How to start a computer repair business
Starting any business requires much thought and research to have the best chance of success and a computer repair business is no exception. Below are some points that need to be considered before starting a computer repair business.
Before opening a computer repair business, you must be a capable computer technician. For information about being a technician, see: How to become a computer technician.
Advertising
How do you plan to let people in your community know your business is opening and ready to serve them? There are many different methods for advertising a business, including Internet, newspaper, television, radio, flyers, and word-of-mouth. Your advertising budget can play a big part in the decision process, and possible success rates.
If you are looking for lower cost methods, the top choices are the Internet, newspaper, and flyers. Word-of-mouth could also fall into this category, but it can take a bit more work to make it work for you. The Internet alone can offer many options, including banner ads, search engine ratings, and Craigslist (or similar sites) are some possibilities. E-mail marketing can also be a valuable asset if the right market is targeted. Off the Internet, flyers can be handed out, set out in various locations for people to take, or mailed to their home.
If your advertising budget is beefier, you could explore radio and television ads. These can prove to be very powerful and help bolster your business' success.
Insurance
Due to the nature of a computer repair business, get insurance to cover any issues that could arise. While issues are never planned, they can occur, and it is a good idea to be covered. Your business deals with other people's property and they are entrusting their property into your care. Check with insurance companies that provide insurance for businesses and determine what fits your needs.
Inventory
If you are planning to have a storefront, get an inventory of computers available for sale and computer components. Customers are looking for fast service, and you need parts on hand to give that fast service.
The parts you may want to have available include all popular types of memory (RAM), hard drives, video cards, and computer processors. These are only a few examples of parts, the more parts you have, the less likely a customer has to wait. Having extra cables and screws can also come in handy.
If you are low on funds, an alternative solution is to visit local computer retail stores for parts as needed.
Location
The first thing to consider here is whether you want to have a storefront or work out of your home. Having a storefront means your business is out there for everyone to see, to visit, and the potential for income can be pretty high. However, a storefront also comes greater responsibility and risk.
Working from your home offers a more flexible schedule, less overhead (minimal inventory), and more control over what business comes your way. However, it may also come with a lower income potential and more difficulty in getting customers and business to come your way.
If you choose a storefront, physical location is going to be key. You want a place with easy access, in an area with a large enough customer base to attract, and preferably in a town with little or no competition. These three factors can make or break your business and should be considered with care.
Pricing
What prices are you planning to charge for your repair services? You want to charge prices that are both affordable for your customers but are also enough to keep your business afloat.
If there are other computer repair businesses in the area, check into what prices they charge. Doing some research on this front helps you price your services competitively and possibly take business away from your competition.
Discounts, possibly in the form of coupons or a percentage upon purchase is a great idea. Offering a special deal for the first time customers is a great way to get your business name out there and bring in new customers.
Considering these five primary points can significantly improve your chances of getting a computer repair business off the ground and on the road to being successful. The most important thing to remember, however, is the quality of service you provide. In this day and age, excellent customer service can be the difference between a business thriving and a business failing. Make it a priority to take good care of your customers, providing the best service you possibly can. Become friends with your customers in the way you act and treat them. It can go a long way towards building your business and earning repeat and referral business.