Small computer repair business - should I bother with Macs?

[CurseTheSky]

Hi guys,

I'm starting a small computer repair and consulting business. My primary focus will be PCs, home networking, etc. but I have already had a number of customers ask about buying a Mac or other Apple products, or ask me to fix problems with theirs. Unfortunately I have very limited experience with OSX and Macs in general, so I can't do more than a simple fix at the moment. However, my fiancee - who will be helping me with the business - has a bit more experience with Apple and common problems (particularly iTunes and any of their mobile devices). We discussed the possibility of picking up a relatively cheap Mac and having her learn OSX so we can expand the business in the near future.

With all of that said, is there much of a point? As Mac owners, do you guys have good, cheap support readily available and do you commonly run into problems that you can't easily solve? Please keep in mind that the average user that isn't part of a tech-oriented forum like this probably can't solve half the issues someone here can.

Finally, if it is worthwhile to have my fiancee learn OSX and how to diagnose / fix common problems, what should we buy to start with? Unfortunately I can't afford to spend a ton, so blowing $1200 on a MBP is out of the question (though I'd love to, just to compare it to the HP Envy ). I was thinking Mac Mini, or something used.

Thank you.

 

[Kmax82]

I think it would depend on two things...

1) Is there an Apple Store in your town?
2) What type of experience will you be providing for the customer? Meaning, will there be any perks over them going to the Apple Store?

I think that it is indeed worthwhile to troubleshoot Macs as more than likely it'll be the same type issues you'll run into with Windows. I can't get my email. How do I resize this photo? This program won't uninstall.

But I think, if your fiancee is a decent teacher.. you could tag team the game and have Mac training as well, which is huge at the Apple Store. One on One training with iMovie, Garageband, iWork, Mail, general Mac tips, etc...

And I'd try and just find a cheap Mac Mini on eBay, or through Apple Refurb store. That will run everything you'd need to to get in depth with OS X.

 

[CurseTheSky]

Mac training - great point, I didn't think of that. There are a number of people around me toying with the idea of buying a Mac, but holding off because they don't know enough about it. My fiancée isn't the best teacher, but she's far above average and tends to have a lot of patience.

I checked Apple's store locator and it only came up with AT&T, Radioshack, and Target in my area. Are there actual, dedicated Apple stores? If so, there's definitely none in my target area.

 

[TheStu]

Mac training - great point, I didn't think of that. There are a number of people around me toying with the idea of buying a Mac, but holding off because they don't know enough about it. My fiancée isn't the best teacher, but she's far above average and tends to have a lot of patience.

I checked Apple's store locator and it only came up with AT&T, Radioshack, and Target in my area. Are there actual, dedicated Apple stores? If so, there's definitely none in my target area.

Apple operates something like 200 retail stores across the country. I can't speak for Connecticut, but I know that there are something like 6 here in PA. But the closest one is an hour from where I am, so if I were in your shoes, I would provide service and support.

If you do find that enough people are coming in with Macs to make it worth your while, you might want to get AppleCare certified. People can then get warranty work done through you.

 

[MotionMan]

Google Maps search for "apple store connecticut" to see if there is one near you.

MotionMan

 

[suklee]

Connecticut
Danbury, Danbury Fair Mall
Farmington, Westfarms
Greenwich, Greenwich Avenue
Stamford, Stamford

Link: http://www.apple.com/retail/storelist/

 

[sportage]

Silly.. Mac's never break down. We all know that.

 

[AtlantaBob]

One thing to consider, Mac Hardware is generally more expensive than comparable PC hardware (duh -- I realize I'm just stating the obvious -- and this as someone with Mac/Windows and Linux machines.)

However, while it might make sense for someone just to buy a new Dell to replace a virus-infested Dell, the same decision on a Mac is much more expensive -- and more likely to have them pay you for repair services, rather than just buying something new.

Also, as posters above have said, offering training for people wanting to switch to Macs could be lucrative (and give you a certain "sexiness" not shared by mainstream PC-only shops). I'd say you can learn a lot about Macs from OS X on a Mac Mini -- and would suggest that you get one (with maxed-out, non-Apple branded RAM -- but you might want to pay for a Mac tech to install it for you -- getting one open can be a PITA).

If the $600 or so is going to cut your budget too close, PLEASE consider how much cash you're going to need before your business breaks even. I've seen too many entrepreneurial ventures have to close because they could only fund 2-3 months of operation before making a profit. And the sad reality is, a lot of shops need more time to "get on their feet" than that. And trust me, if you're renting office space from a commercial landlord, they'll make sure that you sign a personal guaranty (that is, you're personally responsible for the debt, regardless of what type of INC/LLC you form) and they WILL come after you for the balance of the lease, even if you vacate a month or two in.

Not trying to be a downer -- just don't want to see anyone get hurt.

 

[MotionMan]

while it might make sense for someone just to buy a new Dell to replace a virus-infested Dell,

It does?

MotionMan

 

[TheStu]

It does?

MotionMan

Maybe not 'sense' so much as it is not that uncommon. I have heard any number of stories of people that have just ditched their old computers due to viruses/toolbars/kruft and gotten another $300 system from Best Buy to replace it. PCs are practically a disposable commodity at this point.

 

[MotionMan]

Maybe not 'sense' so much as it is not that uncommon. I have heard any number of stories of people that have just ditched their old computers due to viruses/toolbars/kruft and gotten another $300 system from Best Buy to replace it. PCs are practically a disposable commodity at this point.

Oh, yeah. I have known a lot of people who have done that (without talking to me first, of course). I just never thought someone on a tech forum would think it made sense.



