GARBAGS REPAIR LAB
Why repair?
Inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi—where broken objects are mended with gold to celebrate their history—we believe a repair shouldn't hide the journey of your bag, but honor it.
Garbags are built to endure. Our products are handcrafted from high-performance industrial waste, such as coffee packaging and publicity banners—materials engineered for extreme durability and resistance. Because these materials are born to last, they don't deserve to be discarded over a minor injury.
At our Repair Lab, we treat every mended seam as a "scar of honor." We combine the toughness of upcycled materials with the soul of craftsmanship, ensuring your favorite piece stays functional, unique, and proudly visible in the circle of life.
How it works
1. Digital Diagnosis
Email info@garbags.com with the subject "Repair Lab Request." Attach clear photos of the damage so our technicians can assess the "injury."
2. Expert Evaluation
Our team will review your photos and reply with a confirmation, a final quote, and shipping instructions.
3. Ship to the Lab
Once approved, pack your Garbags. We’ll handle the logistics to make the 2-way shipping process smooth and easy for you.
4. Surgery & Return
Our artisans will mend your piece using signature upcycling techniques. Once recovered and quality-checked, it’s shipped back to your doorstep, ready for its next chapter.
What we can fix
Structural Reinforcement: We identify and strengthen material fold lines or areas showing signs of fatigue before they break.
Visible Mending: Inspired by Kintsugi, we treat tears as "scars of honor," applying creative patches that make your piece unique.
Functional Restoration: We replace worn-out zippers, broken buckles, snap buttons, and tired straps to restore full utility.
Warranty vs. Repair
We offer a 1-year warranty from the date of purchase. It covers only manufacturing defects and structural flaws under our responsibility. If your Garbags shows a production fault within this period, we will fix it free of charge.
Our Lab is dedicated to wear and tear. After years of heavy use and adventures, even the toughest upcycled materials might need a little love. If your product is out of warranty or damaged through daily use, our Lab is here to provide affordable, expert mending to keep it in the circle.
Pricing
| Category | Treatment | What’s Included | Price (All-In) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wallets & Small Goods | The Stitch-Up | Repairing loose seams or reinforcing corners. | €22.00 |
| Wallets & Small Goods | Snap & Velcro Reset | Replacing worn-out velcro or broken metal snap fasteners. | €25.00 |
| Bags & Backpacks | Material Fortification | Reinforcing material fold lines or areas showing signs of fatigue. | €25.00 |
| Bags & Backpacks | The Patch Surgery | Applying a creative “patch” over a tear, hole, or weak spot. | €25.00 |
| Bags & Backpacks | Zipper Transplant | Full replacement of a main zipper (includes the new zipper). | €30.00 |
| Bags & Backpacks | Handle & Strap Revival | Reinforcing or replacing a shoulder strap or carrying handle. | €30.00 |
| Bags & Backpacks | Hardware Update | Replacing broken plastic buckles, rings, or adjusters. | €25.00 |
| Full Restoration | The Lab Overhaul | Deep cleaning + multiple reinforcements + 1 major repair. | €50.00 |
FAQ
Most of them, yes! If the material is extremely damaged or degraded beyond safety, we will let you know during the Digital Diagnosis. Our goal is to ensure a functional and durable repair.
Yes. We use high-tenacity threads and reinforced upcycling techniques to maintain the structural integrity of our industrial materials, ensuring your piece remains tough and ready for daily use.
On average, the recovery process takes 10 to 15 business days from the moment your item arrives at our Lisbon Lab until it is shipped back to you.
Our flat-fee repair rates currently cover two-way shipping within Europe. For other regions, please email us at info@garbags.com for a custom shipping and repair quote.
Yes, please! For the health of our artisans and the efficiency of our sewing machines, ensure your Garbags is empty and clean before shipping it to the Lab.
Please note: The prices listed above apply exclusively to repairs within Europe, covering two-way shipping logistics.
If you are located outside of Europe, please contact us at info@garbags.com. We will provide a custom quote for your repair and shipping costs based on your specific location, ensuring your Garbags can still get the care it deserves, wherever you are.
