How To Start A Computer Repair Business

Computer Repair Business Background Info:

Owning a computer repair business gives you the opportunity to work in many different businesses. These businesses include hospitals, stores, schools, law firms and even homes.

The work performed at these sites can range from replacing hardware, upgrading software, virus cleanup and protection, networking issues and much more.

Computer Repair Business Consideration

There are several things to consider before starting. First, consider whether to start this business inside your home or in a shop. The benefits to starting inside your home are low overhead and no rent.

However, some cities do not allow businesses to operate from the home. Also, consider whether you plan to make house calls or only work from your shop.

You may decide to specialize in certain programs or operating systems, such as Linux or Windows. Finally, there are also franchise computer repair companies such as Fast-Teks® available.

Tasks And Skills Needed:

Business Specific Tasks:

Whether you do all the work yourself, hire, or subcontract, here's a list of tasks that need to be attended when operating your business:

Marketing, advertising, networking, sales

People Skills: Employees, Customers, Vendors, etc.

Staying current with business matters such as licenses, insurance, and permits

Website maintenance and marketing

Money management

Accounting

Invoicing

Industry Specific Tasks:

Use a variety of diagnostic tools

Cleaning of computers

Software installation

Ordering of components

Creating and submitting bids

Scheduling of repairs

Pickup and drop-off of computers

Soldering parts

Build custom computers

Work with parts suppliers

Data backup

Staying current with advances in computers

Approximate Daily Hours Needed:

Image of a disabled computer

General Hours of Operation: - Many companies operate within normal business hours, 9 am to 5 pm, but this can vary.

Hours Needed to Prepare - Plan to spend about an hour to load equipment or get ready to open your shop. At the end of the day, plan on closer to two hours to clean equipment and finish paper work.

Employees Needed To Run This Business:

During the start up phase, you can run this business single-handedly. Once Your Business is up and running successfully, you may need to hire the following:

On-site repair people

Off-site repair people

Receptionist/Office assistant

Skill Requirements for This Business:

Ability to repair a variety of computer types

Knowledge of both hardware and software

Experience working with electrical components

Knowledge of different operating systems

Computer programming

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

High level of patience and working with detail and small parts

Licenses:

You will need a business license, Federal Employee Identification Number (EIN), insurance and possibly incorporation paperwork such as an LLC.

Approximate Minimum Start up Cost:

Entrepreneur Magazine estimates that startup costs for a computer repair business can range between $2000 USD and 10,000 USD. However, if you already have an updated computer and laptop, and basic equipment these expense maybe less.

Necessary Equipment To Run This Business:

Necessary Start-Up Equipment & Supplies:

Diagnostic tools and testers

Laptop computer

Briefcase or carrying case

Cell phone

Reliable transportation

Gloves and tools (grounding)

Small precision screwdriver set

Hand tools (wire strippers, solder gun, etc.)

Different types of cables (USB, audio/video, etc.)

Dust removers for equipment

Supplementary Equipment: - Equipment or helpful products that you can acquire to once your business is off and running:

Workbenches

Additional lighting

External hard drives for transferring data

Dispatch units and service

Vans

Fans for proper circulation and ventilation

Temperature control (a/c) for equipment and work environment

Servers for networking

Monthly Expenses To Consider:

Utilities
Rent/ Lease
Wages
Vehicle Expenses (fuel, insurance, etc.)
Supplies (new cables, hard drives, etc.)
Certifications
Advertising/Marketing

Special Requirements For This Business:

You may decide to obtain additional certification hardware and software (IT)

Pros And Cons:

The Pros of Running a Computer Repair Business:

Minimal startup investments

Large need for this service

High profit margins are available

This business is completely expandable

The Cons of Running a Computer Repair Business:

Customers can be impatient and demanding

You may be held responsible for lost data

You may be on call at odd hours

Type of Customers You Need to Attract:

As technology continues to advanced more and more homes and business have computers and networks. Clients can include businesses such as hospitals, retail stores, law firms, as well as government agencies and home computers.

Computer Repair Business Statistics:

Surprisingly high percentages (89%) of U.S. households have a computer.

Revenue:

Entrepreneur Magazine also says that the national average for computer service billing is $100 USD. This varies though, for example, the average for Manhattan is $160 USD.

Woman Typing

Resources:

Industry-Specific Websites:

Technibble

PC Mech

Courses:

Comptia

Training Camp

Be Your Own IT

Equipment and Supplies:

Directron.com

Outletpc.com

Bass Computers

Forums:

CNET

IT World

Franchises:

FastTechs

Lucky Gorilla

Concerto Networks

Associations:

Association of Computer Repair Business Owners

Other:

Computer Repair Business Plan

Ask Dave Taylor

Related Businesses:

Electrician
Software design and/or computer programming
Information Technology (IT) instruction/teaching
Computer hardware/software sales