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10 Questions to Ask a Repair Shop Before Handing Over Your Phone

June 2026 · 5 min read · By Curbside Phone Tech

A quick phone call or two-minute conversation before leaving your device can tell you almost everything you need to know about whether a shop is worth trusting. Here are the questions — and what good vs. bad answers sound like.

QUESTION 1
What kind of parts do you use — OEM, OEM-grade, or aftermarket?

A good shop knows the difference and tells you clearly. "OEM-grade" with a reputable supplier is fine. "Whatever we have in stock" is not.

QUESTION 2
Do you offer a warranty on repairs?

Reputable shops offer 90 days minimum. Ask what it covers (parts and labor) and what it excludes (new physical damage). A shop with no warranty has no confidence in its work.

QUESTION 3
Can you give me a price before starting?

Legitimate shops give firm estimates upfront. Shops that say "we'll see when we open it" without a max price are building up to surprise charges.

QUESTION 4
How long will the repair take?

Screen: 30–60 min. Battery: 30 min. Port: 30–50 min. If a common repair is going to take 3 days, something is off.

QUESTION 5
Who will actually be working on my phone?

At small shops and mobile services, you want to know this is an experienced tech, not a junior who just started last week.

QUESTION 6
Do you charge a diagnostic fee if I don't get the repair?

Some shops charge $20–$40 for diagnosis even if you decline the repair. Knowing this upfront prevents surprises.

QUESTION 7
Can I watch the repair?

The best answer is yes. If they refuse, that's a flag worth noting. Mobile repair services (like Curbside Phone Tech) are done at your location with you present — no "leave and come back."

QUESTION 8
Do you back up data before opening the device?

Hardware repairs shouldn't require a data wipe, but asking confirms the shop is thoughtful. If they say they routinely wipe devices for screen replacements, that's wrong and unusual.

QUESTION 9
What happens if something goes wrong during the repair?

A confident shop has an answer: they fix it, they cover it. A vague answer ("we're not responsible...") tells you a lot.

QUESTION 10
Can I see recent reviews — Google or otherwise?

Any reputable shop is happy to point you to Google Reviews. Be cautious if they're hard to find or reviews are suspiciously sparse.

We answer yes to all ten of these

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