The End of "Planned Obsolescence"
By 2026, legislation in the EU and North America has forced manufacturers to make products repairable. However, there is a massive logistical gap: Consumers don't know how to fix things, and they don't want to drive to a repair shop.
The opportunity lies in the "Middle Mile"—the logistics of the Circular Economy.
High-Growth Business Models
1. "Repair-as-a-Service" (RaaS) for Brands
Many direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands want to offer warranties but don't want to run repair centers.
- The Idea: You act as the regional "Authorized Repair Hub" for multiple niche brands (e.g., high-end coffee makers, e-bikes, or premium luggage).
- Search Trend: Brands searching for "Outsourced Repair Fulfillment."
2. The Tech "Refurbishment" Subscription
- The Idea: A B2B service for small offices. Instead of them buying new laptops every three years, you provide a subscription where you perform bi-annual hardware deep-cleans, battery swaps, and internal upgrades.
- The Value: You extend the life of their assets by 200%, saving them thousands while keeping e-waste out of landfills.
3. Industrial Upcycling Brokerage
- The Idea: A marketplace that connects construction waste (high-quality wood scraps, unused bricks, metal) with local furniture makers or eco-architects.
- Revenue: A 10-15% commission on every transaction.
Critical Success Factor: The "Trust Certificate"
In the second-hand and repair market, trust is the currency. Every item you repair or broker should come with a digital "Product Passport" (often a QR code) that tracks its repair history and carbon savings.
Why Now?
As raw material costs fluctuate in 2026, "mining" old products for parts and value is more profitable than importing new ones. The "Circular" entrepreneur is the 21st-century equivalent of the 19th-century scrap metal mogul—but with better software and a greener mission.