Want to know how to start a computer repair business? All small businesses use computers and depend on them to work consistently, predictably and dependably. However, it is not cost effective for most small businesses to have their own in-house IT department. Still, they need someone like a computer repair business to help keep their IT assets up and running, so they can stay competitive in the marketplace.
No matter what your business experience or level of technological expertise, you can start your own computer repair business. Those that love computers, technology and working with people find that running their own business is incredibly fulfilling and can bring them substantial revenue. All it takes is following some logical, plotted steps and planning very carefully how to start a computer repair business.
Personal and business computers have become commonplace. Knowledge of how to repair computers when things go wrong with them, however, is not as widespread. Starting a computer repair business allows you to make a living while providing a valuable service to businesses and private clients who cannot repair their PC problems on their own. Certification is not explicitly required to start a computer repair business, but it grants you credibility that can be difficult to attain otherwise.
The following 13 tips can help you figure out how to start a computer repair business:
Step 1
Determine the Characteristics of Your Ideal Clients. Before you start your own computer repair business, you need to figure out who you want to serve. Know who your ideal clients are and which characteristics they share. How large are their businesses? Which major business problems do they face? As you start to fine-tune your idea of the ideal computer repair business client also think about whether you are serving a niche and what your specialty is. Are your clients all in a specific industry or do they naturally all use the same specific software or hardware? Having a niche and a specialty can really help you with marketing and sales. You will position yourself to offer solutions that no other technology professionals in your area are offering and thus be even more indispensable to your clients.
Step 2
Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses. As you figure out how to start a computer repair business, you need to know your own strengths and weaknesses. You might have a very strong technical background but are not very business savvy. In order to succeed, you need to have a good balance of business, technical and also strong social skills, so you can best respond to the needs of your clients and build long-term relationships with them. Make sure you take the time to go outside your comfort zone and work on honing skills that come less readily to you than others.
Step 3
Set Your Rates Right from the Beginning. When you run your own computer repair business, time is money. You cant afford to set your rates too low in the beginning. Not only will you have to work incredibly hard just to make ends meet, but you will also have a hard time raising rates substantially once you've already started your business, without losing clients and compromising relationships and your reputation. To make sure you start your business using competitive rates, identify your local competitors and research what they are charging their clients and how their services compare to yours.
Step 4
Be Patient and Let Your Business Evolve Over Time. You cant expect to instantly get a full roster of clients and steady revenue for your business. When you are starting your computer repair business, you should expect it to take a while to get off the ground sometimes as much as 6 months or even a year. Why? A successful computer repair business is built on strong client relationships and relationships take time to evolve. You need to get prospects for your business that know, like and trust you in order for them to turn into steady, high-paying, long-term clients. Be patient and follow clear steps when qualifying clients and forging connections through marketing and networking events. And take each client carefully through the sales cycle. If you are diligent with your efforts, they will pay off in time.
Step 5
Remember that Marketing is Key. When you are just figuring out how to start a computer repair business, you're going to be wearing a lot of different hats. You will probably have to do the marketing, sales, administrative and all other tasks by yourself in the beginning. Establishing a well-crafted, diversified marketing plan that incorporates a lot of different targeted activities is the only way to build your business and make sure your sales funnel is fed. So this way, you can attract new clients on a regular basis and still have time to manage other elements of your business.
Step 6
Consider the repair services that you plan to provide. Decide whether you will offer general hardware repair and upgrade services, virus removal, data recovery, and other services. You should also consider the operating systems that you will be working with, as there are considerable differences between repairs on a computer running Windows XP or Windows 7 and computers running a Linux distribution or a version of Mac OS X.
Step 7
Take classes or other courses to prepare for certification tests in the areas you will specialize in. Examples of these certifications include the CompTIA A+ certification for computer hardware, Microsoft Certified Professional certification for working with Microsoft operating systems and programs and Certified Data Recovery Professional certification for data recovery work.
Step 8
Choose the type of customers that you would prefer to work with. Some computer repair businesses focus on helping business clients to manage their computers, while others are more focused on residential customers. Knowing your target customers beforehand will help you to target your advertising toward those customers.
Step 9
Research your competition to see how many other computer repair businesses target the same customer base in your area. Find out their rates, the services that they provide and the certifications that their technicians hold. Determine the rate that you will work for, making sure that it is competitive and reasonable for someone with your skill level and certifications.
Step 10
Apply for a business license and file a fictitious name or doing business as registration to allow you to work under the name of your business instead of your own name. Purchase a liability insurance policy to protect yourself from lawsuits in case a customer's computer is damaged while in your care.
Step 11
Advertise your business. Create a website with information on your services, rates, and certifications. Create fliers and take out ads in local newspapers and magazines. Offer discounts for first visits to encourage potential customers to come to you with their computer problems instead of your competition.
Step 12
Create a spreadsheet or database with customer information so that you can easily reference the past computer problems of repeat customers to try to find an underlying cause. Make notes about your customers so that you can more easily remember them if they return.
Step 13
Keep track of all of your income and expenses for tax purposes. File tax payments monthly or quarterly to avoid Internal Revenue Service fines for underpayment.
Things You Need:
- Rent and Utilities
- Stock Tools
- Business Cards
- Office Items
- Web Hosting
- Business Forms
- Reserve Funds
Tip
- Computer owners may worry about turning over their computers to individuals that they may not know given the personal information that is often stored on computers. Creating a privacy policy and informing customers of it may help to put their minds at ease.
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