Starting My own PC repair shop

[MikeMike]

I have searched this board,(not perfectly) but i did search, and have decided what your ideas on me running a business out of my home

Current Status
Single
HS student
Lives at home w/ parents


What i think i would need
1-2 spare parts of memory, hd, cd-rom, monitor, keyboard, mouse, sound card, all other components excep mobo(too many) and processor(to many), external hd's and burners for backups, fans, modem
Tools screwdriver, as wrist band, um what else would i need?

Software. Norton Ghost, memtest98, what else?

Would there be any other things i would need as for the repair parts?

(service price on site)
I would charge probably 45$/hr. 1 hr minimum, plus price of part replaced, and plus mileage if more than 10 miles.

I may get my own phone line in my house, w/ answering machine.

I would be "in my office" from like 3-8pm w/ hours being (3-8 m-f)(sat. 10-6)(sun 10-5 50$/hr 1 hr minimum)


I think there would be one other competitor in my area, and he charges 76$/hr plus product

(in home repair)

charge 35$/hr plus product, etc.

(basic install)
cd-rom drive etc. 25$+ product
pci/agp products 30$+ product
mobo/cpu hourly charge
hd 30$+ product
OS hourly charge(due to varying speeds of computers, and time taken to install)
memory 30$ + product


and i would look at some other liabilities, and i would make up my own coverin my own ass

any other ideas, pricing? i just made these up as i typed, so it would be changeable if you give me good reason



OR SHOULD I NOT DO IT AT ALL?

Thanks for your input and sorry about the long post

Mike

 

[Paulson]

If you want to and you really like computer troubleshooting, then go for it...

I imagine you can make a good profit if you pursue it.

 

[UberDave]

how are you advertising?
How are you handling the taxes?
what about information loss (people getting pissed)?
what about accidently fvcking up their computer? (major components)


I would say not do it, create a network for yourself through friends and relitives and soon they will spread the word about you and you'll have bussiness but on a much more friendly basis....also ... don't be such an ass about prices

 

[Antisocial Virge]

I really think this is getting to be a bad idea. Your "$45/hr" is not as good a deal as "My neighbors little boy will do it for nothing" Its getting to a point where everybody knows how to work on computers.

 

[MikeMike]

pricing!!! have you ever looked as like microcenter, i think it was like 80 bux to install ram + product!
P.S. i once got 50$ a cut to mow someones lawn! started at 25$ first year, then 50$ next year it only took 2 hours! and i was half the price of a professional service, but did as good if not better of a job.


advertising, would be flyers in the np box, and then word of mouth if i get a good customer base
i could do taxes, but would i consider myself an actual business and go ahead and get permits for it? depends if i get big enough
information loss, would be handled by using the external hd, and ghosting everything to it
Now that is the only problem, and i would cover it if i know i messed it up, i will admit to it. I dont wanna be sued cause he fvcked up my processor your honor


basically, all of my friends know how to work on their own computers so your end idea is shot.

 

[SOSTrooper]

I work at a computer shop repairing computers. I can tell you that it is nowhere near as easy as you think it'll be. You need TONS of parts to test. There are typically over 5 types of memories (dont forget you'll need those old school memories as well.) There have been over 8 types of CPUs since Pentium, not to mention you'll need corresponding motherboards cuz motherboards have a higher chance being the source of problem(s) than memory and CPU. You'll need extra P/S (most common problem)...and the list goes on and on. What if you get a Compaq computer? There is no way you can fix problems with it if it involves one of its intergrated parts. And warranty? People wouldnt pay you anything without a reliable warranty. And you must be VERY experienced in repairing computers. Even I wouldnt consider myself 'very' experience even tho I've been fixing PCs for 5 years. And dont forget you should register your 'company' name so you can apply for reseller license to buy computer parts as necessary. Oh, one last thing, you should have legal copies of all the Windows because, you WILL need to use them to fix some problems on customer's computer. It is the opposite end of simple to start your own onsite repairing services.


