Saving with 6abc: Radio Shack now fixing phones, tablets

If you've broken your smartphone or tablet, you might not need to run out and buy a new one. You may be able to save big bucks by getting it fixed.

8 Radio Shack stores in our area are now offering "Fix It Here" services -- where trained technicians like Hector Gaston repair broken iPods, smartphones and tablets.

Gene Musser of Radio Shack explains, "There's 260,000 phones that break every day... a quarter of a million phones break to some degree every single day. So, they have to be repaired somewhere."

Musser says if you're not due for a new phone under your contract, replacing a broken one can cost $600 or more. That's why getting it fixed makes sense.

"We start at $49. That's usually something along the lines of a charging connector or a button," Musser says. "Displays are typically going to be $99 and up." iPhone displays are about $99, with larger Galaxy Note 3 displays costing about $249.

Radio Shack guarantees its repairs for 90 days. And they only use parts that are what's called "O.E.M." or "original electronics manufacturer" quality. Plus, the repairs are quick.

Musser says, "We'll quote at least one hour. Some of the more complicated repairs, some of the tablet repairs, may take longer than that, but with that, (it's still) same-day service."

And while you can buy parts and follow YouTube videos on how to fix your own phone, that's usually not a good way to save.

"This is definitely a 'Do not try this at home,'" Musser says.

To find a Radio Shack Fix It Here location near you, click here.