Thinking about starting a computer repair business on the side for some extra $$. Thoughts?

[GoingUp]

I'd like to start fixing computers on the side for people to try and make some extra money.

What are you thoughts on the matter? What kind of things do I need to consider or worry about.

I don't have any certifications although I worked as a system administrator for the Fed. Govt for 2.5 years and I work in IT right now. I'm thinking about charging $20 an hour to fix problems for people.

What do you think?

Edit: And how often do you run into people trying to get you to install pirated software etc?

 

[robothouse77]

charge more

 

[Medicine Bear]

Be careful. Once you touch someone's computer you are married to it FOR GOOD. They will call you about every freaking little thing they THINK is a problem.

 

[zixxer]

I do it at $65 an hour. It helps eliminate the type of person that will try and get free work out of you.

 

[Saulbadguy]

$20 an hour? You are shortchanging yourself. Charge at least $35-45.

 

[dquan97]

I personally charge $50/hr + mileage for acquaintances and strangers. Friends/family rate is $20/hr.

 

[MustISO]

Definitely do things like install a HD, add memory, install video card. Make sure you have a place to sign on your reciept that states the customer is satified with the work that was done.

If you do things like install an OS, setup a network, they're going to call you for everything strange that happens.

 

[GoingUp]

Originally posted by: Saulbadguy
$20 an hour? You are shortchanging yourself. Charge at least $35-45.

wouldnt they just take their computer to CompUSA or BB for a flat $100 then?

 

[Megadeth]

My best friend and I did that for just over a year... Charged $30 per hour and had decent business... The problem is that you really need to devote some time and energy into it!
When you have lots of hobbies, a day job, College and a girlfriend there isnt that much time left to do all the side jobs... It got really demanding and we both felt taht it wasnt worth it.

Just be prepared for this to cut into any time you need for yourself.

 

[GoingUp]

Originally posted by: Megadeth
My best friend and I did that for just over a year... Charged $30 per hour and had decent business... The problem is that you really need to devote some time and energy into it!
When you have lots of hobbies, a day job, College and a girlfriend there isnt that much time left to do all the side jobs... It got really demanding and we both felt taht it wasnt worth it.

Just be prepared for this to cut into any time you need for yourself.

I'm trying to save up for a condo/house right now. I'd love some extra $$$

 

[Saulbadguy]

Originally posted by: Gobadgrs

Originally posted by: Saulbadguy
$20 an hour? You are shortchanging yourself. Charge at least $35-45.

wouldnt they just take their computer to CompUSA or BB for a flat $100 then?

No.

 

[shud]

Dude you could easily make some money offering spyware removals and backup and re-installs of Windows and whatnot. Spyware is a HUGE issue.

 

[chambersc]

Originally posted by: shud
Dude you could easily make some money offering spyware removals and backup and re-installs of Windows and whatnot. Spyware is a HUGE issue.

or remove like 98% of the spyware and that way they keep coming back!

 

[EyeMWing]

Don't. New systems are MUCH more profitable, and people are so used to Dell support sucking nuts that "contact the manufacturer" never crosses their minds unless there's a massive hardware failure, in which case you can just pop it out, pull up the invoice, and RMA it. I made the mistake of offering service... It's been the bane of my existance.

 

[GoingUp]

Originally posted by: EyeMWing
Don't. New systems are MUCH more profitable, and people are so used to Dell support sucking nuts that "contact the manufacturer" never crosses their minds unless there's a massive hardware failure, in which case you can just pop it out, pull up the invoice, and RMA it. I made the mistake of offering service... It's been the bane of my existance.

Explain what you mean please.

Im just talking about removing spyware and viruses, installing upgrades etc.

If they have an additional call, then it will cost them more money.

 

[cjgallen]

Originally posted by: Medicine Bear
Be careful. Once you touch someone's computer you are married to it FOR GOOD. They will call you about every freaking little thing they THINK is a problem.

Yep.

 

[iversonyin]

Originally posted by: Medicine Bear
Be careful. Once you touch someone's computer you are married to it FOR GOOD. They will call you about every freaking little thing they THINK is a problem.

VERY TRUE

 

[rmrf]

Originally posted by: Gobadgrs

Originally posted by: EyeMWing
Don't. New systems are MUCH more profitable, and people are so used to Dell support sucking nuts that "contact the manufacturer" never crosses their minds unless there's a massive hardware failure, in which case you can just pop it out, pull up the invoice, and RMA it. I made the mistake of offering service... It's been the bane of my existance.

Explain what you mean please.

Im just talking about removing spyware and viruses, installing upgrades etc.

If they have an additional call, then it will cost them more money.

That is the worst part of providing support. People WILL take advantage of you, so be prepared to have them call you all the time with every little problem. If you are going to charge them for support calls, make sure they know that up front, and how much it is going to be. They will blame it on you if there computer is running slow after you mess with it.

The thing I hate the most is when people call me in to fix other n00bs mistakes. They just expect that I sit down for an hour and magically fix it, even though the bastage they had "fix" it before took 6 hours and charged $80 an hour.

If you want to get into it, I would start off with hardware upgrades only, and once you start getting the word out, you will be amazed at how many calls you will get. Just in the past year my tax cpa has gotten me 4-5 new clients. CPA's are the best because they work for businesses, and usually set up some sort of financial software on their computers, so when they have a problem he just says "I have this guy....."

Good luck.