Blog

Industry insights & playbooks.

Tactical posts from the operators, vendors, and partners inside the RFA network.

Repair shop owners collaborating around a table with laptops and phones
August 12, 2024 · 6 min read

How peer masterminds help shop owners stay ahead of emerging repair tech

Foldables, smart wearables, EV diagnostics — the shops that adapt fastest are the ones with a community of operators to learn from.

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Organized repair shop inventory shelves with labeled bins and RMA clipboard
July 3, 2024 · 5 min read

Boosting profit with smarter RMA management and inventory tools

Most shops leak margin through slow RMA cycles. Here's how members are tightening the loop and reclaiming thousands per month.

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Senior technician training a junior tech at a microscope repair bench
June 18, 2024 · 7 min read

Why structured training is the difference between surviving and scaling

A look at the training cadence the highest-growth shops in our network follow — and how to start implementing it this quarter.

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Repair technician reviewing an insurance claim work order next to a cracked smartphone
May 22, 2026 · 8 min read

How independent cell phone repair shops win insurance claim jobs in 2026

Device protection networks like OnPoint and CPS Central route thousands of paid claims per month. Here's how to become an authorized repair partner and turn claims into your most predictable revenue stream.

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Overhead flat lay of wholesale phone screens, batteries, and repair tools
April 14, 2026 · 7 min read

The best wholesale cell phone parts suppliers for independent repair shops in 2026

Parts cost is 40–60% of every ticket. Here's how RFA members save 3–15% across 50+ vetted vendors — and what to look for when comparing wholesale suppliers.

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Independent cell phone repair storefront lit at dusk with a customer walking in
March 5, 2026 · 9 min read

How to grow a cell phone repair business without going the franchise route

You don't need to sign a franchise agreement to get franchise-level marketing, training, and vendor pricing. Here's the independent operator's playbook for scaling in 2026.

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