Has anyone started a PC Repair business?

Question

Hi I am considering starting a PC Repair business and was wondering if anyone has any pointers on this subject. I am not formally trained but can fix just about any problem i have come across. I have been doing repairs on friends and family's systems for years. So i think iam ready to take the plunge but would like some info on what to expect?
Any help on this would be great thanks in advance

Answer 1

You didn't indicate your age or if you already have a full time or part time job and are planning to start this business to supplement your income or it's just a hobby you may be able to make some extra cash with. If it's the latter, then you should be fine. If this will be your main income as a business, then it will be harder due to all the competition out there. I have a friend who would fit your same description. No formal training, but able to get most jobs done. He gets very few jobs any more because it seems as though everyone knows someone who "is good at fixing computer problems", just as you do for your family members. Most people can't afford to pay someone $35 to $50 per hour bench time plus parts to fix their computer. There are so many tutorials on the internet that you can find the necessary repair steps and usually a video showing how to accomplish the repair step by step. When the cost of repairing a computer that's 4 or 5 years old gets to be several hundred dollars, most folks will just get a new computer and go on. My friend always had problems with people wanting their computer fixed "yesterday". He couldn't afford to stock too many parts, and had to order everything from a supplier. Of course that always takes 5 to 7 days at least, and then you have to complete the repair ASAP and get the computer back to the customer. There were times when he had two computers at once to repair, and other times when he went a few months without seeing a computer to repair. He tried charging a flat rate for fixing a computer plus the parts, and found that a two hour job could easily turn into a four hour job. When you're charging the customer a flat $40 to fix their computer problem, you are working for $10 per hour or less. If you get that work once or twice per month, that won't pay the bills. Is it possible that you could get a job helping out in a local computer repair business? You could gain some experience both on operating your own business, plus additional training on other areas of computer repair. I wish you luck with your business venture! I hope you can make it a success!

Answer 2

I assume you're not taking the big leap into running a shop - that would be foolish with too many overheads and running costs to consider. A business you run from home, where you visit the customers is a safer bet, then you just have advertising costs to cover.



Fixing a few friends and family PC's is not a great deal of experience and it may be wise to test yourself in a more pressured situation first. I suggest you volunteer your services for free at a local PC shop, say on a Saturday to see if you've really got what it takes first.



It would be wise to acquaint yourself with Linux live CD's too - and not just the over hyped Ubuntu, because it's an ideal way of testing the hardware is OK, a good means of getting files off a PC with a corrupt Windows installation and a guaranteed connection to the internet when you can't on a Windows PC because it's missing network card drivers



90% of my work (and most technicians I would guess) is removing viruses, so make sure you're familiar with the common removal tools, and how to check it's really clean afterwards

Answer 3

yes - my son does.



He started out when he was 22 and still lived at home, so that kept his costs down

After a year he opened up a small shop in Paisley (Scotland) to take in repairs and also to act as a workshop

He also sells reconditioned towers, laptops, cables,filters and various accessories

He buys job lots from Ebay, repairs and upgrades them and sells them on



He doesn't sell new p.c.'s as that would cost a lot and there's too much competition in that market.

He has various large contracts now for repairs, web design and updates

He does domestic and Businesses and makes a good living



He isn't formally qualified either also he did some college courses, but learned the rest by online tutorials and sheer hard work. He's 27 now .



Don't know if I'm allowed to give his website on here, but I will anyway as it helps to answer your question

Answer 4

I would suggest taking a few courses. Get A+ certified as a good starting point, just because people are more apt to do business with someone who have some technical certifications. I have done the same thing, working on and repairing friend's and family's computers. You may want to run a small ad in your local newspaper, craig's list. If you have friend's that go to college, ask them to post a small ad or note on campus bulletin boards. The more exposure you can get, the more business you will have the potential of doing. Good Luck!

Answer 5

you will definatly need to do a course. I know alot about computers, i build them, fix them ect. But if your out on a job you will come across a wide range of problems that you would not normaly get from an average home pc. Due to hardwear specific softwear. Also businesses will use systems that you will need training to fix as its all in networking ect which at home with a couple of computers is easy, but in the real world isnt.



Iv researched on this subject hoping to do the same. There are alot of trained people out there doing the same thing and struggling to find work. You would be better off finding a job within a company who can also train you. And once you have the experience you will know better if you realy want to do it.

Answer 6

indexed right here are some solid handbook lines. first and premiere, have an incredible merchandising provider. Use unsolicited mail, pamphlet drops, telemarketing or information superhighway merchandising, you may come again up with a merchandising mixture that works for you. Secondly, have a cushty workspace. Have a sparkling, committed workspace with room for a restore section, for kit, and unquestionably obtainable cabinets. the section would not could be too massive to commence out with, even even though it may well be waiting to handle a minimum of two tower desktops and video exhibit gadgets. additionally, a right away front to the section is an incredible initiative, distinctly in case you have drop-offs or in case you're using human beings to artwork with you. Thirdly, comprehend who you're purchasers are. once you're seeking to sell and repair desktops interior your community community and stay a one-guy or woman operation, residential shoppers would healthful you terrific. ultimately, Have a nicely employed artwork rigidity. Have human beings doing the expenses, invoices, engaged on the front door of your save till you have your restore company at your place. Have human beings to deliver the repaired computing device or to %. them up. i'm hoping I helped you and solid luck commencing your guy or woman company demands an incredible variety of dedication, means, and artwork.

Answer 7

Most independent PC repair businesses also sell PCs. It allows you to make more money.