Two repair quotes are comparable only when they cover the same fault, part standard, labour, tax, warranty and risk. The cheapest headline number can become the most expensive option if diagnosis, delivery or a second repair is excluded.
Normalise each quote
| Line to record | Question |
|---|---|
| Diagnosis | Is it confirmed, provisional or charged separately? |
| Part | What exact category, condition and source is being supplied? |
| Labour | Is installation, calibration and testing included? |
| Total | Does it include VAT, delivery and any booking fee? |
| Failure outcome | What is owed if the repair is unsuccessful or declined? |
| Warranty | How long, what faults, and who pays return delivery? |
| Timescale | Is the stated turnaround dependent on parts or further inspection? |
Do not compare labels alone
Terms such as “genuine”, “OEM”, “original quality”, “premium compatible” and “refurbished original” can be used inconsistently. Ask for a plain description and whether the phone will show any parts warning or lose a function. A quote that costs more may include a frame, adhesive, calibration and a longer warranty; another may cover only the visible panel.
Use an authorisation ceiling
Tell the repairer not to exceed a stated total or replace additional parts without written approval. If the diagnosis changes, request a revised quote. This prevents a small booking from becoming an open-ended authority to spend.
Illustrative comparison
Illustrative figures only.
| Quote | Headline | Extras and risk | Comparable position |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | £120 | £20 diagnosis, £12 delivery, 90-day warranty | £152 before any additional fault |
| B | £155 | Return delivery included, 12-month repair warranty | £155 with clearer downside protection |
The three-pound difference is more meaningful than the £35 headline gap.
Record condition before handover
Photograph the phone, note existing damage and retain tracking. Ask how data will be handled. Compare the final invoice with the agreed quote before collecting the device.
Ask for a fault boundary
A quote should say what the repairer is and is not promising. Replacing a charging port does not promise to cure a damaged battery or mainboard. A liquid-damage clean may be an attempt rather than a guaranteed restoration. Clear boundaries reduce arguments after collection.
Compare warranties as remedies
“Twelve-month warranty” is incomplete. Ask whether it covers the part, labour and return postage; whether the repairer may attempt another repair; and what happens if the part is no longer available. Exclusions for impact, liquid and unrelated faults should be readable before payment.
Payment timing
For expensive work, clarify any deposit, diagnostic fee and final-payment condition. Do not pay an irreversible method to an unidentified individual when the quote names a business. Keep the invoice and proof of payment together with the photographs and messages.
Check the completed job
Test the repaired function before leaving where possible. For a screen, test touch, brightness, biometrics and cameras. For a battery, test charging and health reporting. For a port, test with a known compatible cable. Note any new damage immediately.
Related guidance: This check sits within Insurance and Warranty. The Phone Insurance and Warranty Guide covers the broader decision from start to finish.
Sources and fact-checking
Facts checked: 25 July 2026. Repair prices, parts policies and warranty terms can change. Check the exact model and current written terms before acting.
