Repair Cafe

         

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Interview with Samuel Rodriguez - Owner of The Fixit Hub in Seattle, Washington

1. How did you come up with the idea of starting a repair cafe?

I’ve always had a knack for fixing things around the house and realized that there were very few options for people like me to share these skills and help others in the community. I figured, why not start a store that offers people the tools, workshops, and resources to fix their broken items instead of simply throwing them away?

2. What were some challenges you faced during the initial phase of setting up the Fixit Hub?

Securing funding was the most challenging aspect of setting up the Fixit Hub. Traditional lenders weren’t very keen on investing in my vision for a local repair shop. It was only after I switched to using Shopify and was able to launch an online storefront that we were able to attain the necessary financial backing.

3. What was it about Shopify that made it the perfect fit for your business?

Shopify not only helped us with funding, but it also allowed us to transition our business from offline to online. They provided a user-friendly platform with everything we needed to start selling our repair services and tools. It made it easier to manage our inventory and sales which played a huge part in our success.

4. What challenges has your business faced during the pandemic?

The pandemic was a difficult time for all small businesses. Our physical store had to temporarily close, but we were able to pivot to conducting our repair services online while offering curbside pickup for our tools. Our shift to an online presence through Shopify made this possible, and our business actually grew during the pandemic.

5. How does the Fixit Hub promote sustainability in the community?

We promote repair and sustainability in our community by emphasizing the importance of fixing and reusing items rather than throwing them away. By providing a space where people can repair their items and purchase reusable parts, we help extend the lifespan of products that would otherwise go to a landfill.

6. What's been your most memorable repair experience?

About a year ago, we had a customer bring in a record player that had been in their family for generations. It had been sitting in their storage for years, and they thought it was broken beyond repair. We were able to repair and restore it to its original state, and the look on their face when they heard their family’s favorite songs again was priceless.

7. What do you think sets your business apart from others?

Our commitment to sustainability and the way we empower our community to fix and reuse items sets us apart from others. We’re not just a typical repair shop. We’re a hub for the community to come together and learn new skills, while also making a positive impact on the environment.

Thank you, Samuel, for taking the time to speak with us today and share your insight into the world of repair cafes and the success of the Fixit Hub.

         

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