*Edit* Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh.... most important thing, you'll need a case of CDs filled with as many drivers as you can find off the web. Most of the time it involves drivers and you'll want to have them handy with you so you will not have to waste time dl'ing them off customer's AOL connection. From my experience, you'll need to have at least 5 full CDs of zipped/executable drivers for virtually all computer parts. The hardest part? Knowing which one is which for customer's modems. Modem has IMO, the most varieties of different parts/models and drivers out there. You'll need a very BIG good luck from me to make some decent money off of it.

 

[GoodRevrnd]

Not to mention liability, insurance, and taxes.

 

[Dreadogg]

I say do it and also make house calls, just go get some liability insurance and some gay name and pass out flyers at the mall! Make it simple not complex pigs get slaughtered and hogs get fatter!

 

[Evadman]

I run one now. You would not believe the problems and liability. I have yet to be sued so far though, so that is good

First thing. Inc yourself. No question. It is your first step. Limit your liability.

I just finished building a new computer for a customer of mine because his HP decided to implode when I touched it. The Cd-rom refused to read anything, the NVRam decieded to fail all at once, and the hard drive turned into a paperweight. all this because I upgraded the CPU from 300 to 500 MHZ ( K6/2 ) It booted once, then that was it. All hell broke loose.

even when you do everything correctly, things break. It is not your fault, it is just TOL failure. I just built him a new computer to promote my customer service. This was last week, so I have yet to have anyone mention it, but word of mouth is a strong thing.

 

[Dreadogg]

Just turn down whatever you do not want to do! Life is all about risk take some! Oh yea by the way this is not even a risk you can not lose I do construction mostly roofing, you want to talk about risk! I would do PC's but there is way to much money in the construction business, plus I am involved in a family owned business!

 

[Stark]

Go for it. You're at the perfect age and place in life to do it. no real bills, no rent, customers pay cash/check... sounds good to me.

 

[wyvrn]

I agree, though it depends on what area of the country you are in. I recently started a business like this and went as far as to incorporate it. I did well for a few months but decided the growth potential isn't there right now and decided to concentrate on school, though I still do this part-time for extra money. In Dallas, there are so many tech support types that finding anyone to pay for services is very hard, even spending a good deal of money on proven advertising. I spent more on advertising than I made a couple of times. Other months, it seems I got a lot of referall business and didnt have to advertise. Overall though, this is only semi-skilled labor and that means you will have a LOT of competition.

I also read an article in the Dallas Morning News and saw one on CNN, where OEM's report that people aren't buying or paying for upgrades to their pc's this year. Statistics show that the hardware sales and upgrades won't kick back in until mid to late 2003, mainly because there is no killer app pusing sales. Bascially everyone who wants a computer for Internet, email, and writing correspondence has one and doesn't need a shiny new pc to do the same things they can with their old ones. Also, many people are opting not to repair their old pc's and saving their money for newer issues in the next year. So the market is tight.

Originally posted by: Antisocial-Virge
I really think this is getting to be a bad idea. Your "$45/hr" is not as good a deal as "My neighbors little boy will do it for nothing" Its getting to a point where everybody knows how to work on computers.

 

[alkemyst]

Find out about running a business from home first or else your parents could get in trouble.

You would be surprised at those in your own neighborhood who will 'turn you in', I was at a house fixing someone's PC and their neighbor came over and started with the what is he charging ($25/hr at the time), and the oh my god my 12 year old son can do this for free and a lot faster, he is an internet expert ... blah blah blah.

Anyways it turns into an argument that he wants to forget my help after I was there for two hours already and get the kid to fix it first. It was screwed up, next thing I knew I got some notice from the homeowners association that 'my residential' address was being used on fliers for a business.

Also be prepared to hear / see "$50?, you hardly did anything", a huge box of 80's hardware being offered in trade with the premise that a 386 CPU worth $500 then is now worth $450, and a lot of other things. It's profitable, but also a pain sometimes.

