What’s Up With WUPS

WUPS+web+site+at+washuphone.com+is+easy+to+navigate.

WUPS’ web site at washuphone.com is easy to navigate.

As a generation we are constantly glued to our cell phones. However, our cell phones don’t always stay glued to us. We often drop them, shatter them, and beat them up, and the damage is often ugly and difficult to fix yourself.

After noticing the high numbers of cracked screens on campus, Dan Zeng, a freshman at Washington University and CHS alum, and a few of his friends, decided to start Wash U Phone Services to fix the problem.

“During my first few weeks of college, I found a fellow freshman with experience fixing iPhones who shared an interest I’d always wanted to explore — creating a startup,” Zeng said.

Realizing the high demand there would be for a cheaper and faster way to fix smartphones, WUPS was born.

“If we developed the required technical skills and attained the necessary parts, we could provide a service at the door steps of Wash U students instead of being miles away,” Zeng said.

Zeng then recruited a graphic designer, web developer, and two repairmen from his group of friends. “Through online communication, we struck deals with licensed suppliers for our parts.”

Through its site, washuphone.com, WUPS fixes screens, batteries, and other parts of the iPhone 4, 4S, and 5, as well as the Samsung S4 and S3, at a significantly lower price.  WUPS also sells screen protectors and provides a color change service.  After filling out the online form with your name, phone number, and email, WUPS will get in touch with you about fixing your phone.

Sophomore Ally Uchitelle used WUPS after dropping her iPhone 4S on the ground and shattering the back. “They fixed my phone for a really reasonable, low price, and did a really good job,” Uchitelle said. “They also offer a lifetime warranty, which is a big plus.”

WUPS claims it will repair and return within a set two-hour time period during weekends.  “They fixed it over a weekend, but normally it only takes them one or two days, depending on the extent of the damage,” Uchitelle said.

“It also felt good to be helping out college students,” Uchitelle said. Truly, WUPS is a business founded on the idea of students helping other students.