HOW IT WORKS

DO YOU KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOUR ITEM?

If your item is an appliance or electronic, it is very helpful for you to try to find out what is wrong with it before you come to the Repair Cafe. Try watching a diagnostic video on on the ifixit.com website - they have dedicated pages for kitchen appliances, vacuum cleaners, electronics etc  -  look for ‘troubleshooting’ in the left hand menu. This might tell you if it needs a spare part (see next section), and/or whether it is indeed repairable. Or just google your issue and it is likely you will find many videos showing you what might be wrong, and what spare parts you might need. You might even be inspired to repair it yourself! 


 


does your broken item need a spare part?

To help us help you, it is really helpful if you bring the spare part you think you might need. We do NOT have a large stock of spare parts and so if you want something repaired on the day, it is really helpful if you bring in the needed part. We might diagnose the problem, and send you off to the hardware store to get a part. See section above to help you identify the part you might need.

Also, if your item is a lamp, or a CD player, or a DVD paper - bring in a light bulb, a CD or a DVD so the repairer can test if they have repaired it!

Bring in your broken item

Participants bring in everyday items that are broken or not working, fill in a form and sign a waiver. Common examples: 
  • Small appliances (lamps, mixers)
  • Electronics (radios, clocks, speakers)
  • Clothing and textiles (rips, buttons, elastic)
  • Furniture (loose legs, scratches) 
  • Trinkets and toys
  • Jewelry 
Please see our FAQ page for the items we will not / cannot repair.
Please come back and check what items we may be able to fix at each specific cafe - as our volunteers may be different event to event. 


 


Get matched with a volunteer repairer

Skilled volunteers - electricians, tailors, mechanics or general fixers - work one on one with participants to:
  • Diagnose the problem
  • Attempt a repair using materials and tools available at the cafe
  • If repair is not possible, give advice on where to go or how to recycle the item

Learn and participate

Repair cafes are educational and community building. The emphasis is on:
  • Collaborate fixing (not a drop off service)
  • Skill sharing (participants watch, help and learn)
  • Promoting sustainability and reuse 

No guarantee, no charge

We aren’t professionals!
  • Repairs aren’t guaranteed, but volunteers do their best
  • There’s no charge for repairs, but if possible patrons should bring parts needed for the repair)
  • See House rules / waiver for important information
House rules

on checkout

Once their item has been repaired, patrons visit a checkout station in order to:
  • Have their item weighed (data we collect to show what has been saved from landfill)
  • Give us feedback
  • Join the mailing list
  • Pick up a resources sheet

community connection

Repair cafes are social spaces too. We hope to provide:
  • Cakes and other homemade baked goods 
  • Coffee
  • Space to hang out and talk
  • Opportunity to meet neighbors 
menu