A digital repair service tackles fashion waste

The platform matches product owners with expert craftspeople

Spotted: In early 2024, the European Parliament clarified and strengthened the right-to-repair directive that obliges manufacturers to repair goods for consumers. Designed to promote affordable repairs and reduce landfill waste by encouraging longer use, the legislation should help make repairing goods cheaper and easier to do than buying a brand-new item.

For clothing and accessories, Lithuanian company Tingit connects consumers with expert craftspeople who can repair bags, shoes, and clothes. Owners take a short video of the item needing repair and send it to the Tingit team. Tingit then gets a quote from the craftsperson with the best skills for the job and sends the owner a price, all within two working hours.

To go ahead with the repair, the owner accepts the quote and makes a digital payment for the work. Tingit then sends a shipping label, and the owner packages the item and drops it off at the nearest collection point. Repairs are generally completed within seven to ten working days, and if an item is needed more urgently, the Tingit team asks customers to get in touch directly to discuss express services.

Right now, Tingit works with artisans skilled in small leather goods, bags, shoes, and clothing repairs and restoration. Following a €500,000 pre-seed funding round, the company plans to expand its services in early 2025 to include luggage and jewellery repair, with longer-term development plans that include providing upcycling and recycling options.

Written By: Keely Khoury