6 minute read
The Right to Repair at TechGeeks
Two young Namibians with a shared dream of challenging the status quo are the driving force behind the highly respected smartphone and computer repair business known as TechGeeks. Tylene and Richard Rigava, who met as teenagers, decided to combine their strengths and passions to build a company unlike anything Namibia had seen before.
When TechGeeks was founded, it was with a clear mission: to offer affordable, high-quality repairs while championing transparency, sustainability and exceptional customer service. “With a bold vision in mind, we set out not only to create a successful business but one that would leave a lasting impact,” says Tylene.
Today, TechGeeks is a vital service provider trusted by numerous corporate companies, insurance firms and individuals. After experiencing the exceptional service offered by TechGeeks, many have become loyal supporters and long-term clients.
At the heart of the business is a guiding philosophy: the consumer’s right to have their device repaired. This principle has become even more relevant in today’s market, as Tylene explains: “Manufacturers often limit repair options because they want to sell you new devices instead of repairing your old one. They make no money from repairs, but they profit when you buy a new product.”
Richard explains, “Authorised service centres often insist on replacing entire parts, even when only a small component needs fixing. For example, if the volume button on your phone stops working, an authorised repair centre might tell you that you need a whole new back panel, even though that’s unnecessary. It doesn’t make sense. Small, independent repair shops like ours focus on fixing only what’s broken, saving you money and reducing waste.”
As the visionaries behind TechGeeks, Richard and Tylene bring a wealth of technical expertise, ingenuity and passion to everything they do. This dedication is evident in every interaction with them.
Addressing the gap in the market
When TechGeeks was founded, the local repair market was largely dominated by foreign-owned businesses. As Tylene recalls, “If you wanted your phone fixed, you went to a foreign-owned shop. There was no trusted, truly Namibian place where you could get repairs without the fear of overcharging or missing parts.”
Recognising an opportunity to offer something different, TechGeeks set out to fill that gap. “The everyday person couldn’t afford to replace their phone every time it broke, but they also didn’t want to be scammed or treated poorly,” Tylene explains.
Building trust through service
Starting with no startup capital, the two determined founders of TechGeeks focused on one thing: delivering great service. “We simply focused on doing our best, and slowly, word started to spread,” recalls Tylene.
Over time, their reputation for honesty and affordability caught the attention of larger companies, who began reaching out for help with their own repair needs. Tylene proudly notes that their approach to damage assessments, which included detailed reports to insurance companies, set a new standard in Namibia. “Insurance companies quickly took notice. We proved that we could deliver fair, accurate assessments, and since then, other companies have started adopting our methods.”
Another standout feature of TechGeeks is their unwavering commitment to standing behind their repairs. “We offer a six-month warranty on all our repairs, which is the highest in the industry,” says Richard. “Authorised service centres often provide only up to three months, or in some cases other repair stores might offer no warranty at all. We believe in the quality of our work, and that’s why we offer such a long warranty. If something goes wrong, we’ll make it right.”
For TechGeeks, their customer-first approach is about more than just business – it’s about building long-term trust. “It’s not about making a quick sale. It’s about creating a brand that people trust,” Richard explains. “We want our customers to be completely satisfied with their repairs and to feel confident that their devices are in good hands.”
Sustainability and repairing what matters most
In addition to providing affordable repairs, TechGeeks is committed to sustainability. “Every time someone throws away a phone, it contributes to environmental waste,” says Richard. “That’s why we started a buyback programme, where we take in old devices, recycle the usable parts and offer more affordable repair options.”
This programme not only helps reduce e-waste but also makes quality repairs more accessible to those on a budget. “A student, for example, may not be able to afford expensive repairs, but through our buyback programme, we can offer them a sustainable, lower-cost solution that works just as well as a brand-new device,” adds Richard.
Another major difference between authorised centres and independent repair shops is the ability to salvage devices that others might deem “unsalvageable”. According to Richard, they have had customers come in with phones that are water-damaged, and the authorised service centres told them there is nothing they can do. “But then we’re the ones who help retrieve their precious data – family photos and other memories – because we care about what’s important to them.”
Expanding its services
While TechGeeks has earned a reputation for its exceptional repair services, the company is equally committed to meeting the growing tech needs of its customers by offering a carefully curated selection of new devices. As an authorised Apple reseller, TechGeeks provides a wide range of Apple products, alongside popular devices from Samsung, Nokia and Xiaomi. This strategic expansion reflects TechGeeks’ commitment to meeting the evolving needs of customers, ensuring they have the best of both worlds: reliable repair options and access to the latest technology.
Looking ahead: innovation and growth
As TechGeeks celebrates its 10th anniversary, the founders are focused on the future. “We know that if we don’t innovate, we’ll become stagnant,” says Tylene. “We always strive to improve, to stay ahead of trends and to find new ways to better serve our customers.”
TechGeeks is setting the bar in Namibia for what a customer-centric, environmentally conscious tech repair business should look like. By combining integrity and innovation, they are not just fixing devices; they are reshaping the future of tech repair, empowering consumers and leading the charge for a more responsible, ethical industry.
