How to Start a Computer Repair Business
- Determine the Characteristics of Your Ideal Clients. Before you start your own computer repair business, you need to figure out who you want to ...
- Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses. As you figure out how to start a computer repair business, you need to know your own strengths and weaknesses.
- Set Your Rates Right from the Beginning. When you run your own computer repair business, time is money. You can’t afford to set your rates too ...
- Be Patient and Let Your Business Evolve Over Time. You can’t expect to instantly get a full roster of clients and steady revenue for your ...
Full Answer
Do you need certifications to start a computer repair business?
There are no licenses required specifically for computer repair businesses; however, there are general local, state, and federal business registrations, such as a sales tax permit , Employer Identification Number, and Occupancy Permit, among others. While there are no licenses, it may be worth obtaining certification in certain technologies.
How to quit your job and start a computer business?
- When you go, don’t steal the company’s clients upon departure. ...
- Don’t recruit your friends to jump ship. ...
- Do not pocket the company stapler, a pack of stationery, or a box of pens. ...
- Sit down with your employer and map out everything you can about what you do and how you do it. ...
How to expand my computer repair business?
- Develop partnerships with local competition. Take a look at the other repair shops in the area. ...
- Increase the average sale price per customer. If you can up-sell products to your customers, you can still grow your business without doing any additional marketing. ...
- Start selling pre-paid service packs. Ensure customer loyalty by selling them discounted pre-
How to promote your computer repair business?
- Age: What is your overall customer’s age? Targeting a particular age range will help you when reaching your suitable customer.
- Interest: What are usually your most requested job tasks? Is it repairing a computer, game consoles? Cellphones? ...
- Location: Where is your customer located? Like we’ve mentioned before, start locally, try to be niche. ...
How do I start my own computer repair business?
Step 1: Build up your savings. ... Step 2: Create a business plan for your computer repair business. ... Step 3: Finance your computer repair business. ... Step 4: Choose a location. ... Step 5: Set your pricing for your computer repair services. ... Step 6: Get your computer repair and IT certifications.More items...•
Are computer repair shops profitable?
However, taking a computer repair shop out on the road is still a viable and profitable endeavor. There are many reasons why there's plenty of space for entrepreneurs like you to offer mobile computer repairs to individuals and other businesses.
How much money can you make fixing computers?
Avg Salary Computer repair technicians earn an average yearly salary of $47,132. Wages typically start from $28,864 and go up to $76,963.
What tools are needed to start a computer repair business?
Essential tools used by computer repairing experts for the specific purposeScrewdrivers (Non-magnetic) ... ATX Power Supply Tester. ... Multi-tester. ... Cable testers. ... POST Card. ... Data-recovery software. ... USB network adapter.
What is the weakness of computer shop business?
Weaknesses. Computer repair shops can find it difficult or virtually impossible to serve anything larger than a local area.
Is it worth starting a computer repair business?
If you have the know-how, there are many pros to starting a computer repair business. It's a stable, in-demand service. Personal computers aren't going anywhere. People of all ages and experience levels have computers they rely on for entertainment, banking, connecting with others, and more.
What qualifications do you need to become a PC repair technician?
To become a computer technician, you'll need a high school diploma or equivalent. However, you'll likely stand out from your competitors by earning an associate's degree in information technology or a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field.
Is computer technician a good career?
Yes, being a computer technician is a good career to start with if you like working with computers. However, you may consider gaining experience and honing your skills to advance to a higher position since computer technicians don't get paid highly.
HOW MUCH DOES IT technician make?
The average salary for a it technician is Rs 27,089 per month in Pakistan. Was the salaries overview information useful?
How much does it cost to start a computer business?
The cost of operating a computer repair business will vary depending on the business model. A home-based repair business can cost as little as $2,000 to $3,000 to start up. A repair business with a brick-and-mortar storefront will cost closer to $10,000, but startup costs are still quite manageable.
Which tools should be used in fixing a computer?
A technician uses many tools to diagnose and repair computer problems:Straight-head screwdriver, large and small.Phillips-head screwdriver, large and small.Tweezers or part retriever.Needle-nosed pliers.Wire cutters.Chip extractor.Hex wrench set.Torx screwdriver.More items...•
What is PC repair tool?
