Repair service a big hit in Banda Aceh

Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh

Pipin Electronic, an electronics store located in the Meuraksa district of Banda Aceh, is overwhelmed with repair orders on all types of electronics equipment.

The store, which provides sales and repair services, has seen a 300 percent increase in service orders compared to before the Dec. 26 tsunami.

Firdaus, a technician at the store, said on Wednesday the orders began to pour in as soon as the store reopened on Jan. 27.

Since reopening, the store has received 500 orders to repair washing machines, radios, televisions, refrigerators, fans and water dispensers.

Before the tsunami, the store received one to three service orders a day. Now it takes up to 10 orders a day.

"All of the electronic equipment being brought in for repair suffered water damage. There are no other problems," Firdaus said.

He said the increase in repair orders meant the store's six technicians had to work overtime to catch up with all of the jobs.

"The high number of service orders means we have to work overtime, but we're happy because it means we get more money. Our income is based on a sharing system, 40 percent for the workers and 60 percent for the owner," Firdaus said.

Repair charges vary according to damage and type of item being worked on. For a refrigerator the store might charge Rp 400,000 (US$44.40), Rp 200,000 for a radio and Rp 250,000 for a water dispenser. These charges do not include the cost of replacement parts.

"Some of the electronic equipment brought in was badly damaged and beyond repair. Sometimes the owners still want us to try and make it work again. In a case like that, we charge more," said Firdaus, adding that some people just abandoned items at the store that could not be repaired.

Firdaus said the store was charging customers more for repairs compared to before the tsunami.

He said the increase was due to the number of orders and the rising cost of replacement parts, which have to be ordered from Medan or Jakarta.

"Currently, there are about 80 items that need to be repaired. They need new components that we have to order from Medan. It takes time. If we don't need new component, it only takes us a day to work on an item. But it will take a week if we need new parts," Firdaus said.

Other electronics stores in the city have enjoyed similar upswings in business. Safwan Service near Syiah Kuala University, for example, has a pile of items sitting outside the store waiting for repair.

"I've had to turn down jobs over the last few days. We already have too many items that need repair and not enough technicians," said Idris, the owner of Safwan Service.

Idris said most of the items were damaged when the massive waves swept through people's houses on Dec. 26.

Last month alone, his store's three technicians repaired at least 200 pieces of electronic equipment.

"If we took all the orders, we wouldn't have enough space. Once we finish repairing all these waiting items, then we'll start taking new orders," said Idris.

Idris said most people preferred repairing their electronic equipment rather than buying new items because of the high prices in Banda Aceh. Moreover, repair shops like his usually offer a three-month warranty.

"If we offer a warranty with our repairs, customers will have faith in our service," Idris said.