First launched in the USA, this independent repairer certification program has been extended to 32 other countries, including Belgium.
Apple
Independent iPhone repairers are invited to join a certification program for their services.
It’s a first. Apple reaches out to independent repairers in Belgium, these small shops that provide iPhone out of warranty rescue.
Concretely, the American firm is launching a certification independent repair centers, those that live on the fringes of the official circuit.
Aiming for easy access “Original parts, tools, training, service guides, diagnostics, and Apple resources to perform various out-of-warranty iPhone repairs, including screen and battery replacements.”
“A big step”
Ultimately, this program will widen the scope of possibilities when it comes to repairing your damaged phone. The Apple Store in Brussels and Apple Authorized Service Centers will no longer be the only options for customers who want original parts at decent prices.
“Today we can offer original parts, but they are rare and expensive for us”, says Arnaud Aerts, manager of the iReparation store in Liège. “We mainly work with reconditioned parts in specialized factories in China. We also offer very good quality compatible parts. ”
Under these conditions, the certification program launched by Apple is perceived as “a big step”, continues Arnaud Aerts. “Apple was previously closed to repairers who did not belong to its official circuit. This certification is able to reassure the customer, while allowing shops to obtain original parts at fixed and correct prices. ”
Strict conditions
As demonstrated the official web pageof the Independent Repair Center Program, Belgian shops that apply must show their white credentials.
As usual, the colossus of Cupertino (USA) is very sensitive to the possible misappropriation of its name or logo. “Apple will not accept applicants who use terms associated with an Apple trademark in their company names or on their web pages, unless such use is in accordance with the conditions applicable to Apple trademarks.”
“At the time of the launch of our repair center”, remembers Arnaud Aerts, “We had created a pear-shaped logo surmounted by a tail very similar to that of the Apple apple. It hadn’t happened. We had received a letter from a lawyer. ”
There is also no question of improvising repair in your living room. Apple requires with the application to send “Photos (taken during the last 6 days) of each service center including: Main entrance, Frontage on the street, Reception area”
“Eligible companies must have commercial premises located in an easily accessible location for their walk-in service center”, specifies the manufacturer. “Residential addresses are not acceptable for service centers.”
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