When electronic items like phones, communication devices and the TV is out of order, the owner is forced to select a repair option from branded outlets which are more expensive but reliable or informal outlets which are cheap but can turn to be unreliable with cases of short changing abounding. Which is the better option?
I haven't had those kinds of problems recently actually. Oh other than with the computer. I have had a few computer repairs that needed to be done. We just went to the place where we bought it. They were able to repair it, one time under warranty and one time we had to pay out of pocket. Next time I have a problem though, I will just buy another I think.
It's probably wiser to get repairs in Authorized service locations else you'll void your warranty. Problem though is these service stations tend to be way too expensive so if your phone, computer, etc didn't have any issues that would force you to return it, it would be better to find the cheapest place for repairs.
When our computer has a hardware problem, our tech in the office usually provides free assistance although he checks and repairs our computer during his off hours. For tv, that is a problem because we have to resort to commercial technician who charges an on call fee for diagnosis only. That's aside from the actual charges for repair. There was a time when our old flat tv was diagnosed of broken parts that would cost us more than 3,000 pesos for the parts and labor. We bought that tv for 9,000 only. That kept us thinking for a week before we decided to buy a new Samsung 40 inches for 20,000. At least it is a new tech tv that we feel is cheaper than having the old one repaired.
I recently had a problem with my Samsung Galaxy 3 Table. The Android OS was down. This is a 3-year old + tablet that no longer had a warranty and I figured that it would be too expensive to have it repaired at a Samsung service center and the cost would not be worth the remaining useful life of the gadget. I've asked around at malls but the shops don't seem to be too keen on doing the repairs as they said that it would involve downloading the OS and other software. I went to a corner shop that I've used in the past and one that has been recommended by my nephews. He downloaded some firmware and flashed the tablet but still can't get it to work. He said that he will have to download other firmware but it will be on a trial and error basis and it will take a long time to do it. In other words, he gave up on the tablet! Thankfully, he didn't charge me anything. I'm not sure if this is still worth repairing because there are brand new tablets with higher specs. I may just decide to do my research and repair it myself.
I've always gone for technicians/experts in town when my Sony smartphone acts-up. And ever since I've approached the few technicians I have, I've never gone back with the same issue and that made me believe in this informal option. Otherwise when my old desktop PC encountered a minor issue long ago, I decided to call on a specialist who fixed it then I later sold it and upgraded to a laptop. Ever since, I've never had issues with the laptop and if I will, I'll approach just a technician (informal option) to save time & spare the cash as well since one has a chance to bargain to an agreed-amount unlike new/branded repair option
For phone, communication devices or TV, I don't think I have ever go for any maintenance service. Usually when my phone had any problem, it had already been used for years and it was time to buy a new one, and I think it might not worth to repair it, so I just bought a new one. I did send my laptop for maintenance while it was still under warranty, it was sent back to Dell workshop, and I did not have problem after that, or it was also too old and it needed to retire. I always think I should get a list of maintenance service, so I know where to go when I need one, but I haven't really look for it yet.
I would definitely choose the quality and known repair shops nearby than the corner store or lesser known ones. They are also more professional and they will also give you a "warranty" and repair the unit or appliance again if it breaks down again shortly after being repaired free of charge.