MotionMan

 

[TheStu]

Oh, yeah. I have known a lot of people who have done that (without talking to me first, of course). I just never thought someone on a tech forum would think it made sense.



MotionMan

Well, the way he phrased it, he may have been referring to it making sense from the other person's perspective.

But yes, I think people are more likely to get their Macs fixed up to keep them trucking along than they are to do the same with their PCs.

 

[aphex]

I would think if there is no official Apple store nearby, having a repair shop locally could be a bit benefit.

This is our local Apple retailer/repair shop: http://www.computeradvantage.us/

The closest Apple store is about 45 mins north, so it does fairly well in the area.

 

[CurseTheSky]

The disposable PC idea usually sickens those of us that know how to fix them, but take this into account: if your 5-10 year old car car randomly started accelerating on its own, refusing to start from time to time, clunking loudly when turning around corners, and using a ton more fuel than normal, would you bring it to a mechanic an prepare to eat a multi-thousand dollar repair bill (unless, of course, you know how to fix it), or would you start shopping for a new one? It's not so much the idea of the new item being cheap as it is the fear of what could be going wrong with the current item and how much it will cost to fix (and the fact that even fixed, you'll still have the same old dull item, much less fun than a shiny new one). In the car example, it could be something as simple as a bad oxygen sensor, bad starter, and suspension component that needs to be replaced - all of which are relatively easy and cheap to fix, but how does the owner know that?

Computers are a much more affordable investment than vehicles, so when multiple things go wrong, I find that a majority of people just throw in the towel an plan to get something new. This is especially true since a few of the local computer shops charge $300 or more to diagnose and fix what is often a simple virus infection. On the upside, I plan to turn these situations to my advantage anyway, since I'll be doing computer repair and consulting. Computer doesn't work anymore and you're dead-set on buying a new one? Great, but pay me to do the research based on your needs and make recommendations for your purchase, which may very well save you cash in the end. Then, allow me to help you setup security properly on your computer so you don't run into the same problem all over again.

A majority of the work that I currently do (for free, as a favor for family, friends of family, friends of friends, etc.) is simple virus and spyware removal. Occasionally there's a legitimate piece of hardware that has failed, or a person that needs training, but there's one thing that's always in common - the person calling me has absolutely no / very little idea on how to do anything "advanced" with their computer. The other question I'm starting to get a lot is "should I buy a PC or a Mac? I've never used a Mac, but what's the advantage?" I'd love to be able to answer them on that.

Finally, in regards to the concern about start-up costs (and I do appreciate the concern), I'll be starting the business using existing hardware and cash savings. I will be working from home for the first few months (depending on how fast things take off), and eventually looking for office space. For now, house calls or meeting in a local Starbucks / McDonalds / etc. will be the way to go.

Thank you all for the advice and consideration.

Edit: Whoa, trippy. On my 1080P monitor, my first paragraph is 5 lines, next is 4 lines, then 3 lines, 2 lines, and finally 1. Didn't plan it that way, but came out kinda cool.

 

[CurseTheSky]

After checking the store locator, the closest Apple shop is at least 45 minutes away in either direction, so this could really turn into something.

 

[aphex]

After checking the store locator, the closest Apple shop is at least 45 minutes away in either direction, so this could really turn into something.

Just curious, how old is the population in your area? I think the reason that independent computer businesses do well around this area is due in large part to the age distribution of Sarasota, FL (we skew older down around these parts). I actually had a pretty good weekend business going when I worked at CircuitCity, we didn't offer any home install or repair services back then, so I used to spend my weekends installing and troubleshooting computers for my customers (typically age 60 and older). Worked out great for all of us.

The Age Distribution of People in Sarasota County, Florida in 2005-2007 65 and over at 30 percent; 45 to 64 at 27 percent; 25 to 44 at 21 percent; 18 to 24 at 6 percent

- Wikipedia

 

[CurseTheSky]

11.2 percent of households with someone 65 and older, and that's just for my local area.

Most of my customers are in the 30-50 year old range. We also have a decently big college (UCONN) nearby, which contributes a lot to the Starbucks / Mac community around here.

 

[JSt0rm]

Here in LA there are indie mac dealers that do support and consulting mostly for media professionals. If you could somehow tap into this type of market you could make a lot of money. You could go in and set up the systems and tweak them for a business and sell them all the tools they need. Expand that to offices that use pc's but dont need any IT on hand and you could be rich.

 

[AtlantaBob]

Oh, yeah. I have known a lot of people who have done that (without talking to me first, of course). I just never thought someone on a tech forum would think it made sense.



MotionMan

You're right! It "makes sense" for the person making the decision -- although, it does, in some cases, make my life easier, so it's hard to complain....

 

[Ka0t1x]

You can make some money by becoming a certified Apple repair center. You'd need to get the credentials for this, but it can't be that complicated as a small run-down place near here has it.

 

[airdata]

It would be a great idea to be able to offer competent service to mac owners. Mac owners have alot less options than pc owners when it comes to having something repaired or fixed.

 

[CurseTheSky]

It would be a great idea to be able to offer competent service to mac owners. Mac owners have alot less options than pc owners when it comes to having something repaired or fixed.

Yep - it's nearly official now. My fiancee is excited about the idea and I'm shopping around for a decently priced Mac.

 

[Ka0t1x]

Just make sure you get the required certifications, as you'll void people's warranties otherwise.

 

[CurseTheSky]

Just make sure you get the required certifications, as you'll void people's warranties otherwise.

I plan to start off by providing software support only at first (can't connect to a network, need to learn to use OSX, etc.), and eventually move into doing hardware repairs after I get certified.

I definitely don't want to void any warranties. Thanks for the suggestion.