What Are PC Repair Tools? PC repair tools are software that aid in tuning your operating system by targeting specific issues it may encounter and neutralize these issues to restore or improve the PC's overall user experience.
Are electronic repair shops profitable?
How much profit can an electronics repair business make? An electronics and computer repair business owner can earn from between $27,000 to over $100,000 per year, depending on knowledge and experience. With additional employees specializing in different types of popular devices, profits can increase substantially.
Are phone repairs profitable?
How much profit can a cell phone repair business make? An average cell phone repair business could net profits in the range of $50-65,000, with greater earning potential, as you continue to become more well-known and successful.
What are the advantages of starting a computer business?
Then again, the reality is that business people enjoy the advantages of computer application technology to make work easier and more efficient than ever.Speed and Accuracy. ... The Ability to Forecast. ... Increased Connectivity. ... Information Security. ... Entrepreneurial Opportunity. ... Hiring and Managing Employees. ... Education and Training.
What does a computer repair shop do?
Repair shops can deal with a wide variety of issues, from bad hardware components to software issues such as operating system errors. They may also be able to help you with a suspected virus or malware infection on your computer.
Is personal computer going anywhere?
It's a stable, in-demand service. Personal computers aren’t going anywhere. People of all ages and experience levels have computers they rely on for entertainment, banking, connecting with others, and more. Unfortunately, there is also a constant threat of viruses and other issues, especially for those who use their computer to go online. This creates a steady pool of clients.
Is it good to start a home computer repair business?
While there are many advantages to starting a home-based computer repair service, there are a few downsides, too. Attracting customers can be a challenge in the beginning, whether you’re cold-calling potential clients, touting your computer repair skills at tech fairs, or handing out flyers at small businesses and residences.
Can you subcontract repair work?
More elaborate and complicated repairs will require an investment in tools, hardware, software, and supplies, but you can subcontract this work out or charge a little more to repair serious issues.
How much does it cost to start a computer repair business?
The cost of operating a computer repair business will vary depending on the business model. A home-based repair business can cost as little as $2,000 to $3,000 to start up. A repair business with a brick-and-mortar storefront will cost closer to $10,000, but startup costs are still quite manageable.
What is computer repair?
Computer repair businesses help customers to both fix and maintain their computers. Often, these businesses are tasked with troubleshooting and fixing computer problems, but that work can extend to setting up and maintaining networks, offering in-home visits, and selling computers and accessories.
What is the target market for a computer repair business?
A computer repair business’s specific target market will depend on the business’ model and services offered. A business specializing in personal computer repair will market to local computer owners who invest in more expensive machines worth repairing. A business specializing in computer maintenance and networks to businesses may only market to businesses of a certain size or those that use a particular technology.
What is customer service in computer repair?
Customer service is a big aspect of the computer repair industry. A business owner will need to be able to provide prompt service and have computers ready on time. Great interpersonal skills are also important, especially since customers may be upset and frustrated with their computers before they even walk in the door.
How much has the computer repair industry declined?
As the industry’s revenue has declined, the number of businesses has also declined to 53,960.
Why is the electronics industry declining?
The decline in the industry’s revenue is due to a number of factors. As computers and other electronics are increasingly more affordable, fewer people are deciding to have their electronics replaced and are instead choosing to replace them when they break. Businesses have also followed this trend and often invest in high-quality equipment and get rid of old, outdated, or broken equipment.
When is commercial auto liability insurance needed?
Commercial auto liability insurance will be necessary if a vehicle is used for the business, like when traveling to customers’ homes or businesses. This insurance will cover expenses or lawsuits that could result from a car accident.
What is the best way to build a business?
You will probably have to do the marketing, sales, administrative and all other tasks by yourself in the beginning. Establishing a well-crafted, diversified marketing plan that incorporates a lot of different targeted activities is the only way to build your business and make sure your sales funnel is fed.
What skills do you need to be a successful businessman?
In order to succeed, you need to have a good balance of business, technical and also strong social skills, so you can best respond to the needs of your clients and build long-term relationships with them.
Do small businesses need an IT department?
