Starting A Computer Repair Business

Share |

What Is Involved In Running A Computer Repair Business?

The owner of a computer repair business spends the majority of his or her day in front of someone else's computer. They manage a wide variety of computer problems.

There is rarely an average day for the owner of a computer repair business.

Not only does he or she have to deal with computers all day long, they also have to connect with the general public, assisting with user issues. Some time is also spent planning new systems, installing new equipment or software and creating new procedures.

Special Requirements:

Some computer repair technicians have specialties such as network security, hardware or other specific computer jobs that take up the majority of the day.

Equipment Necessary To Run A Computer Repair Business:

Diagnostic tools and testers
Laptop computer
Briefcase or carrying case
Cell phone
Reliable transportation

The Cons Of Running A Computer Repair Business:

Some clients will hover over you as you work
If you offer residential services, you may have to deal with working around pets and children.

The Pros Of Running A Computer Repair Business:

Image of a disabled computer

The more services you offer the more money you can earn, such as printer repair, fax repair, etc.
An easy way to earn money if you have the necessary skills
Computer repair is a service that is currently in high demand
Low startup cost
Equipment and mileage is tax deductible
Low advertising costs
Clients typically leave you to do your work in peace
Solitary work with significant income potential

Skills Necessary To Run A Computer Repair Business:

Ability to diagnose and repair various types of computer hardware and software as well as fixing network issues
Strong problem-solving, organizational, analytical and multi-tasking skills
The ability to interact with clients in a positive and professional manner
High level of computer literacy
Proficiency in operating systems, software applications, office productivity applications, etc.
Self-motivation

Licenses Necessary For Running A Computer Repair Business:

You will need a business license. If you include the sale of parts and products, you will need a sales tax license. If you plan to purchase and resell products, you may need a reseller's permit or license. Check with local municipalities in your state for specific requirements in your area.

Associations:

National Association of Computer Repair Business Owners

Computing Technology Industry Association

Employees & Job Requirements:

As your company expands, you may wish to hire individuals to help troubleshoot, diagnose and repair computer problems. You may also want o hire an assistant or bookkeeper to help with answer the phone, scheduling service calls and other important administrative duties.

Approximate Minimum Start Up Cost

A small computer repair business run out of your home should cost you somewhere in the neighborhood of $2,000 to $10,000. A larger business with a separate office building and employees will cost more like $10,000 to $50,000 to get things started in the right direction.

12 Steps to starting A Computer Repair Business

Before You consider a Computer Repair Business, see 16 Questions to Consider Before Starting a Business
1. Ensure A Computer Repair Business is for You!

You have a choice as to what business you're going to start, so start one that's right for you. Getting into the right business can dramatically increase your success. Get into the wrong business and your success rate drops. Read Five Secrets to Getting into the Right Business for more information.

2. Understand How A Computer Repair Business Operates

How can you run a Computer Repair Business if you don't know much about the business? What if you run into an issue that you can't or won't deal with? Then what? You're in a business that you hate working in and that's a problem. See Understand How a Business Operates for more information.

3. Make Sure there is a Profitable Market for Your Business

What's the use of starting a Computer Repair Business that is not profitable? You'll be putting all your effort in something that can't support itself or you. There are a variety of issues when it comes to setting the stage for profitability. See Tips for Identifying a Profitable Market.

4. Create a Business Plan For Your Computer Repair Business

A business plan is a must for any size business because it helps you stay focused, see the big picture, and get funding. It's something that you create when you start your business and then update as your Computer Repair Business evolves. Read our free online guide on How to Write a Business Plan

5. Set up your Business Team

Setting up your team includes finding the right employees and professionals that will help you run your Computer Repair Business.

You don't need to employ everyone you work with, but you will need a team of people you can depend on, which could consist of a lawyer, accountant, banker, and consultant, as well as professionals in your industry. See Creating a Business Team for more on this subject.

6. Get a Small Business Loan if You Don't Have the Money to Start

If you don't have the money to get started, then you'll need the necessary financing or you won't have the opportunity to start your Computer Repair Business. This can be done as a small business loan, a personal loan, or other small business financing options.

For more on financing your Computer Repair Business see our guide on Financing Your Small Business

7. Legalize Your Computer Repair Business

In order to run your Computer Repair Business legally you'll need to abide by government rules and regulations on the state and local level.

You'll need to do your research, determine what type of business (sole proprietorship, corporation LLC, etc.) to register, create and register your business name, and register your Computer Repair Business with state and local authorities.

To go through the business registration process, see Chapter 6: Making Your Business Legitimate, starting with 6 Easy Steps to a Good Business Name.

8. Get Equipment for Your Computer Repair Business

In order to run your Computer Repair Business successfully and efficiently you'll need to acquire the right type of equipment. How can you run an online business without a computer? You can't! This is an important issue. See Acquiring Equipment for more on this topic.

9. Insure Your Computer Repair Business

Make sure you have the proper insurance for your Computer Repair Business. Without the right coverage you could lose everything you've worked for. For tips on insuring your Computer Repair Business, see our free online guide: Insuring Your Small Business.

10. Prepare To Accept Money

You'll need a way to accept money, you can't depend just on cash or checks. You'll need to accept plastic: Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. To do that you'll need to apply for a merchant account. See Setting Up a Merchant Account for more on this topic.

11. Set up Your Accounting System

Running a Computer Repair Business requires you to collect taxes, and report your earnings. So it's best to set up an accounting system in before you start your Computer Repair Business. See Setting Up Your Accounting System for more on this topic.

12. Acquire Customers for your Computer Repair Business

In order to exist, every business needs customers. Getting customers is one thing you'll need to be good at. If you can master the tasks of getting customers, it's just like turning on a cash machine almost any time you want. See Acquiring Customers for more on this topic

See Also: Our Free Online Guide to Starting A Business

Computer Repair Business Issues's:

Estimating Startup Costs - Find out if you're forgetting something

Business Location - Choosing A suitable one For Your Computer Repair Business

Build or Buy A Business? - Buying an existing Computer Repair Business

Computer Repair Business Research:

Here are some popular terms people are looking for online. These may help you during your research.

computer repair business
starting a computer repair business
business computer repair services
computer repair business plan
start a computer repair business
home computer repair business
start computer repair business
starting computer repair business
starting a computer repair business
computer repair service

Business Builders For Your Computer Repair Business:

Business cards for Your Computer Repair Business

Business Plan for Your Computer Repair Business

Business Insurance for Your Computer Repair Business

Small Business Loans: Finance Your Computer Repair Business

More Business Ideas:

Share |