Starting my own mobile computer repair business. Thoughts?

[pete6032]

Are you going to have inventory on hand? What if someone calls you and says their LCD screen is broken because they dropped their laptop and they need it fixed for their presentation tomorrow? Microcenter charges $120 and can do it in a couple hours, can you beat that?

 

[SSSnail]

You know, I have considered that too. My problem with mobile devices (tablets, phones) is I have almost no experience repairing them. It something I might like to get into but I don't really know where to start.

I realize that my trade is slowing dying. I mean computers will always have their place in business for the foreseeable future but most personal home PCs are being replaced by mobile counterparts.

Maybe it's time for a career change altogether.

Buy broken stuff for really cheap, start playing with them. Hit up YouTube for repair videos on poplar models, etc... You already have all the tools to make repairs. I'm sure your PC parts suppliers would know where to get the other parts they don't carry. You're welcome 😉

Edit: you can also make your current skills work for you while learning the new trade. Hit up small businesses with no IT department and offer up contract services.

 

[drebo]

Honestly, the margins in residential are so thin and the bullshit level so high, it doesn't make sense as a core business.

Now, if you have the chops to go after business clients, that could grow into something.

My advice to you would be to figure out how to grow your current company. For instance, if all they do is residential, figure out how they could edge into business. Or, if they do some business but don't touch servers, start to learn the server side of things. Or if they do that, figure out what else your clients outsource in the IT realm and move into that. Things like IP surveillance or telephony and networking.

Honestly, if you think you've reached the pinnacle of IT and you manage a desktop repair shop, you're not going to make it on your own.

 

[gbeirn]

Are you going to have inventory on hand? What if someone calls you and says their LCD screen is broken because they dropped their laptop and they need it fixed for their presentation tomorrow? Microcenter charges $120 and can do it in a couple hours, can you beat that?

Yes, 80% of the screens I do now fall into maybe 6 different types of screens. Easy to stock a few of each and special order the others when needed. Most laptops can be done in 30min or even less so I think it's possible to do it even while the customer waits.

Buy broken stuff for really cheap, start playing with them. Hit up YouTube for repair videos on poplar models, etc... You already have all the tools to make repairs. I'm sure your PC parts suppliers would know where to get the other parts they don't carry. You're welcome 😉

This could be a good idea. Trying out repairs on some stuff purchased on eBay, thanks!

Honestly, the margins in residential are so thin and the bullshit level so high, it doesn't make sense as a core business.

Now, if you have the chops to go after business clients, that could grow into something.

My advice to you would be to figure out how to grow your current company. For instance, if all they do is residential, figure out how they could edge into business. Or, if they do some business but don't touch servers, start to learn the server side of things. Or if they do that, figure out what else your clients outsource in the IT realm and move into that. Things like IP surveillance or telephony and networking.

Honestly, if you think you've reached the pinnacle of IT and you manage a desktop repair shop, you're not going to make it on your own.

I've sort of reached the pinnacle of where I am currently at. It isn't my company so I can't branch out where I'd like to and my suggestions aren't really listened to. I've reached at cap as to how much money I can make. The company itself pulls around $1million a year. We currently do home and small to medium business from virus removals to IP phones, network setups, MS exchange, Google Apps, Office 365 etc.

 

[Kushina]

How are your social skills?

 

[Carson Dyle]

I've sort of reached the pinnacle of where I am currently at. It isn't my company so I can't branch out where I'd like to and my suggestions aren't really listened to. I've reached at cap as to how much money I can make. The company itself pulls around $1million a year. We currently do home and small to medium business from virus removals to IP phones, network setups, MS exchange, Google Apps, Office 365 etc.

How large is your market? Are you just going to be divvying it up with your former employer, or are do they have only a fraction of a much larger market? If you're in a small town, the pickings can get very slim.

I hope you plan on aiming higher than just computer repair. The real money will be in small businesses, computer and network setup and maintenance. And, hopefully, you can do something beyond just hardware, which is a commodity.

As to the "mobile" thing ... IMO, it's not worth much, if anything at all. That doesn't mean you need a storefront, but you also don't need to fit out a van and carry every conceivable spare part around with you. I know people who run similar businesses from their homes. If they need to, they bring a computer back to the house, fix it on the kitchen table, return it that day or the next. As for on-site repairs, you could carry 99% of what you need in bicycle messenger bag.

 

[jessieqwert]

Can you get by without the van for a few months? Try to build a base and prove the concept before spending that capital.

 

[maxi007]

whatever you do , dont start service as credit . open your service far from your area , else some people will ask service in credit.

 

[holden j caufield]

Can you get by without the van for a few months? Try to build a base and prove the concept before spending that capital.

I think this is good advice.

 

[boomerang]

There is a huge difference between a customer dropping off an item to be fixed versus standing over your shoulder while you fix it. You have to draw what is sometimes a fine line between being cordial and getting the job done. And wait until you see how other people live. Nothing better than showing up at the cat lady's house to fix her broken computer that's on the fritz because the cats have been pissing on it.

Another fun one is the alcoholic with the porn addiction that keeps infecting his computer to the point that it won't function. On the second visit he's blaming you because he's screwing up his computer. You fixed it last time you were there, so why is it all messed up again?

The old folks that are afraid to use the computer because they might break it are great too. They are convinced they pressed a wrong key and that's why they can't get on the internet. They have no idea what a browser is, the internet is a total mystery to them but their grandchildren have installed every piece of software that they ever heard of, clicked 'yes' to every popup that presented itself to them and the computer is a real mess. Everything is going well until you start explaining as diplomatically as is possible that the kids are messing up the computer. Suddenly you realize the error in criticizing little Jimmy and Lisa...

