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.
Interactive Calculator
Repair vs Replace — Your Answer in 3 Steps
We score your situation across cost, device age, damage risk, and long-term value to give you a clear, honest answer.
1
Your Device2
Problem Type3
Costs✓
Your AnswerStep 1 — What device do you have?
Phone / iPhone
iPad / Tablet
Laptop / MacBook
Desktop / iMac
Apple
Samsung
Other Android
Windows PC
Brand new8+ years
2 years old
Step 2 — What's the problem?
Pick the main issue. The risk rating tells you how predictable the repair is.
Cracked Screen
Low riskBattery Drain
Low riskWon't Charge
Low riskSlow / Software
Low riskWater Damage
High riskWon't Turn On
High riskCamera Fault
Medium riskMultiple Issues
High riskStep 3 — Let's check the numbers
$
💡 iPhone screen: $150–$350 · Battery: $80–$120
Don't have a quote yet? That's fine — WhatsApp us for a free no-obligation quote before you decide. We'll tell you honestly within minutes.
$
💡 New iPhone 15: $1,199+ · Mid-range Android: $600–$900
All backed up
Somewhat
Critical data
Repair Confidence Score
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ReplaceBorderlineRepair
Cost Ratio
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Repair vs device value
You'd Save
—
Choosing repair over replace
Repair Risk
—
Based on damage type
Est. Life Left
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If repaired
Want a free second opinion from a real technician?
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.
Reference Guide · 2025–2026 Pricing
Repair Costs vs Replacement Prices — Melbourne North
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.
How We Score It
The 4 Things That Determine Repair vs Replace
What a good technician weighs before giving you advice — now you can weigh them yourself.
Device Age & Update Support
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.
Damage Type & Repairability
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.
Environmental & Hidden Costs
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.
Find Us
We Come to You — Epping & Melbourne North
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
💸 TheFixers.app · Refer & Earn
Know Someone Who Needs a Repair?
Refer Them. Earn Up to 4%.
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.
4%
Referral Commission Rate
Earn up to 4% on every job completed
through your personal referral link
1
Sign up for free
Create your free account on TheFixers.app — takes 2 minutes, no cost to you or the person you refer.
2
Share your link
Send your unique referral link to anyone who needs tech help — phone repairs, laptop fixes, Wi-Fi setup, and more.
3
Earn when they book
Once their repair job is completed, you receive up to 4% commission paid via Stripe — direct to your account.
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.
Trusted External Resources
Further Reading & Official References
Independent sources to help you make a fully informed repair or replace decision.
Australian Consumer Law — Repair Rights
Know your legal rights when a product fails — repair, replace, or refund obligations under Australian law.
consumer.gov.au
ACCC — Repair, Replace or Refund
The ACCC's official guide to your consumer guarantee rights, including faulty phones and laptops.
accc.gov.au
Clean Up Australia — E-Waste Guide
How repairing instead of replacing reduces Australia's rapidly growing e-waste problem.
cleanup.org.au
Apple Australia — Repair & Warranty
Official Apple repair options, warranty coverage, and battery service pricing for Australian customers.
support.apple.com
MoneySmart — Budgeting Tools
ASIC's free tools to help Australians budget for big-ticket purchases and unexpected tech costs.
moneysmart.gov.au
Australian Cyber Security Centre
If your device has been compromised, the ACSC has official guidance on what to do next.
cyber.gov.au
What Locals Say
4.9★ — Trusted Across Melbourne North
★★★★★
"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."
Anh Nguyen
Epping, VIC · Phone repair
★★★★★
"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."
Sarah Mitchell
Epping, VIC · Laptop repair
★★★★★
"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."
Priya Sharma
Wollert, VIC · Senior tech support
Common Questions
Should I Repair or Replace My Phone or Laptop? — Common Questions
Should I repair or replace my cracked iPhone screen?
In nearly all cases, a cracked screen is worth repairing. iPhone screen replacements in Epping typically cost $150–$350, compared to $1,199+ for a new device. If your iPhone is under 5 years old and otherwise performing well, repair is the smart financial choice. We offer Same-day iPhone screen repairs in Epping with a 60-day guarantee and no fix, no fee.
What is the 50% rule for deciding whether to repair a phone?
The 50% rule is a widely used benchmark: if the repair cost exceeds 50% of your phone's current second-hand market value, replacing may offer better long-term value. Below 50%, repair almost always wins. Our calculator applies this rule alongside device age and damage type. Check current resale values on Gumtree or eBay AU before deciding.
How much does phone repair cost in Epping and Wollert?
At Your IT & Tech Mates: iPhone screen replacement $150–$350, Samsung Galaxy screen $130–$380, battery replacement $80–$130, charging port repair $90–$150. We provide a fixed upfront quote before starting — no fix, no fee on every job. See our full Melbourne North phone repair pricing guide for more detail.
Is it worth repairing a laptop, or should I just buy a new one?
