Out of the 90 Percent of those Regularly Experiencing Reduced Battery Life, 57 Percent Say Their Smartphone is Quickest to Lose Power.

Hartland, WI (July 21, 2015) Batteries Plus Bulbs, the nation's largest and fastest-growing battery, light bulb, and smartphone/tablet repair franchise, today released the results of a nationwide survey with Kelton Research that evaluated the main issues consumers face in regards to their electronic devices-battery life and damage. The survey reveals 39 percent of sampled Americans are currently using broken smartphones, with 56 percent of that group stating poor battery life as their number one issue. Results also show nine in 10 Americans have at least one electronic device that runs out of battery power sooner than expected, with smartphones draining the quickest according to 57 percent of those surveyed.

With nearly two in five Americans admitting their smartphone is currently in need of repair, most have settled with living with a less-than-fully-functioning device to avoid high replacement costs and the hassle of sending it somewhere to get fixed. In fact:

• More than half-56 percent-cite cost as the number one reason they haven't had their smartphone fixed
• 31 percent haven't repaired their damaged device because it is still usable
• 25 percent would rather live with a damaged device versus spending the time or money trying to get it repaired
• 13 percent aren't aware of a retail store they would trust to do a repair
• 12 percent don't want to spend the time waiting for it to get fixed and being without their phone

"While summer is a busy time for smartphone and tablet usage with quite a few Americans traveling, we're surprised so many people are operating with impaired or otherwise compromised devices," said Russ Reynolds, CEO of Batteries Plus Bulbs. "What this survey tells us is people are hesitant to repair their smartphones and tablets because of a lack of education and awareness of the array of options available to easily fix these devices. In fact, we completed our own independent study among iPhone owners and found-of those polled-that 60 percent don't even know the battery can be replaced."

According to the Kelton survey, the most common issues those with a broken smartphone face aside from poor battery life are cracked screens (30 percent) and charge port issues (22 percent). However, with almost two thirds of respondents reporting insufficient battery life, this is a key issue most likely affecting more people beyond those surveyed.

"What many Americans don't realize is that for trained technicians, replacing smartphone batteries is a relatively easy process and it's significantly cheaper for the consumer than purchasing a new phone," said Oz Rahman, VP of Quality Assurance & Repair Operations at Batteries Plus Bulbs. "When faced with a quick draining battery, have it tested first. It's often not reflective of a device's overall lifespan, and the battery replacement process can prevent the purchase of an entirely new device."

The survey also exposed a wide array of ways in which Americans admitted to damaging their smartphones:

• 25 percent noted they threw it out of frustration
• 24 percent admitted to dropping it in the toilet
• Nearly 1 in 5 confessed they were unable to remember how their device was damaged because they were drinking

Batteries Plus Bulbs offers affordable, quality in-store repairs for Apple^® devices, including iPhones^®, iPads^® and iPods^®, most Samsung^® devices and many more, ideal for last-minute vacation preparation. Trained technicians will test and accurately diagnose the issue first, making sure to replace only the parts that are causing the problem. Services include: battery replacements, cracked screen, charge port, button and antenna repair, among others. Experts can also install screen protectors on smartphones and tablets to help avoid future damage. Batteries Plus Bulbs provides quick turnaround on all repairs and installations, allowing customers to drop off broken devices with same-day pickup and a 6-month warranty on all parts and workmanship.

For more information on the Batteries Plus Bulbs' repair services and battery replacements, visit www.batteriesplus.com/service.

This survey was conducted by Kelton Global online among 1,000 nationally representative Americans age 18 and over, with a margin of error of +/-3.1 percent. Quotas are set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the U.S. Population age 18 and over.

About Batteries Plus Bulbs
Batteries Plus Bulbs is the nation's largest and fastest-growing battery, light bulb and smartphone/tablet repair franchise with a nationwide network of stores. Batteries Plus Bulbs is owned by Roark Capital Group, an Atlanta-based private equity firm. With access to more than 50,000 types of batteries, light bulbs and accessories, Batteries Plus Bulbs has the widest selection of battery and light bulb products available and offers unmatched service to retail and business consumers at the national and local levels. Batteries Plus Bulbs offers on-site repairs for iPhone^®, iPad^® and iPod^® Apple^® devices, most Samsung^® devices and many more. Services include: battery replacements, cracked screen, charge port, button, water damage repair and antenna repair or replacement, among others. Batteries Plus Bulbs continues its reign as the undisputed leader in the expanding $30.7 billion U.S. battery replacement market and in the rapidly growing U.S. light bulb replacement market estimated at $17 billion*. To learn more about our exciting franchise opportunities please visit www.batteriesplus.com/franchise for more information.
*Freedonia Research Study