Written by Matt Wyer (Founder)
Hello, You Bunch of Legends!
Thank you for taking the time in diving a bit deeper in to our world and for your interest in my shop. This section will cover essentially what we do and why we do it, which should hopefully paint a clearer picture as to why we think you should buy refurbished and make Dogghead your go-to shop for gaming technology and entertainment.
We will specifically be covering:
- Our Services
a. The Repair
b. The Deep Clean - The Product
- Our Ethos
- The Vision
a. Consumer Repair Service
b. Trade Ins and Disposal
c. Artist Collaboration Program
If it's a bit of history you're after, then check out our 'About Us' page for our origins.
1. Our Services
What Dogghead provides is quality, refurbished products that function like they did when they were first manufactured or even improved on by using new technology to modify the unit. Almost all of our stock has been purchased as FAULTY from various sources, which means that if the device is not sold it would likely be binned.
a. The Repair - Once we have selected and purchased a faulty device, the unit will be thoroughly inspected and tested. It is then our duty to repair the unit, either by using harvested parts from another device or by purchasing the needed components. Whilst we try to use only OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts, we do on occasion have to use 3rd party components but these are fully tested to ensure there is no drop in performance and it is also mentioned in the listings so there 100% transparency and trust. Items that are not able to be repaired are put in to storage, ready for harvesting. These devices are then broken down to component level, deep cleaned and then sorted, ready for be used for future repairs.
b. The Deep Clean - Hygiene and health is of utmost importance with all Dogghead products. With COVID-19 still very much in the minds of everyone, it is a MUST that all our devices are cleaned as thoroughly as possible. This is done by a Deep Clean.
Our Deep Clean procedures involve disassembling the device entirely -down to component level- and cleaning each piece individually. Plastics get soaked, scrubbed and blow dried, whilst metals and circuitry get cleaned with 99.9% IPA (Isopropyl alcohol). Even exposed screw heads get there own IPA treatment.
Once these practices have been applied, then it's tested using a checklist created purely for that device to ensure no stone is unturned and then graded to ensure that you are getting good value for money. We grade the cosmetics of the unit from A-C so then you can make your own mind up as to whether you want to pay more for a product that is in 'Like New' condition or a device that has some battle scars but works perfectly well.
2. The Product
As time goes on, more and more gaming equipment comes to the end of it's life usually from age related failures or user damage. What we do is extend that life by fully refurbishing this equipment, meaning that you can get a great piece of gaming kit for a fraction of the price.
We deal with most gaming equipment from the 80's to modern day, but I must admit that I do particularly have a soft spot for the older generation of games hardware (think Game Boy and Nintendo NES). As technology has evolved since then, it means we are able to install some modifications and we're planning some pretty special things (See Our Vision for more on this).
All of these products are currently available on our store at dogghead.co.uk and through of social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest with more social channels and platforms going live in the not too distant future.
Our shipping policy allows us to dispatch the following working day, with delivery usually taking between 3-5 working days. Depending on the parcel, this is usually tracked for your peace of mind, and if ever you require a different method of delivery, then always ask and we'll try and make it happen.
3. Our Ethos
One of the major reasons for starting Dogghead Tech was to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill, particularly WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) waste.
In 2019, the UK was the 'second largest producer' per capita of WEEE waste in the world, whilst globally we produced 54 million tonnes of it in the same year. Some of this problem is created by the 'throwaway' culture of recent times and is a contributing factor to the current microchip shortage which is driving prices up and pushing availability of these products down.
By 'Buying Refurbished', you can help reduce the waste that goes in to landfill, ease pressure on the demand of microchips in new devices and get a quality product for a snip of the price. Refurbished items unfortunately have a reputation for being peoples 'cast offs' and being repaired and worked on by unskilled workman who do shoddy jobs. We want to change that mindset and become synonymous for providing great quality, great value products and being totally transparent in the process.
4. The Vision
We are currently a small company which is -as things stand- just me, Matt! Even though this is a super new company today, there are plans for expansion and growth in the coming years that means it should be a pretty exciting time. In the next 12 months, we aim to implement the following:
a. Consumer Repair Service - Dogghead has always been a business selling refurbished products on public marketplaces and websites however as time has gone on, I have been receiving more and more messages asking for consumer owned devices to be repaired. Whilst this was not feasible in the beginning, it is becoming more of an avenue that I can explore and have been drawing up contracts ready for this to go live. Hopefully, in the not too distant future, Consumer Repair Services will be in full swing, so stay posted!!
b. Trade Ins and Disposal - It's incredible the amount of devices that break and go faulty, that then simply sit in a drawer in somebodies room only to then get thrown out years later. By trading in or disposing of faulty gaming equipment via Dogghead means that these devices can either be refurbished or harvested for parts. It's a great way of getting rid of old electronics with zero guilt.
c. Artist Collaboration Program - I love working with creative people and creatives tend not to get the recognition they deserve. I have already dipped my toes in to providing gaming equipment to artists to showcase their abilities and put a piece of their magic on the blank canvas that is a controller or console, and it went down a storm. If you know anyone who would be interested, then do not hesitate to give me a shout at matt@dogghead.co.uk for more information.
To summarise, I want everyone that reads this to understand that we're in it for the long run. It's hugely important that you trust us to deliver you exactly what we say we're going to and running a transparent business is the best way to do that. So check out the rest of the website, browse to your hearts content and thank you so much for reading Dogghead Tech's 1st blog post!