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DarkStar
Joined: Dec 24, 2002
Posts: 1603
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 Posted: Thu May 08, 2003 4:38 pm Post subject: |
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| I am starting a computer repair business this summer and wondered if anyone else who has been doing this for a while had any advice. Any help would be appreciated.
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twistedcranium
Joined: Dec 06, 2002
Posts: 187
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| Posted: Thu May 08, 2003 7:09 pm Post subject: |
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| My brother-in-law operates his own repair business. He told me once that the worst thing he ever did was to do "freebie work" for friends and relatives. By the time he got to believing they were taking advantage, he confronted them with the "I'm not doing this for free anymore" speech, and earned himself an earful from selfish people.
Also, recently he has had to take on some networking and small website design since business is slow. He attributed the slowdown to the "its old, lets just get a new one since they're cheap" phenomenon.
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User: inactive
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| Posted: Thu May 08, 2003 8:52 pm Post subject: |
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:rolleyes:
Do you have any qualifications for this type of work? Some people like to know that you know what you're doing before they hand over a computer for repair.
Joy |
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goretsky
Joined: Dec 07, 2002
Posts: 8918
Location: Southern California
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| Posted: Thu May 08, 2003 10:03 pm Post subject: |
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Hello,
On the pricing side, I would suggest posting your maximum hourly rate, perhaps even prefaced with "starting at."
It's usually less troublesome to quote someone a lower rate than your posted price than a higher one.
Regards,
Aryeh Goretsky |
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LooseChanj
Joined: Dec 06, 2002
Posts: 1537
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| Posted: Thu May 08, 2003 10:40 pm Post subject: |
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| Do you have any qualifications for this type of work? Some people like to know that you know what you're doing before they hand over a computer for repair. |
More important than "qualifications" however is angst. Gotta have it. A healthy hatred of computers and users is also quite helpful. |
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deuce868
Joined: Dec 05, 2002
Posts: 1225
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| Posted: Mon May 12, 2003 7:30 am Post subject: |
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| A healthy hatred of computers and users is also quite helpful. |
lol, oh yea. That is the best way to pull of a business pitch:
"Look, I know you all are going to do stupid things I don't want you to do. You're going to break everything I put together and those darn machines are going to do everything in their power to have me leave running and screaming at the top of my lungs. Not that we have that out of the way, do I have the contract?"
Seriously though, there was a thread in here I think on how people in this line of work charge. Really good read. There are also a couple of things in Online Business I think. Search around the forum and you should find some other info. |
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Jtimes2003
Joined: Dec 28, 2002
Posts: 851
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| Posted: Mon May 12, 2003 10:07 pm Post subject: |
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| To begin with set up a small office with Office 2000 for record-keeping or current apps and keep accurate records. The more successful businesses advertise in local "free" papers. Place an ad in one in your local paper including hours, rates and pedigree. |
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khdutton
Joined: Feb 03, 2003
Posts: 406
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| Posted: Tue May 13, 2003 11:07 am Post subject: |
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Seriously though, there was a thread in here I think on how people in this line of work charge. Really good read. |
How Would You Charge And How Much? |
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deuce868
Joined: Dec 05, 2002
Posts: 1225
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| Posted: Tue May 13, 2003 1:29 pm Post subject: |
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| Ok, now I feel like a slacker for not finding it for him. :ph34r: |
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khdutton
Joined: Feb 03, 2003
Posts: 406
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| Posted: Tue May 13, 2003 2:06 pm Post subject: |
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:rolleyes: And you call yourself a "Super Moderator"? Tsk.
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deuce868
Joined: Dec 05, 2002
Posts: 1225
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| Posted: Tue May 13, 2003 2:49 pm Post subject: |
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So mabe I should get it changed to busy moderator.
Actually, as much as I love helping people and am more than happy to share what I know, I am much more likely to get you info to help youself with than give give aways and such. I guess it's just the way I am. |
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khdutton
Joined: Feb 03, 2003
Posts: 406
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| Posted: Wed May 14, 2003 8:30 am Post subject: |
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| Actually, as much as I love helping people and am more than happy to share what I know, I am much more likely to get you info to help youself with than give give aways and such. I guess it's just the way I am. |
I call that empowerment. And that's what Chris, the newsletters, this forum, and the moderators  are all about! And I, for one, am thankful for it!!! 
Now I think...it's time...for a group hug! |
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DarkStar
Joined: Dec 24, 2002
Posts: 1603
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| Posted: Wed May 14, 2003 6:07 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks  . |
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User: inactive
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| Posted: Wed May 14, 2003 11:27 pm Post subject: |
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| With the price of PC's going lower and lower, at some point they will become a throw away product and there will be no need for PC repair. If it breaks, just buy a new one. Just a thought. I don't mean to discourage your interest in PC repair. But all of the advice that was given is good and the best form of advertising is word of mouth. Good record keeping will keep the IRS off your back, and any form of computer certifications would be helpful. Get some business cards to pass around, they are fairly cheap now. |
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User: inactive
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| Posted: Thu May 15, 2003 12:09 am Post subject: |
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:rolleyes:
I hope computers don't become a throw away product, half the fun is in adding new bits and getting them to work.
