The business idea

A mobile phone repair service conducts repairs and supplies parts and accessories for mobile phone owners. Typical breakages include cracked screens, faulty microphones or other hardware and software faults.

Trading issues

• According to the Office for National Statistics, growth in mobile phone ownership has been moderate since 2001/02, increasing from 64% to 79% in 2008. (www.statistics.gov.uk/CCI/nugget.asp?ID=868&Pos=4&ColRank=2&Rank=160).
• There were around 105 million mobile phone subscribers in the UK in 2008. Given that this is higher than the current UK population many people must own more than one mobile phone, while many businesses have multiple mobile phone contracts for employees. Go to www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/sep/08/uk-mobile-market-share.
• Many mobile phone repair services also offer to repair faulty games consoles or satellite navigation. Go to www.mobilerepaircentre.com for an example of repair services provided.
• For basic training in electrical repairs, City & Guilds accredits a Level 2 and 3 NVQ in Electrical and Electronic Servicing, which includes a specific Consumer/Commercial Electronics pathway, which is relevant for mobile phone repair service staff. It covers units such as Diagnosing Faults and Replacing Components in electronic equipment. Go to www.cityandguilds.com/1793.html for more information.
• Mtec provides a one-day training course in mobile phone fault diagnosis and repair. This course includes how to market a mobile phone repair business. Those who choose to become members of the Mtec network will also be provided with details of mobile phone part suppliers. Go to www.mtec.uk.net/index.html for more information.
• Under the UK Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations, mobile phone repair businesses need to ensure that all electrical waste is treated and recycled. Go to www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/topics/waste/32084.aspx for more information. Recycle-more.co.uk gives details of local WEEE recycling facilities at www.recycle-more.co.uk/banklocator/banklocator.aspx.
• The Mobile Telephones (Re-Programming) Act 2002 legislates that it is illegal to 'unblock' a mobile phone (a process usually associated with stolen phones blocked by the network provider) or change a phone's IMEI number.
• Competition for mobile phone repair services comes largely from mobile phone sellers, such as network providers. They are usually obligated to replace or repair faulty phones for free within six months of the customer receiving the phone. It will be assumed that the problem existed when the customer bought the phone, unless the seller can show otherwise. Go to www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/after_you_buy/know-your-rights/mobiles for details on mobile phone consumer rights.
• Esources gives details of wholesale mobile phone accessories and parts suppliers across the UK. Go to www.esources.co.uk/wholesale-suppliers/358.

Sources of further information

The Independent Mobile Phone Dealers Association (IMPDA) provides industry news and discussions, and discount deals for members.
www.impda.co.uk

Mobile Today is an online and print industry magazine providing news and analysis which mobile phone repairers may find useful.
www.mobiletoday.co.uk

The Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) provides details of engineering training and events.
www.theiet.org