FAQs - Repair Cafe Wales

What are the benefits of using Repair Cafe Wales to set up your local event?

We’re free! We’ve done it many times. We’ve got several tried and tested templates and lots of expertise you can draw on. We can also often put you in touch with like-minded people in your area. In addition, we will advertise you on our website and social media. For more information see the Start a Repair Café.

What’s the deal with insurance?

There are two types of insurance relevant here; public liability (if a visitor breaks their leg tripping over a wire) and employee liability (your volunteers are legally ’employees’ and if they are hurt, you may be liable). Some venues will allow you to share their insurance liability, but some won’t. So, we would recommend buying public and employee liability insurance, however, we can provide you with cover under the Repair Cafe Wales insurance policy for a small fee.

Can I make an appointment at the Repair Café?

In short, no. Visitors are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. We hope that many visitors are happy to wait for a while as that gives them the opportunity to enjoy a drink or snack, and to chat to fellow local residents.

What happens if my repair can’t be finished during a repair café event?

Your item may need more time, or a specialist tool not on hand on the day. Usually the repairer will return the item to you and suggest either bringing it back to the next repair cafe in that location, or to another one that is sooner. Occasionally, the repairer may offer to complete the work at home. In the rare event that this happens, this is a personal agreement between you and the repairer. Repair Cafe Wales is not insured for such work and can take no responsibility for it.

Is the repair service always free?

Yes! there is no charge for any advice or repair. However, your donations make a real difference and keeps repair cafés going across Wales.

What should I do if my item can’t be fixed?

Volunteer repairers try their best to complete fixes on items they’re looking at. However, sometimes when more costly spare parts are required, it can become uneconomical and not environmentally sustainable to repair. See our House Rules on the day.

Depending on the policy of the individual repair café that you are visiting, they may utilise the item for future repairs by using it for spare parts. Please ask one of the hosts if this service is available.