The 50% Cost Rule
If repair cost exceeds 50% of your device's current second-hand value, replacement often makes more sense. Below that, repair almost always wins. Check current second-hand values on Gumtree AU or eBay AU.
Use our interactive Repair or Replace Calculator to get a free, honest recommendation instantly — built by your actual neighbours in Melbourne North. No jargon. No sales pressure. No fix, no fee.
Just call or WhatsApp us — we'll tell you honestly what the repair costs before you commit to anything. No jargon, no obligation. Same-day in-home IT support, phone repairs, laptop repairs, virus removal, and data recovery across Epping, Wollert and Melbourne North — your neighbours, not a call centre.
We score your situation across cost, device age, damage risk, and long-term value to give you a clear, honest answer.
Pick the main issue. The risk rating tells you how predictable the repair is.
We'll tell you honestly what we'd do if it were our own device — and give you a fixed quote before we touch anything. No fix, no fee. If the verdict is replace, scroll down — we sell quality used laptops from $299 with a 6-month warranty.
Indicative AUD pricing for Epping, Wollert and Melbourne North. All repairs come with an upfront quote — no surprise bills.
| Device & Issue | Typical Repair Cost | New Device Cost | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone Screen Replacement iPhone 13, 14, 15 series · iPhone repair Epping → | $150 – $350 | $1,199+ | ✅ Repair |
| iPhone Battery Replacement All modern iPhone models | $80 – $120 | $1,199+ | ✅ Repair |
| Samsung Galaxy Screen S22, S23, S24 series | $130 – $380 | $1,049+ | ✅ Repair |
| Samsung Battery Replacement Galaxy S & A series | $80 – $130 | $1,049+ | ✅ Repair |
| iPad Screen Replacement iPad, Air, Pro | $180 – $450 | $599+ | ⚖️ Depends |
| Laptop Screen Replacement MacBook, Dell, Lenovo, HP · Laptop repairs Epping → | $180 – $450 | $999+ | ✅ Repair |
| Laptop SSD or RAM Upgrade Most Windows laptops | $150 – $320 | $999+ | ✅ Repair |
| Phone Water Damage Free assessment first — no fix, no fee | $120 – $600+ | $599+ | ⚖️ Depends |
| Budget Android — Screen Devices originally under $400 | $90 – $220 | $299 – $499 | ⚖️ Depends |
| Virus Removal / OS Reinstall Laptop or desktop · includes security check | $120 – $200 | $999+ | ✅ Repair |
| Data Recovery Lost files, photos, crashed hard drive · all brands | $150 – $400+ | $999+ | ✅ Recover |
| Gaming Console Repairs PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch | $120 – $280 | $500+ | ✅ Repair |
Prices are indicative ranges for Melbourne North, 2025–2026. Actual quotes vary by device model, parts availability, and repair complexity. Your IT & Tech Mates always provides a fixed upfront quote — no fix, no fee applies to every job.
What a good technician weighs before giving you advice — now you can weigh them yourself.
If repair cost exceeds 50% of your device's current second-hand value, replacement often makes more sense. Below that, repair almost always wins. Check current second-hand values on Gumtree AU or eBay AU.
Apple supports iPhones for 5–6 years; Samsung flagship models for 4–5 years. A device still receiving security updates is worth repairing. Check Apple's update support page or search "does [your device] still get updates" for a quick answer.
Cracked screens and dead batteries are clean, predictable repairs. Water damage and logic board faults carry real uncertainty. Multiple issues at once often signal the start of broader hardware decline. We also run a free security check on every phone we open — because your device holds your banking, your photos, your life. See our phone repair service for common repair types.
Manufacturing a new smartphone generates 70+ kg of CO₂. Repair extends device life and reduces e-waste in Australia. Hidden replacement costs — setup time, data transfer, new cases and accessories — are rarely factored in. Your Australian Consumer Law rights also apply to repair situations.
Every Fixer who visits your home lives locally — Epping, Wollert, South Morang, Mill Park, Mernda, Lalor, Thomastown, Craigieburn and surrounds. No shopfront. No call centre. Your neighbour comes to your home, same day, no jargon.
