Interview with Remalab Teknoloji’s CEO on repair precision and sustainability: ow full diagnosis powers smarter repairs

Testing and grading are not enough

SecondaryMarket.news: Let us start with a basic but important question: What’s the difference between testing and grading, and full diagnosis?

Remalab Teknoloji/Kerim Makzume: That’s a great place to begin. In our industry, people often use these terms interchangeably, but they’re very different. Testing and grading are essentially quick checks—automated processes that detect visible defects and basic functionality. You run a device through software, and it checks if the buttons respond, the display works, the battery holds a charge, and so on. Then the system assigns a cosmetic grade, and you move on.

Full diagnosis, on the other hand, is much more comprehensive. It means looking under the hood to understand why something isn’t working. That often involves disassembling the device, running component-level checks, and using advanced tools to identify the root cause of faults.

SecondaryMarket.news: So why does this distinction matter for refurbishment companies?

Remalab Teknoloji/Kerim Makzume:  Because it changes your entire repair strategy. If you rely only on testing, you’ll miss a lot of issues. You’ll either think a device is fine when it’s not, or you’ll over-repair by replacing parts that aren’t actually broken. Both outcomes are inefficient and expensive. Full diagnosis lets you be precise. You replace only what’s necessary, and you get the device back to full functionality without waste.

Diagnosis drives our entire business model

SecondaryMarket.news: How is Remalab Teknoloji set up to deliver full diagnosis at scale?

Remalab Teknoloji/Kerim Makzume:  Our entire operation is built around it. We have a team of highly trained technicians who specialize in board-level diagnostics, micro-soldering, software troubleshooting, and everything in between. We also use diagnostic tools that go far beyond what standard grading software can offer. But more importantly, we’ve designed our workflows to integrate diagnostics from the very beginning.

SecondaryMarket.news: Can you give us an example?

Remalab Teknoloji/Kerim Makzume:  Sure. Take a device that fails basic testing because the battery drains too quickly. A typical operation might just replace the battery. But our diagnostic team might discover the battery is fine—and the real issue is a short on the board caused by a faulty IC chip. We fix that component, and the battery performs like new again. That’s the kind of result you only get with deep technical expertise.

Repair is not just swapping parts

SecondaryMarket.news: What are the main repair services you offer once the diagnosis is complete?

Remalab Teknoloji/Kerim Makzume:  We handle a wide range. Micro-soldering is one of our core strengths, so we can save devices other companies would classify as irreparable. We also offer component-level rework, board repair, battery replacement using certified parts, software reinstallation, and of course, cosmetic refurbishment. That includes polishing, reglassing, and more. Everything we do is aimed at restoring the device to optimal performance.

SecondaryMarket.news: And you do all this at volume?

Remalab Teknoloji/Kerim Makzume:  Absolutely. We’re set up to handle high volumes efficiently. Our clients are typically refurbishers, insurers, and reverse logistics companies who need a reliable partner for bulk repair. We act as an extension of their operations, without them needing to invest in expensive technical infrastructure.

Cost efficiency and sustainability go hand in hand

SecondaryMarket.news: How does full diagnosis impact cost efficiency and environmental impact?

Remalab Teknoloji/Kerim Makzume:  They’re closely linked. Full diagnosis lets us avoid unnecessary part replacements, which reduces costs right away. You’re not buying and installing new components unless they’re really needed. That also means less waste and fewer raw materials consumed. At scale, that makes a big environmental difference. We recover more devices, reduce landfill, and extend the lifecycle of products. That’s circularity in action.

SecondaryMarket.news: What’s the value of that for your clients?

Remalab Teknoloji/Kerim Makzume:  It improves their bottom line and supports their ESG targets. Clients get more devices back into circulation with less spend. And they can show their stakeholders that they’re reducing e-waste and operating responsibly. That’s becoming a major differentiator, especially in Europe.

Transparency is part of our promise

SecondaryMarket.news: Beyond repair, what other services do you offer?

Remalab Teknoloji/Kerim Makzume:  We offer full asset management through our customer portal. Clients can track their devices, view diagnostic results, check costs, and see where everything is in the process. It’s like running your own factory, without the overhead. We also offer quality assurance, refurbishment, and sustainability consulting. Our goal is to be a lifecycle engineering partner, not just a repair provider.

SecondaryMarket.news: And your clients are mainly in Europe?

Remalab Teknoloji/Kerim Makzume:  Europe is a major market, but we also serve clients in the US. Our location in the Trakya Free Zone near Istanbul gives us real logistics advantages. We benefit from faster customs clearance and easy access to EU markets through the customs union. That means quicker turnaround times for our clients and fewer regulatory delays.

Certified excellence is non-negotiable

SecondaryMarket.news: You mentioned sustainability earlier. How do you ensure you meet global standards?

Remalab Teknoloji/Kerim Makzume:  We are R2v3 certified, which is the most rigorous standard for responsible electronics repair and recycling. It covers everything from environmental performance and worker safety to data security. It shows our clients that we follow best practices at every step. And it aligns with our core values: transparency, accountability, and long-term thinking.

Intelligent diagnosis is the future

SecondaryMarket.news: How do you see the role of diagnosis evolving in the industry?

Remalab Teknoloji/Kerim Makzume:  It’s only going to become more important. As devices become more complex, quick tests won’t be enough. You need real expertise to handle board-level repairs and firmware issues. Also, as the market for refurbished Apple iPhones and other premium devices grows, buyers expect top performance. Full diagnosis ensures you can meet those expectations.

SecondaryMarket.news: Final thought?

Remalab Teknoloji/Kerim Makzume:  Diagnosis is not a cost—it’s a smart investment. It drives efficiency, reduces waste, and increases the value of every asset. At Remalab Teknoloji, we’ve built a model that balances automation with human expertise. That’s what sets us apart—and that’s what will keep us relevant as the industry grows.