And never ever ever give a phone number out that you cannot turn off when you don't want phone calls because almost every customer will think you owe them 24/7 tech support after any repair.

It was a freaking mess.

 

[p0ntif]

I don't think you realize how much work you are in for. I say go for it, life is all about these types of experiences. You should do it, if not just for the experience. But for goodness sake, please listen to the others here and get incorporated and then see a lawyer about writing up a little liability sheet for each customer to sign before you touch their computer. Limiting liability is the best thing you can do. If you do this yourself, you are doing: tech-support, house-calls, troubleshooting, having to deal with stupid annoying customers, and people getting pissed off at you for various and not even necessarily substantiated reasons. Have fun!

 

[gogeeta13]

Originally posted by: Evadman
I run one now. You would not believe the problems and liability. I have yet to be sued so far though, so that is good

First thing. Inc yourself. No question. It is your first step. Limit your liability.

I just finished building a new computer for a customer of mine because his HP decided to implode when I touched it. The Cd-rom refused to read anything, the NVRam decieded to fail all at once, and the hard drive turned into a paperweight. all this because I upgraded the CPU from 300 to 500 MHZ ( K6/2 ) It booted once, then that was it. All hell broke loose.

even when you do everything correctly, things break. It is not your fault, it is just TOL failure. I just built him a new computer to promote my customer service. This was last week, so I have yet to have anyone mention it, but word of mouth is a strong thing.

My customers sign my 3 page legal consent/release form. It releases me of all responsiblity if other things go wrong while I am in someones computer..if they lose data due to an unforseen circumstance, etc etc....

EDIT: As for customers not paying..my contract also includes firm payment terms, and I am debating whether or Not I shoudl add a clause to allow me to take other actions against the customer if they refuse to pay.

That all depends on how much your business is worth to you, bad reputatins travel faster and quicker than good reputations.

 

[Evadman]

Keep this in mind: I helped a customer who kept calling me for tech support because he couldn't find a directory on his computer. I knew this guy was a downloader, so I made a shortcut on his desktop to AOL's download directory. He couldn't find it. Even with me explaining over the phone.

I get over therre and point at it on his screen. Then he goes into saying that It was never there, and it magicly appeared there. Then he keeps e-mailing me crap, becuse when he cut's and pastes stufff into e-mail his formatting gets screwed up from Word. Duh! I try to explain how to attach the file to his e-mail, then give up. He is an idiot. These people abound. I have encountered more than my fair share.

 

[Yossarian]

Originally posted by: gogeeta13

My customers sign my 3 page legal consent/release form. It releases me of all responsiblity if other things go wrong while I am in someones computer..if they lose data due to an unforseen circumstance, etc etc....

You can overdo that too. If someone gave me a 3 page doc to sign before working on my computer I would laugh in their face.

 

[thomsbrain]

ok i do this for a living while i'm in school, and i have this to say:

shut the hell up you bunch of pansy whiners.

thank you.

if you're in any residental service, you're going to get called at night. deal with it. plumbers don't b!tch about it, and neither should you. be happy for the buisness. your customer's an idiot? good, that means more work for you, and easy work at that. you don't have to offer free phone tech support. if a customer is having trouble, make them hire you for work instead of wasting your time on the phone. they will be glad to pay if you can solve their problem. a good attitude, a friendly and open personality, clean clothes, and prompt courteous service go a long way in this buisness. if you're a pleasure to have around and you get the job done, people will gladly pay $50 an hour without complaint, and they'll hire you again next time they have trouble. i've actually had people try to force EXTRA money on me because they were so pleased with my work. also, i give breaks for single moms and people like that, who really can't afford the full rate. they will appreciate this to no end and will tell their friends how great you are.