Same-day in-home repairs across:
📍 Epping 3076 · 📍 Wollert 3750 · 📍 South Morang · 📍 Mernda · 📍 Mill Park · 📍 Lalor · 📍 Thomastown · 📍 Craigieburn · 📍 Bundoora · 📍 Reservoir · 📍 Doreen
Help a neighbour, friend, or family member get their tech fixed — and earn a commission on every job you refer through TheFixers.app. Free to join. No tech skills needed. Money back into your community every time you help someone out.
Earn up to 4% on every job completed
through your personal referral link
Commission rates up to 4% on completed jobs. Free to join — no monthly fees. Payment via Stripe. Terms apply — see TheFixers.app for full details. Individual earning results vary by referral volume and job type.
Independent sources to help you make a fully informed repair or replace decision.
"I came in convinced I needed a new phone. They checked it and said it was just the battery. $95 later it runs better than it did a year ago. Saved me over $1,100."
"My son's school laptop screen cracked at 8pm. I messaged and they had it fixed and back by 9am. I was in complete shock. Completely saved us before his assignment was due."
"They came to Wollert and sorted everything — Wi-Fi and mum's tablet. So patient with her, she's 74. Never made her feel silly. The honest advice on repair vs replace was really reassuring."
If the calculator says "replace" — we've got you covered. Every laptop we sell is professionally cleaned, tested, upgraded where needed, and backed by a 6-month warranty. Cheap laptops for sale in Epping and Melbourne North — great for school kids, seniors, families, and home offices. No nasty surprises. Free delivery and setup at your home. These aren't junk — they're quality refurbished business-grade laptops from trusted brands, ready to use from day one.
Stock changes regularly. WhatsApp us to check what's available right now, or to tell us what you're looking for and we'll match you with the right device.
Stock is limited and changes regularly — WhatsApp for current availability. All laptops sold in Grade A/B refurbished condition. Warranty covers hardware faults — physical damage after purchase excluded. Delivery available across Epping, Wollert, South Morang, Mill Park, Mernda, Lalor, Thomastown and surrounds. NDIS participants welcome — talk to us directly about assistive technology setup.
Whether the calculator says repair or replace — Your IT & Tech Mates handles it all. Same-day in-home service across Epping, Wollert and Melbourne North. No fix, no fee.
📚 Further Reading — Official Australian Resources
Know someone in Epping, Wollert or Melbourne North with a broken device, slow laptop or WiFi problem? Refer them through TheFixers.App and earn up to 4% Primary Referrer commission on every completed job — up to 24 months or the first 20 jobs. Free to join, no minimum payout, paid via Stripe.
4% per completed job · No fees · Paid via Stripe · Terms at TheFixers.App
All free, no sign-up. Built for Epping, Wollert & Melbourne North.
10 questions, device health score out of 100, fault list and repair cost estimate. Free, no booking required.
Check My Device →Enter repair cost and device age — instant recommendation based on the 50% rule. Covers phones and laptops.
Run Calculator →Instant AUD cost range for iPhone, Samsung, iPad and Android repairs in Epping & Wollert.
Get Price Estimate →Select your device — get an instant battery replacement cost estimate with urgency rating.
Estimate Battery Cost →Assess cracked screen urgency — is it safe to keep using? Repair recommendations by crack type.
Check My Screen →Free DIY Windows Battery Report and macOS cycle count guide. Check before you book.
Check Battery Health →Enter your startup time — see estimated speed improvement from an SSD upgrade.
Estimate Speed Boost →Identify your iPad model and generation, check Apple service status and repair options.
Identify My iPad →Model plus condition — compare resale trade-in value against repair cost.
Compare Repair vs Sell →Free speed test, NBN & OptiComm diagnosis, mesh WiFi installation guide for Epping & Wollert.
Fix My WiFi →Free ACSC Essential Eight checklist. Assess your cyber security maturity across all 8 strategies.
Check Cyber Security →Monthly, quarterly and yearly checklists to prevent overheating, battery wear and data loss.
View Maintenance Guide →All tools free · No sign-up required · Epping 3076 · Wollert 3750 · Melbourne North VIC