Experimax Alleges Google Pulled Its Ads in ‘Handshake’ With Anti-Repair Tech Makers

The marketing point man for Experimax, a chain of independent repair shops, alleges Google Ads recently began pulling down his franchisees' local advertising as a possible “handshake” with consumer tech companies that oppose third-party repair. “While customers find us organically very often, Google Ads allow us to stay competitive with larger retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Apple,” commented Joshua Muir, Experimax brand development manager, in a post Friday in the FTC’s "Nixing the Fix" docket (FTC-2019-0013). The agency is probing whether manufacturer restrictions on third-party repair can undercut the consumer protections in the 1975 Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. It had a July 16 workshop (see 1907160058) and is accepting comments in the docket through Sept. 16. “Limiting our ability to post ads with Google (which is, by and large, the biggest search company) is a hindrance to our growth,” said Muir, who supervises the advertising of 85 franchised Experimax locations in 29 states: “This seems more of a handshake between Google and electronics manufacture(s) than protecting the general population from scams, etc.” Experimax stores are “trusted, local, retail locations” that specialize in repairing computers, phones and tablets, said Muir. “Whether through my stores, a competitor, or by their own means, people should have the right to repair their products without needing approval from or being restricted by the manufacturer. I am not required to go to a branded car dealership to get an oil change, so why must anyone be required to go to the original manufacturer to get a battery or screen replaced in their electronics?” Google didn’t reply to emails. "No comment," emailed an FTC spokesperson Saturday after we asked if the agency will look into Muir’s allegations.