All small businesses use computers and depend on them to work consistently, predictably and dependably. However, it is not cost effective for most small businesses to have their own in-house IT department. Still, they need someone like a computer repair business to help keep their IT assets up and running, so they can stay competitive in ...
What is a good way to get your business name out there?
Discounts, possibly in the form of coupons or a percentage upon purchase is a great idea. Offering a special deal for the first time customers is a great way to get your business name out there and bring in new customers.
What are the parts of a computer?
The parts you may want to have available include all popular types of memory (RAM), hard drives, video cards, and computer processors. These are only a few examples of parts, the more parts you have, the less likely a customer has to wait. Having extra cables and screws can also come in handy.
What to do when you have a storefront?
If you are planning to have a storefront, get an inventory of computers available for sale and computer components. Customers are looking for fast service, and you need parts on hand to give that fast service.
What to do if your advertising budget is beefier?
If your advertising budget is beefier, you could explore radio and television ads. These can prove to be very powerful and help bolster your business' success.
What are the different ways to advertise a business?
There are many different methods for advertising a business, including Internet, newspaper, television, radio, flyers, and word-of-mouth. Your advertising budget can play a big part in the decision process, and possible success rates.
How to get a lower cost?
If you are looking for lower cost methods, the top choices are the Internet, newspaper, and flyers. Word-of-mouth could also fall into this category, but it can take a bit more work to make it work for you. The Internet alone can offer many options, including banner ads, search engine ratings, and Craigslist (or similar sites) are a few of the possibilities. E-mail marketing can also be a valuable asset if the right market is targeted. Off the Internet, flyers can be handed out, set out in various locations for people to take, or mailed to their home.
How to make your computer business successful?
Make customer service your priority. If you have terrible people skills, it probably won’t matter how great you are with the machines — your computer business is not likely to succeed. When customers have a computer need or problem, they expect fast, efficient, effective service that is also explained to them in a way that can be clearly understood by even computer novices.
How to support a small business?
You’ll need the community to support your small business in order for it to succeed, of course. Engaging with and supporting the community with your business can help to create a mutually-beneficial relationship.
What are the opportunities to establish a business based on?
Despite changing technology and consumer tastes, there are still opportunities to establish a business based on sales of computers, parts, or accessories; editing and design services; troubleshooting and/or training; and repairs or refurbishments. The key is flexibility and an ability to change along with the technology.
What to do if you don't have a storefront?
Especially if you don’t have a storefront, make your business website and/or social media presence appear professional and interconnected to your overall brand.
How to make a business a full time occupation?
Building your business into a full-time occupation, however, may require further diversification of the products and services you offer, perhaps by selling parts, accessories, or entire systems. You’ll need to draw in a loyal client base and build a positive reputation in the community.
Is it expensive to start a business?
There is no minimum, but starting a business, especially a technology- based one, can be very expensive. Figure out what you plan on selling, figure out registering fees, etc.
Do you need a college degree to work at a restaurant?
Yes. Preferably a college degree too. Many customers will ask you for credentials, accolades, references, etc. This will require a strong educational background and experience.
How to acquire clients for a business?
Marketing your business is always expensive. In order to acquire clients, you need to let them know you are out there. You might want to network with business owners in your community and establish a presence online with a website, social media campaign, and advertising .
What are the advantages and disadvantages of starting a business?
As with any venture, there are advantages and disadvantages. Initial costs, licensing, certifications, and relevant business knowledge should all be considered before starting your business.
What certifications are needed for networking?
Some common industry certifications are ACMT and CompTIA A+. It is helpful to have some networking certifications as well if you'd like to work on business networks. CompTIA Network+ and CCNP from Cisco are a few of the more common certifications.
How to get started with a marketing campaign?
You might consider creating an initial plan for getting started, with some goals to work towards, and deadlines to meet. Work to establish awareness of your services through a marketing campaign, and plan some actions to build up your client base.
Why do businesses contract with small businesses?
Contracting with small businesses, if you are able to do so, can provide a solid foundation of regular work for your business. If you do good work for them, they will be apt to keep using you and refer you to others.
Is it worth it to plan a business?
It may be worthwhile for you to brush up on some business practices, such as keeping records for accounting purposes and taxes and creating a plan . As the saying goes, a business failing to plan is a business planning to fail.