Ask me how I know all this. Actually don't because you should be able to figure it out yourself.

 

[highland145]

snip

Ask me how I know all this. Actually don't because you should be able to figure it out yourself.

You're an old porn addicted alcoholic?


kidding.

 

[Insomniator]

Computer repair isn't a real business anymore. Computers are too cheap, I don't see how you would make more money on your own vs a known business that is barely surviving itself.

I could possibly see mobile device repair, people break ipad screens all the time and the parts can be had on ebay for 10's of dollars + less then an hour of work. But still... is there real money in that? Probably just as dead end as your current work.

 

[John Connor]

How are you going to provide power to the computers in a van? Inverter? Generator?

 

[boomerang]

You're an old porn addicted alcoholic?


kidding.

Nice guess, but I'm the crazy cat lady. If Mr. Jingles has to go, who am I to tell him where to do it?

 

[gbeirn]

How large is your market? Are you just going to be divvying it up with your former employer, or are do they have only a fraction of a much larger market? If you're in a small town, the pickings can get very slim.

I hope you plan on aiming higher than just computer repair. The real money will be in small businesses, computer and network setup and maintenance. And, hopefully, you can do something beyond just hardware, which is a commodity.

As to the "mobile" thing ... IMO, it's not worth much, if anything at all. That doesn't mean you need a storefront, but you also don't need to fit out a van and carry every conceivable spare part around with you. I know people who run similar businesses from their homes. If they need to, they bring a computer back to the house, fix it on the kitchen table, return it that day or the next. As for on-site repairs, you could carry 99% of what you need in bicycle messenger bag.

Well I'm looking at an area with about 3 million people in it. There are no real alternatives to my current employer except for the Geek Squad and honestly we get quite a few referrals from them so the demand is there.

Can you get by without the van for a few months? Try to build a base and prove the concept before spending that capital.

The van is a small investment. I 'm looking at maybe $5K, and is more for the professional appearance of the business rather than some Joe Shmoe who is working out of his car.

How are you going to provide power to the computers in a van? Inverter? Generator?

Probably both depending on the load. This is to be determined.

 

[PliotronX]

I think you'll make more money and would have far more customers if your business was mobile mobile device repair. 😉

Time has changed, adapt.

True. Mobile cracked iPhone repair would make bank with almost no overhead.

 

[RelaxTheMind]

find a way to throw in recurring fees. you would be surprised at how many people pay for peace of mind for a service they will never use and most likely forget about. hire desperate people from a freelance company to secretary your calls/emails/invoices and a programmer/designer for pennies. do maybe 1 month of actual work the entire year, make multiple 6 figures, sit at home play games all day and post on atot.

 

[ViviTheMage]

ehhh, money is in consulting for small business's ... that's where I would start. Computer repair is a dieing art for a job imo. Advertising is difficult to market directly to the people who would need your services. Small businesses tend to have a physical location and you can direct your calls right to them.

I would love to do this, but i've grown comfortable with fortune 500 company paying me a nice salary, haha. It would be difficult to do in my spare time too.

I do contract work for a previous employer, and they pay $200 an hour for the work. Network issues, server issues, whatever. But we have an agreement that it is only when I am not at my 9-5, and it seems to be working out a-ok. If I could snag more steady work it might not be a bad idea to do it full time though. too risky!

But good luck, your area may be in need of what you're thinking of offering!

 

[Gunbuster]

Don't forget the fun of being a sole proprietor and sending around half of what you make (or project to make) to state and federal tax collectors (on time) four times every year.

 

[Exterous]

Yes, I've thought of that too. Smart TV setups, Netflix, etc. Wireless setups or troubleshooting.

I used to do home theater setups and small business network setups few years ago and IMO there was a lot of money to be made in the basic setups and small business support. While the high end range is a huge PITA basic wall mounting or conference room setups along with small business network support did very well and usually wasn't too difficult. I would imagine that market is bigger with Smart TVs, Roku etc but I don't know for sure

I know their names, kids, problems, politics, have a sympathetic ear, give them grief when they need it, etc, etc.

Hi Scott! Hey did you get my message about that missed payment? Oh I drove by Suzie's school today and saw her walking home. Are you ok with that? It seems like there is a risk something might happen to her while she is walking home so I said Hi and gave her a quick ride home. Your wife didn't ever find out about that little affair business did she?

 

[Exterous]

True. Mobile cracked iPhone repair would make bank with almost no overhead.

I have a friend who does this as a side business and has had problems with Apple making it hard to get screens. I don't know how valid that comment was but just an FYI

 

[highland145]

Hi Scott! Hey did you get my message about that missed payment? Oh I drove by Suzie's school today and saw her walking home. Are you ok with that? It seems like there is a risk something might happen to her while she is walking home so I said Hi and gave her a quick ride home. Your wife didn't ever find out about that little affair business did she?

The 5th, I'm taking it. :whiste:

 

[SSSnail]

True. Mobile cracked iPhone repair would make bank with almost no overhead.

I'm pretty sure he can tabulate the top ten or twenty popular phone models and their common problems using Google, stock parts for them, and head off. Though I do see far more cracked iPhones than others, they're not immune to breakage.

Throw in some accessories for sale and he might have a viable business, out of his van, down by river...