Workshops help fix your machines

WORKSHOPS to teach people how to repair their own white and electrical goods as an alternative to costly call-outs or replacing a broken-down machine are proving a success in Limoges and the Dordogne. Now organisers want to roll them out across France.

The ateliers d’autoréparation take place in real repair workshops with advice and equipment from a professional and are promoted by Gifam – a group of major manufacturers of domestic appliances.

People bring in their own broken appliance and have the use of tools and hands-on advice from a professional repairer – although if the item is large it is up to you to get it there in a vehicle (someone can help you unload it at the premises).

It costs €15-25 per hour, which is good value compared to the charges of professional repairers including call-out and labour fees.

A Gifam spokeswoman said: “The do-it-yourself repair workshops take place in professional repair shops which do this work year in and out and often have all the spare parts but if they need something they can order it easily and the person can leave the machine and return to finish when the part arrives.

“Our repairers are evaluating how it’s going and we’re trying to persuade others around the country to take part. It’s working well and there has been demand, so normally it will be extended to all of France. At home you often don’t have the right tools and here you have someone who can help you.”

She added: “There’s a trend for repairing, not throwing away – a lot of ‘repair cafés’ [using the English] have started up, with volunteers who help people with their little appliances, but here you can literally come with your fridge or washing machine.”

One customer who repaired a tumble drier and food processor, said: “I went with two broken machines and came back with two working ones, so it was a success, although the drier needed a part they didn’t have so I had to come back a week later.

“However I am good at DIY and it might take more time – and so cost more – if you’re not as used to it.”

The existing workshops are at Sociéte ATR Limousin in Limoges (05 55 79 78 79) and Société 2AM in Marsac-sur-L’Isle (05 53 04 23 23).