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Repair service convenience in a circular economy: a multi-stakeholder perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Ines Güsser-Fachbach

    (Department of Operations and Information Systems, University of Graz)

  • Gernot Lechner

    (Department of Operations and Information Systems, University of Graz)

  • Tomás B. Ramos

    (Center for Environmental and Sustainability Research, NOVA University Lisbon)

  • Marc Reimann

    (Department of Operations and Information Systems, University of Graz)

Abstract

Using repair services instead of new purchases creates local added value and contributes to a circular economy. The main aim of this research was to characterise repair service convenience for customers and to investigate ways to increase convenience to make repairs more attractive for customers. For this purpose, focus group interviews with potential customers of repair companies, interactive workshops with repair companies, and one interactive workshop with employees of a local government were conducted in the region of Styria (Austria). Findings state a variety of aspects important for convenient repair services. Factors like lack of information regarding repair services and product repairability, inconvenient store hours, or long waits reduce repair service convenience. However, due to skilled labour shortage, long delivery times of spare parts, or lacking financial resources for advertisements, repair companies can only partially improve convenience. Considering that, interventions from different actors, for example, the local government are needed as they can increase convenience by organising awareness/information events, repair networks, or central repair-points. Hence, this study highlights once more the necessity to collaborate with different stakeholders (including customers, repair companies, and local governments) to successfully transform the linear economy to a circular economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Ines Güsser-Fachbach & Gernot Lechner & Tomás B. Ramos & Marc Reimann, 2023. "Repair service convenience in a circular economy: a multi-stakeholder perspective," Working Paper Series, Social and Economic Sciences 2023-01, Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences, Karl-Franzens-University Graz.
    • Handle: RePEc:grz:wpsses:2023-01
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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