Repair Over Replacement: Consumer Behaviours and Repair Practices for Electronics in the Global South

Comprehensive data on consumer behaviour regarding the use and repair of electronic products in the Global South remains limited. This study’s primary data collection method involves household surveys (n = 450), representing diverse socio-economic groups, to analyse 23 electronic products in Lahore (Pakistan). It examines: (i) key trends in product failures, repair costs, and spare part sourcing, (ii) householder attitudes towards repairs, and (iii) comparisons with repair practices in the Global North. Repair costs range from $5 – $100 for fridges, while air conditioners (ACs) require repairs most frequently. Major repairs occur within a year for ACs and seven years for flat display panel TVs, depending on usage, product quality and climate. Householders in the Global South prioritise repairs over replacements, primarily due to economic constraints and value recovery, contrasting with sustainability-driven repair advocacy in the Global North. The findings underscore how affordability, accessibility, and cultural attitudes shape repair behaviours.