The Process of Getting a Small Scale Computer Repair Business Started

[1N0V471V]

I was at Best Buy the other day.

They charge $120 to install memory.

Needless to say, I broke out in laughter.

$230 to install Windows.

 

[TriggerHappy101]

Originally posted by: 1N0V471V
I was at Best Buy the other day.

They charge $120 to install memory.

Needless to say, I broke out in laughter.

$230 to install Windows.

I think its 39 dollars to install a SINGLE stick of ram. Still freaking funny though. Geeze.

 

[TriggerHappy101]

bump

 

[Oyeve]

I havent read every post here but if you are serious about starting a business small or otherwise, get yourself incorporated only a coupla hundred bucks. Cover your ass dude. I did, and it helps a LOT especially when crap goes wrong.

 

[Volkswagen]

I was thinking about doing the same thing here in my area.....There is one local PC store which is way overpriced...I was just wondering IF you needed some special liscense/id from the state or city to do this kind of work ? It is just gona be a side thing not a full time job or business

To the OP: Good Luck with your business and sorry for hijacking your thread

 

[Oyeve]

Originally posted by: Volkswagen
I was thinking about doing the same thing here in my area.....There is one local PC store which is way overpriced...I was just wondering IF you needed some special liscense/id from the state or city to do this kind of work ? It is just gona be a side thing not a full time job or business

To the OP: Good Luck with your business and sorry for hijacking your thread

Technically yes, especially if you do not declare the income for taxes. But look into getting incorporated. This way, yes, you pay taxes, but will have business expense writeoffs also. Plus getting incorporated covers you with insurance in case you fubar some job.

 

[TriggerHappy101]

How do I get "incorporated"?

 

[TriggerHappy101]

bump

 

[Oyeve]

HERE is one way. Check it out for info, I am not recommending this particular place but it will give you a feel for what you need.

 

[piasabird]

Even if a repair business does not make money, if you fix a couple PC's and make some money, you can claim some business expenses on your taxes. However, you have to take in money to claim expenses. So you can run specials and work for a lower rate to break into the racket.

If you are going to work in people's homes you have to charge a minimum charge for travel, and then a minimum charge if you have to open up a PC. You may want to build a website also. If you get a business license you could join some professional groups like the better business bureau, or print up some business cards, but a magnetic sign on your vehicle, etc. It looks snazzy if you can put these professional organizations on a website and use their logo. There may be some sites that have links that would that you can cross-link on.

Another option might be offering expertise on how to set up wireless networking in the home or building servers. You really need to branch out into as many areas as possible. For instance if you recommend that people have a router for networking at home you may want to know the best places to purchase them both on the Internet, and at brick and mortar stores like say best buy or office max. If everytime you visit a client you give some recommendations and give them your business card you may find that other people will appreciate your work and referrals.

Some colleges offer small business workshops in the summer and at different times. Small Business organizations may also have workshops.

People often are up late night on their computers so if you can get a couple of late nite radio or tv ads that might help. Sometimes even TV stations sell late nite spots on the cheap when they cant book enough advertising.

 

[chronicdesi]

I used to be a Geek Squad Employee, and let me tell you 160 is nothing for installing a harddrive. Well I'm just kidding, it's a lot of money, but all the BS you have to put up with from clients, it's not worth it. Something you enjoy so much, working on computers, will become the worst job once you have a few bad customers. I don't know if people really don't know what the hell they are talking about, or just want to hassle you so they can try and get you to drop your price, but initially there are so many stupid customers. Second, like many have already said, once you are done with the job, expect a phone call back because they can't get stuff to work.

If you do decide to go through with all this, I wish you the best of luck. I tried starting my own business earlier this year, but realized after working at Best Buy it was going to be a bad idea. My suggestion, which someone already stated, would be to try and find a local PC shop to work in, and understand the type of work it really is before deciding to throw your number out onto bus stops....