The other thing is be honest. If you screw up, deal with it for free and deal with it immediately. Most customers will be so impressed with your honesty and professionalism they'll pay you for the time anyway.

and when buisness is slow, remember that you only need to work 1 hour to equal nearly a full day at mcdonalds.

try advertising in the pennysaver, the yellow pages, and the newspaper. fliers probably work, but i haven't tried them myself.

 

[Gulzakar]

A Highschool student with limited liability frightens most people.

 

[y2kc]

What type of insurance would be needed for this type of business.

 

[Evadman]

Originally posted by: y2kc
What type of insurance would be needed for this type of business.

I have none, so I would be self insured to the maximum my buisness is worth.

 

[SOSTrooper]

My advice is, if you're entirely committed to this, do it, but do it with caution. If you even have that 1% doubt, then I'd say go get a job at Gateway or CompUSA or whatever computer store near your area, get some experience first hand in professional manner, then when you're in college, you can start this thing of your own. Either way, it is good that you want to do it.

 

[MikeMike]

Originally posted by: y2kc
What type of insurance would be needed for this type of business.

Most likely just liability, such as damage.

Also for some other responses i read, i live in a rural area, in which most of the population is in the 30's with many kids, but around us, there are many bigger cities, but i wouldnt go there, yet, also

about the phone i can never turn off, i would turn the ringer off, or take it off the hook when i am not available, such as after hours. I would have an answering machine, to pick up all calls when no one is home, such as when i am at school.

I will try to find out what my parents think of this, and how much a lawyer may cost(exspensive?) also i will get out flyers once i get everything running, and once i get approved. I hope my parents will let me do this

also i will try to limit myself to hardware repairs, and installations. On any software, i will try to help them for like 5 minutes over the phone, and if that doesnt work, and i know its an easy problem, i will go over there and charge them like all other repairs


So for safetys sake i should look into a 120+gb external usb hd for backups. correct?

are there any like memory testing tools, or other equipment that would save me time?


The only thing i will not keep on hand as a spare, will be a processor and motherboard, because there are way to many variations out there for me to have all of them.

Memory, will most likely be kept as 256mb sticks, one of pc100,133,ddr2100,pc800 as those would be the most common nowadays. 3 of each?
hd will be 20,40,80(all most likely seagates, b/c i feel the customer would like a quiet drive, even if it costs more) 2 of each?

i would keep like 3 80mm fans on hand
3 300w ps andone matx ps on hand
3 80mm fans
keyboards, cheap mouses
3 cheapie sound cards
2 cheapie pci graphics cards
2 cheapie agp graphics cards
1 cheap monitor


All of those would be used in the case that one of the customers products is in non working order. I would put the cheapie product in, to hold them over while i order a new part, and then install the new part. i would only charge for the first time trip, and product, because it is my fault i didnt have the prodct on hand, and it isnt that hard to install anything unless its the motherboard, then i charge them for it. I would then take my cheapie back.


i feel i am setting good ground. anything i should change? anything else i should keep on hand?

 

[MikeMike]

Originally posted by: SOSTrooper
My advice is, if you're entirely committed to this, do it, but do it with caution. If you even have that 1% doubt, then I'd say go get a job at Gateway or CompUSA or whatever computer store near your area, get some experience first hand in professional manner, then when you're in college, you can start this thing of your own. Either way, it is good that you want to do it.

i would, except the closest pc shop/ national brand pc shop/office supply shop is like 45 minutes away! office max is close, but they arent hireing any more(only 20 min. away)

 

[SOSTrooper]

How good are you with fixing computers? Do you help ppl on the support forum often? You need to print yourself some carbon copies of your invoices, put your liability on it, and have every customer sign it at the end. That way you can cover yourself quite thoroughly. Your hardware list is pretty set, you'll need some CPU fans too cuz they fail quite easily. Most important of all, you'll need copies of Windows. Not every customer put their own copies in a safe place, they'll loose it. And if they lost it, you have your own backup to reinstall Windows to fix problems or whatever. Don't discard this, it is important, I find myself needing it at work every single day to fix certain types of problems.