> companies like iFixit to repair
iFixit itself doesn't perform the repairs. They simply make and sell tools to facilitate unofficial repairs, and they had a good reputation on doing that - which, as you said, is becoming increasingly difficult.
iFixit itself doesn't perform the repairs. They simply make and sell tools to facilitate unofficial repairs, and they had a good reputation on doing that - which, as you said, is becoming increasingly difficult.
They produce IP (researching and producing very clear instructions for fixes) and manage supply chain (trusted replacement parts & tools, worth more vs aliexpress equivalents because they endorse them).
The things they make money off are largely substitutable. Their value add (well deserved IMHO) is trust.
Don't look for gold yourself: sell the camping supplies and pickaxes to the prospectors looking for gold.
* https://www.flexport.com/blog/trade-merchants-rich-californi...
<runs from room protecting head from shrapnel>