SPEC

Menu

Repair Café

How does a Repair Café Work?

Repair Cafe attendees are invited to bring one item for repair per event. Walk-ins are always welcome and will be seen on a first come, first served basis and only if there is time and a fixer is available. Those who have booked an appointment on our registration page will have first priority.

Upon arrival at the Repair Cafe, participants are required to complete a registration form and sign a waiver before their item can be accepted.

Attendees are encouraged to get involved in the repair along with the volunteer fixer. No experience is required. Repair Cafes are more than just repair, they are also about knowledge and skill-sharing

House Rules

  1. All participants bringing an item for repair do so at their own risk and must sign a waiver to participate. SPEC will provide waiver forms at the event.
  2. Repairs are not guaranteed. SPEC and its volunteers are not liable if the item that is repaired at the Repair Cafe does not work properly at home. 
  3. Only one item for repair per event. We will make exceptions as time and volunteer capacity allow. This will be up to the discretion of SPEC staff and volunteers.
  4. If replacement parts are needed for the repair, these must be provided by the participant. Replacement parts are not provided by SPEC or volunteer fixers.
  5. Fixers are entitled to refuse to repair items (see Right-to-Reject below.)
  6. Participants are responsible for ensuring their items are clean and as free of dust, direct, and oil as possible, before bringing in for repair.
  7. Participants are solely responsible for their items at all times and for tidy removal of items brought in that could not be repaired.
  8. We welcome all members of the community and ask that everyone attending the Repair Cafe knows and follows our Code of Conduct (see Code of Conduct below.). Failure to do so may result in denial of repair service and dismissal from the event and future events.

Repair Categories

  • Computers
    • Repair & tech support for desktops and laptops and peripherals such as keyboards, mice, headsets, speakers, and external devices.
    • If parts are needed, for example a screen replacement, you will need to bring the part.
    • Tech support: software issues, help using applications, backups, and system re-installs. We strongly recommend that you do a backup before the event.
    • Not accepted: printers, monitors, tablets, and cell phones. 
  • Electronics
    • Home entertainment items including stereos, guitar amps, electric pianos, VCRs, DVD players, and kids’ electronic toys. 
  • Small Appliances
    • Such as lamps, toasters, foot heaters, hair dryers, and fans. 
    • Not accepted: Sewing machines.
  • Clothing / Textiles
    • Such as shirts, sweaters, pillowcases, pants, tablecloths. If you need zipper or button repairs, you must provide your own button/zipper.
    • Not accepted: items requiring alternations, hemming, bag, repair, shoes. Some zipper repairs may not be possible due to complexity and time.
  • Bicycles
    • Minor repairs and tune ups. If replacement parts, such as cables or inner tube are required, you must provide your own part(s).
  • General
    • Small, portable items.

Items Not Accepted: tablets, cellphones, monitors, printers, sewing machines, shoes, bags, luggage, jewelry, watches, furniture, or large appliances.

Code of Conduct: Be Kind!

We welcome all members of the community and ask that everyone attending the Repair Café knows and follows this Code of Conduct. Failure to do so may result in denial of repair service and dismissal from the event and future events.

  • Treat everyone with respect including volunteers, visitors, and venue staff.
  • Harassment, bullying and discrimination of any kind is prohibited.
  • Respect the host venue property and the property of volunteers.
  • Cooperate with the registration process, waiting line and repair work.
  • Be considerate of individuals’ sensitivities. For example, some people are sensitive to loud sounds and strong scents.
  • Respect people’s privacy. If you wish to take pictures or make recordings, you must inform a registration volunteer and ask anyone being photographed or recorded for their individual permission.
  • Report any breaches in the Code of Conduct to the Repair Café registration volunteers.
  • No retaliation: Repair Café prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports a potential breach of the Code of Conduct.

If you have any questions, please ask.

Right to Reject

Repair Café reserves the right to reject any items in the following condition:

  • Items containing asbestos insulation (those manufactured before 1994)
  • Items containing lead
  • Unclean items containing food residue, grease, etc
  • Items containing insects of any kind (dead or alive)
  • Dirty and unwashed clothing

For the safety and comfort of all, please ensure that any item you bring for repair is clean, free from the above conditions, and otherwise safe for handling.

Repair Café reserves the right to refuse service to anyone who:

  • Does not sign the required waiver
  • Fails to follow our House Rules
  • Is disruptive or disrespectful to volunteers, staff, or other attendees

For inquiries about SPEC Repair Cafés, please email repaircafe@spec.bc.ca
At this time, we are unable to answer questions over the phone.