Joy |
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lockergnome
Joined: Dec 04, 2002
Posts: 510
Location: Seattle, WA (USA)
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| Posted: Sun May 18, 2003 10:10 pm Post subject: |
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| I am starting a computer repair business this summer and wondered if anyone else who has been doing this for a while had any advice. Any help would be appreciated. |
http://www.dsmrepair.com/
Charles may be able to help. Tell him I sent ya. |
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Ossu
Joined: May 21, 2003
Posts: 4
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| Posted: Wed May 21, 2003 3:43 pm Post subject: |
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Darkstar -
Been in computer business for 12 years. Done everything. If you really want to do this than here are some cold hard facts....
:huh: You will never make a lot of money from fixing PCs.
:huh: You will never become rich from fixing PCs.
:huh: People will pay CompUSA $50/hr to mess up their machine, but they will complain when you charge the same amount and do it right.
:huh: You need to get yourself a few small business clients to actually support your business. Individuals simply will not pay. Once you tell them how much it is going to be, they will just buy a new machine. Businesses on the other hand have less computer problems and more network, printing, and configuration needs.
:huh: You will spend A LOT of time staying on top of the technology. It changes extremely fast.
:huh: You will get great satisfaction when you provide a solution to a customer.
:huh: Before you service customer #1, have a clear set of warranty, prices, etc. If you make it up as you go - your just asking for trouble.
:huh: #1 RULE: NETWORK. Become a member of the local Chamber of Commerce in your area. Get to know all the people. Get to know other computer repair companies in your area. Tell them your strengths, know theirs and share. They may be able to help you get a bigger job then you can handle on your own. You may be able to help them? Some of my biggest clients have come from other computer repair companies. I did the work, they liked me and started doing business with me. OF COURSE I always give a kick back to the original company, because that is just how you do it.
:huh: #2 RULE: N E V E R burn a bridge. N E V E R say anything bad about another company, person, person working at a company you are doing business for, individual you did work for. Word gets around, you will get burned.
Short story... I did work for a guy at his house. He was a complete A$$ but I smiled and did the work. He called me back twice for things that he needed. He always paid, so I always went. Short time passed (1 yr). A friend of his called me to do work for his company, I ended up recabling his entire office with 10BT for several $$$$. Even though he was an A$$, he gave me a lead.
It may sound like I hate my job. In fact I love it. But working with some of the customers can be VERY trying. Most of my customers are terrible to work for, but I do have some that understand technology helps their business succed and paying for it to be done right the first time is worth the cost.
Good luck. |
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gsterry
Joined: Dec 05, 2002
Posts: 6949
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| Posted: Thu May 22, 2003 2:15 pm Post subject: |
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| Wow, excellent advice, Ossu B) |
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khdutton
Joined: Feb 03, 2003
Posts: 406
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| Posted: Thu May 22, 2003 2:54 pm Post subject: |
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| Pretty slamin' for your fourth post, Ossu. B) I'll be watchin' you! :ph34r: |
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Numberz
Joined: Jun 05, 2003
Posts: 22
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| Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2003 3:08 pm Post subject: |
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| To begin with set up a small office with Office 2000 for record-keeping or current apps and keep accurate records.... |
The importance of keeping complete and accurate business records cannot be overstated. Use whichever product you're most comfortable with, i.e. Quickbooks, Quicken; but DO keep records of ALL transactions. One of the most common reasons for new business failures is the inability of the business owner to readily determine whether or not a profit is being made and to make that determination in a timely manner.
Additionally, since I do not know your level of experience as a business owner, be sure to acquire the requisite Sales and Use Tax permit (or your state's equivalent) and file your Sales Tax returns ON TIME. More importantly, if you plan on having employees be sure to get with your CPA or other accounting professional and secure a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) and, if your state requires, an account and ID Number with your state workforce commission (employment commission, etc.) for submission of state unemployment taxes that must be paid on each employee.
Under NO circumstances, once you have begun paying employees do you ever want to not pay your quarterly federal employment tax (Form 941) - the penalties are high and the IRS very unforgiving of this oversight. You will also pay quarterly SUTA (State Unemployment Tax) in most states, monthly or quarterly Sales Tax (depending on sales volume) and annual FUTA (Federal Unemployment Tax) on payroll paid to employees.
Also, do not forget to set aside YOUR portion for Uncle Sam if it seems apparent that you will turn a profit (hence the need for accurate record keeping). As a self-employed individual you will be responsible for not only income tax on your profits but you will also be responsible for self-employment tax of 15.3% (applies if your business is sole proprietorship or partnership).
I mention all this not to overwhelm but to make you aware. There is much to consider in a business start up and it is best to know up front than get surprised 6-12 months down the road with a huge tax bill you did not budget for.
Long live the entreprenurial spirit and good luck with your dreams. Just be informed. |
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