Coros, known for its durable and athlete-focused fitness watches, has launched a new repair and exchange program designed to keep its devices in action for longer. This initiative offers users a streamlined process to repair damaged watches, minimizing downtime and promoting sustainability.
What is the Coros Repair Service?
The Coros Repair Service allows users to send in their damaged devices and receive a refurbished replacement in return, typically within a week. Instead of repairing and returning the original device, Coros sends a replacement from its stock of refurbished units. This approach significantly reduces the waiting time for users, ensuring minimal disruption to their training schedules.
Coros aims to enhance product longevity, reduce environmental impact, and ensure athletes can consistently track their progress.
How Does the Repair Program Work?
The repair process is designed to be straightforward:
- Submit a Request Online: Initiate the process by visiting coros.com/repairs and filling out the required device details.
- Receive a Return Label: Once the request is submitted, users receive an email with a prepaid return label.
- Select a Replacement: Choose a refurbished replacement device from the Coros website and pay the repair fee.
- Return the Device: Ship the faulty device back to Coros using the prepaid label.
- Receive the Replacement: Upon receiving the damaged device, Coros ships out the refurbished replacement.
Which Devices Are Eligible?
The Coros Repair Service covers a range of current GPS devices, including:
- Pace 3
- Pace Pro
- Apex 2
- Apex 2 Pro
- Vertix 2S
- Dura Solar GPS Bike Computer
If a device isn’t listed, Coros advises users to contact their support team directly for assistance.
What Types of Repairs Are Covered?
The program addresses common issues athletes encounter, such as:
- Broken screens (cracks, scratches, and backlight malfunctions)
- Button replacements
- Digital dial repairs
- Defective battery replacements
How Much Does It Cost?
Repair fees vary depending on the device model and the type of repair needed. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
| Product | Battery Replacement | Screen/Dial/Button Repair |
| ———— | ——————- | ————————- |
| PACE 3 | \$59 | \$79 |
| PACE Pro | \$59 | \$89 |
| APEX 2 | \$69 | \$99 |
| APEX 2 Pro | \$69 | \$99 |
| VERTIX 2S | \$89 | \$119 |
| DURA | \$69 | \$99 |
Where is the Service Available?
The Coros Repair Service is currently available in the United States and Europe. The UK is expected to follow soon.
What Happens to the Returned Devices?
Returned devices are sent to Coros’s centralized repair facility in Asia, where they are repaired and refurbished to “like new” standards. These refurbished units then become part of the replacement stock for future repairs.
Why a Refurbished Replacement?
Coros opts for providing refurbished replacements instead of repairing and returning the original device for several reasons:
- Reduced Downtime: Users receive a replacement device within a week, compared to potentially waiting up to 30 days for their original device to be repaired.
- Sustainability: By repairing and reusing devices, Coros aims to keep products in circulation longer and reduce electronic waste.
- Quality Assurance: Refurbished devices undergo thorough testing and are restored to “like new” condition, ensuring they meet Coros’s performance standards.
Warranty on Refurbished Devices
Refurbished replacement devices come with a one-year warranty, providing users with added peace of mind. This warranty covers any potential issues with the replacement device, ensuring it meets the expected standards of performance and reliability.
Coros’s Commitment to Sustainability
The repair program is part of Coros’s broader commitment to sustainability. By extending the lifespan of its products, Coros aims to reduce the need for frequent replacements. The company also emphasizes software updates and long-term hardware support as key components of its sustainability strategy.
Other Sustainability Initiatives
Beyond the repair program, Coros has implemented other initiatives to promote sustainability:
- Trade-In Program: In March 2024, Coros introduced a trade-in program where users could trade in any functioning Garmin GPS watch and receive a \$50 credit toward a new Coros watch. This initiative encourages users to upgrade sustainably.
- Long-lasting Hardware: Coros designs its devices to last for five or more years, reducing the frequency of replacements.
- Software Updates: Regular software updates add value to existing devices, extending their useful life and reducing the need for upgrades.
How Does Coros Compare to Competitors?
Coros isn’t the only player in the smartwatch market offering repair services, but its approach is notably competitive.
- Apple: Apple offers a repair-and-swap service through AppleCare+, but battery replacements can cost around \$100.
- Garmin: Garmin also has a repair service for out-of-warranty devices. However, Garmin doesn’t provide a pricing chart for specific repairs.
Coros’s transparent pricing and relatively lower costs for common repairs, like battery replacements (ranging from \$59 to \$89), make its repair service an attractive option for users.
Additional Coros Features and Updates
Coros consistently updates its devices with new features and improvements. Some recent updates include:
- September 2024 Update: This update introduced a Gear Tracking tool for monitoring the mileage of bikes and trainers, improved sleep tracking, and an Insta360 data overlay.
- April 2024 Update: This update added screen mirroring, a Virtual Pacer feature, climbing GPS track accuracy optimizations, a cycling FTP test, and redesigned workout screens.
- Vertix 2S Release: The Vertix 2S, released in April 2024, features an upgraded heart rate sensor, extended battery life, and enhanced GPS accuracy for outdoor climbing.
Conclusion
The new repair and exchange program from Coros marks a significant step towards greater sustainability and customer satisfaction. By offering quick, affordable, and reliable repair services, Coros ensures that its users can continue to enjoy their devices for years to come, minimizing downtime and reducing environmental impact. This initiative reinforces Coros’s commitment to providing durable, athlete-focused products backed by comprehensive support.
