Mail-In Repair vs. A Local Shop vs. Manufacturer Mail-In: Which Is Right For You?

There's no single best way to get a phone fixed. It depends on where you live, whether you have AppleCare+ and how long you can be without your phone.

Option 1: A Local Repair Shop

Best when: you need it back soon, and there's a shop near you with good reviews and clear prices. Watch for: whether the shop posts prices and tells you the part quality.

Option 2: The Manufacturer's Mail-In Service

Best when: you have AppleCare+ or the repair is covered by a warranty. Check the manufacturer's support site for current options and fees. Watch for: out-of-warranty prices can be higher, and you usually won't choose the part quality.

Option 3: Mailing To An Independent Shop

Best when: there's no shop near you that you trust, you want posted prices and a choice of part quality, and you can be without your phone for the shipping time both ways. Watch for: shipping time, who pays return shipping and what happens if a package is lost.

A Quick Way To Decide

• Have AppleCare+? Check Apple first. Covered damage is often cheapest there.
• Need your phone this week and have a good shop nearby? Go local.
• No good shop nearby, or you used us when you lived in San Diego? Mail it to us.

What You Get With Us By Mail

• Posted prices by model, and a written quote before any work
• A choice of part quality (Parts Quality Guide)
• $35 diagnostic fee, credited toward the repair if we do the repair. If it can't be repaired, return shipping comes out of the $35 and we refund the rest.
• 1-year warranty against defects on undamaged parts

Related: Does a Third-Party Repair Void AppleCare+? · How Mail-In Repair Works · Call or text (720) 413-8150

Book Your Repair

Call or text (720) 413-8150 or send a repair request to book. Open 10 AM–10 PM daily from a home-based shop in San Diego, so please reach out before heading over. Mail-in repairs are welcome from anywhere; you cover shipping both ways.