely voluntary and you may stop at any time. There are no right or wrong answers — we are interested in your honest opinions. All responses are confidential and will be reported only in aggregate. By continuing, you consent to participate in this study.

Have you purchased any consumer electronics in the past 12 months?

• Yes
• No
• Prefer not to say

Which of the following types of devices did you purchase in the past 12 months? Select all that apply.

• Smartphone
• Laptop or desktop computer
• Tablet or e-reader
• Smartwatch or fitness tracker
• Headphones or earbuds
• Game console
• Smart home device (e.g., speaker, thermostat)
• Other consumer electronics

For your most recent device issue, what did you do?

• I tried to fix it myself
• I used an independent repair shop
• I used a manufacturer-authorized service center
• I did not attempt repair

How interested are you in being able to repair your own electronics?

When choosing a consumer electronic device, please rank the following factors from most to least important.

1. Purchase price
2. Performance and specifications
3. Warranty length and coverage
4. Repairability and ease of repair
5. Brand reputation
6. Design and size

Based on your responses in this survey, is there anything else you would like to share about how repairability and warranty considerations affect your electronics purchasing decisions?

What is your age?

• 18–24
• 25–34
• 35–44
• 45–54
• 55–64
• 65 or older

Thank you for completing this survey! Your responses will help us better understand consumer preferences around electronics repairability and warranty coverage. Your answers are confidential and will be reported only in aggregate.

In the past 12 months, did any of your devices need repair or service?

• Yes
• No
• Not sure

How satisfied were you with the cost of the repair?

If two products were similar in price and performance, how likely would you be to choose the more repairable option?

How much do you trust that the brands you buy from will support repairs and provide spare parts over the long term?

We'd like to understand your thinking in a bit more depth. A follow-up question or two will appear below based on your earlier responses about repairability and warranties.

How do you describe your gender?

• Woman
• Man
• Non-binary
• Prefer to self-describe
• Prefer not to say

How satisfied were you with the turnaround time of the repair?

How willing would you be to accept a slightly thicker or heavier device if it were easier to repair?

Before purchasing electronics, where do you typically look for repairability or warranty information? Select all that apply.

• Manufacturer website or product page
• Retailer product page
• Independent reviews or articles
• YouTube or online repair communities
• In-store staff
• Friends or family
• Right-to-Repair labels or disclosures
• Brand marketing or ads
• I don't usually look for this information

In which region do you currently reside?

• United States
• United Kingdom
• Canada
• European Union
• Australia or New Zealand
• Other

How satisfied were you with the availability of parts and repair information?

How willing would you be to pay 10–15% more for a device with user-replaceable components and a 5-year parts guarantee?

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• Less than high school
• High school or equivalent
• Some college or associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Graduate degree
• Other or prefer not to say

For that device issue, did you attempt to use the product's warranty?

• Yes
• No
• Not eligible — warranty had expired
• Not sure

How willing would you be to accept reduced water or dust resistance if the device were easier to open and repair?

What is your current employment status?

• Full-time
• Part-time
• Self-employed
• Student
• Unemployed
• Retired
• Prefer not to say

Overall, how satisfied were you with the warranty service experience?

How willing would you be to accept fewer color or finish options if it meant standardized, repairable components?

If a device included user-replaceable batteries and guaranteed parts and manuals for 5 years, how much more would you be willing to pay compared to a similar device without these features?

• 0% — not willing to pay more
• 1–5% more
• 6–10% more
• 11–15% more
• 16–20% more
• 21–30% more
• 31–50% more
• More than 50% more