Starting A Computer Repair Business

61Dynamic · Joined: Dec 12, 2002 Posts: 484

There wil always be a need for repairmen. There are still people and companies out there on 486 computers (!) with dot matrix printers. They may become a "throw-away" product, but the non-throw away stuff will still be around for some time to come.

As long as technology advances, there will always be the need to fix it.

MBoprey · Joined: Dec 06, 2002 Posts: 36

Ah, finally, the perfect topic for me to post on. Well, first off let me tell you I'm not stupid. Secondly, I'm 16. Third, refer to first.

I started my computer business just last year when I was 15. I didn't know if it would fly because of my age, but so far it's pretty decent. I thought maybe people would be skeptical because of my age, but since I look a little older than 16 they don't seem to bother asking.

The most important thing I have found throughout my business experience:
Absolutely, and I cannot stress this enough, absolutely have some written agreement between you and your clients stating you are not responsible for loss of data.

Another thing, be careful about the accusations such as, "Well this was working fine until I brought it to you, and now it doesn't work at all!" Luckily, I've received only one of them and I know for sure the problem was NOT on my part.

The best of luck to you!

61Dynamic · Joined: Dec 12, 2002 Posts: 484

MBoprey brings up a good point. Keep in mind, that it doesn't matter how nice or moral a person is or seems to be, they still could try to screw you over. Make sure you have everything in writing.

extradudeguy · Joined: Jul 13, 2003 Posts: 21

First off, I bow before Ossu who spoke serious words of wisdom.

Here are somethings I would add. (some of these may have already been covered already)

1) Have seperate rates for Business customers and "home" clients.

2) Know EXACUALY what you are signing up for when dealing with businesses. Do they understand that "****" happens and that hardware can fail? Are they using the right equipment for the project they want you to set up? Do you have all of the project costs and FLEXIBLE time frame in writing?

3) Get it in writing (home and business clients). Have a WRITTEN agreement that states a max. of hours that THEY are agreeing to. Then if it is going to run over, you call them and get verbal permission (have a clause for this in the agreement) to continue to the new max. hours set. You are playing russian roulette without this, trust me I know Wink

.

4) Who is your target market? Are you charging less than the competition? This is not "always" the way to go. Your prices will reflect the "type" clientele that you attract.

5) Don't have your g/f or b/f host and manage your website...lol. (Long story) Have it done yourself or by a pro.

6) If possible, find a niche market. (Myself I target the "non-power user" that does not really want to spend a ton of money)

7) Make it known why PC's built by you are going to be a better investment than a PC bought at Best Buy. (Easier to upgrade, free labor by you for a year offered by you, etc)

8) Service, service, service. Offer free consultations. Why? Well when it comes down to the potential client needing help, you are going to be the person they think of. Also, go that extra mile, optimize and preform a little extra maintence at no extra cost. Be sure to make them aware of this too. Clients will remember this in the future when they have a friend that needs computer repair.

9) Reward referrals. Give the referrer a coupon, discounts, whatever. This is the life blood of your biz right here. 85% of your business is probablly going to be refferals, so always treat each customer as if they were the most important person in your life, always.

10) Never say "I don't know". Tell them "I need to double check on that" or something similiar. It is ok not to have the answer, but never, ever tell a client that you don't know. The internet has vast resources that you can find the answer to just about everything.

11) Never, ever say "I am sorry" when a hard drive or something else fails during a repair.
By doing so automatically implies guilt or negligence on your part. Instead, respond with confidence and offer to work your butt off to find a solution to fix the problem. If you broke it, then fix it/ replace it, but don't give the appearence of "oops".

There is a ton more you should know, but I don't have the time to cover it all.
Confidence, integrity, skill. If you have those qualities, then go for it. If you lack any of them, you should try a different trade.

Good luck!

Matt
Computer Troubleshooting