A laptop is worth repairing if it's under 5 years old, still receives OS security updates, and the repair cost sits below 40–50% of replacement value. Screen replacements ($180–$450), SSD upgrades ($150–$280), and RAM increases can add 2–4 years of productive life for a fraction of replacement cost. See our Laptop & Phone Repair Hub for full pricing and service details.
Can a water-damaged phone be repaired?
It depends on speed and severity. Power off immediately, avoid charging it, and bring it in within 24 hours for the best chance. Surface-level exposure is often fully recoverable. Deeper corrosion that has reached the logic board is harder to fix reliably. We always provide a free honest assessment first — you pay nothing if we can't fix it. For urgent security concerns post-water damage, see our phone security guide.
How quickly can you repair my phone in Epping?
Most standard repairs — screen, battery, charging port — are completed same-day, typically in 60–90 minutes. We come to your home across Epping, Wollert, South Morang, Mill Park, Mernda and surrounding Melbourne North suburbs. WhatsApp us directly for fastest response.
Do I need to back up my phone before a repair?
For screen and battery repairs, your data is untouched throughout the repair. We always recommend a backup as good practice before any job. For software resets, water damage recovery, or OS reinstalls, there may be data risk — we'll flag this clearly and advise on backup options before we start anything. Your data stays your business.
How do I refer someone and earn a commission?
Sign up free on TheFixers.app, get your unique referral link, and share it with anyone who needs tech help — phone repairs, laptop fixes, Wi-Fi setup, NDIS support, and more. When their job is completed, you earn up to 4% commission paid via Stripe. No tech skills required. It's completely free to join and there are no monthly fees.
Do you offer NDIS tech support and repairs?
Yes — we provide patient, inclusive tech support for NDIS participants and seniors across Epping and Melbourne North. We work with care coordinators and NDIS providers directly. See our NDIS computer repairs page for full details.
💻 Laptops For Sale · Tested & Warranted
Quality Used Laptops
From $299 · 6-Month Warranty
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.
6-Month Warranty — included
Professionally tested & cleaned
Fresh OS install on every device
Delivered & set up at your home
30-day free support after purchase
Who These Are Perfect For
School Kids
Ready for school assignments, Google Classroom, Microsoft 365, and Zoom. Solid performers that survive the school bag. We can set it up with your child's school account before delivery.
From $299
Seniors
Simple, clean setup with large text, easy browser access, and video calling ready to go. We configure it exactly how you need it — and show you how to use it before we leave.
From $299
Families
A shared family laptop for homework, streaming, and staying connected. Set up with parental controls if needed. Robust enough for daily household use without the premium price tag.
From $349
Home Office
Need a reliable work-from-home machine without the $1,500+ price tag? Our business-grade refurbished laptops handle email, spreadsheets, video calls, and document work without breaking a sweat.
From $399
NDIS & Care
We can configure devices with accessibility tools, large text, screen readers, and simplified interfaces for participants and residents. Talk to us — we work with care coordinators directly.
From $299
Current Stock — Epping & Melbourne North
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.
✅ Available
🔥 Popular
Dell Latitude 5490
Intel Core i5 8th Gen · 8GB RAM · 256GB SSD
14" Full HD · Windows 11 Pro · Battery 5–6hrs
14" Full HD · Windows 11 Pro · Battery 5–6hrs
$329
RRP $1,200+
✅ Available
Lenovo ThinkPad T480
Intel Core i5 8th Gen · 16GB RAM · 256GB SSD
14" IPS · Windows 11 Pro · Excellent keyboard
14" IPS · Windows 11 Pro · Excellent keyboard
$399
RRP $1,500+
✅ Available
🔥 Popular
HP EliteBook 840 G5
Intel Core i5 8th Gen · 8GB RAM · 256GB SSD
14" FHD · Windows 11 · Slim & lightweight
14" FHD · Windows 11 · Slim & lightweight
$349
RRP $1,400+
✅ Available
Dell Inspiron 15 3000
Intel Core i3 10th Gen · 8GB RAM · 256GB SSD
15.6" HD · Windows 11 Home · Great starter
15.6" HD · Windows 11 Home · Great starter
$299
RRP $899+
✅ Available
Lenovo IdeaPad 5
AMD Ryzen 5 · 8GB RAM · 512GB SSD
15.6" FHD · Windows 11 · Fast & quiet
15.6" FHD · Windows 11 · Fast & quiet
$449
RRP $1,299+
📦
More stock arriving regularly
Tell us what you need — budget, use case, preferred brand — and we'll find the right match.
💬 Tell Us What You Need
Every Laptop Includes
6-Month Warranty
Hardware covered for 6 months. If it fails, we fix or replace it. No fine print.
Fresh Windows 11 Install
Clean OS, licensed, updated, no bloatware. Ready to use straight out of the box.
Professional Clean & Test
Full hardware diagnostic, thermal paste if needed, clean inside and out.
Security Setup
Windows Defender configured, accounts secured, auto-updates enabled. Safe from day one.
Home Delivery & Setup
We deliver to your door across Melbourne North and set it up with your Wi-Fi and accounts.
30-Day Free Support
Any questions in the first 30 days — just WhatsApp us. We're here.
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.