How Can I Start A Successful Computer Repair Service Locally?

I know a lot about computers... From installing components, deeper repair such as soldering, setting up a new operating system, scanning/removing viruses, etc. Just about everything there is to know. Over ten years of knowledge and sadly I don't have my A + certification but I'm right there (still young - I'll get it). I've noticed over the years people leave business cards or flyers around about the "We come to you computer repair." I'm interested in starting a business for myself on the side and hopefully it can go well enough to make it a full time thing.

Does anyone have experience with this?

I'd appreciate any tips on how to run this kind of business, what kind of warranties/guarantees to give, etc. Oh I forgot to mention I also know how to remotely control computers using Team Viewer. Maybe that can be a method of guarantee after service or something. I'm proficient in Photoshop so making extremely professional looking cards and flyers will be a cinch. I just don't want to have any issues with customers, and of course it would likely be a cash thing to start. Wondering if I would have to give receipts or not. Or just shake hands and go... However I can print up nice receipt pages and such. I know there are a lot of people who don't know where to go and probably feel better having their computers looked at home. Problem is it could take a while. In that case I may need to take the computer overnight and such. But will a random person be willing to let me do that without an actual business location (just a residential address)?

It could be awkward sitting in someones home for hours with them likely even getting strange with me. I don't know... Not sure I've never done it. But I would dress professionally with dress pants and a dress shirt when arriving. And maybe even print a company name on the chest pocket. I want it to seem as professional as possible without going to work for Best Buy Geek Squad or anything like that. Offering much cheaper service.

Not sure if this seems like a dead end dream.


Thanks

 

I would not do business with anyone who will not provide a receipt. It's unprofessional. I would go as far as to recommend issuing a receipt for any hardware you take, signed by both parties, to eliminate any confusion.

 

Invoice's are a better idea.

I use them all the time.Either on ebay or fixing computers.This way you have a detail copy of what you did to the current system you are working on.

Go out and get get little flags or signs that post your business name and number.And be professional about every detail.Even if they don't ask for some thing like air cleaning the computer do it for free.Or run virus scans for a small price.

Some stuff goes a long way.

Edit: And would recommend on using a separate phone for your business.Dont let them have your personal one unless you know them personally.

 

https://www.usa.gov/business
https://www.usa.gov/start-business
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/10-steps-start-your-business/
At one time we did business on a handshake, and that was adequate. Those days are gone. Business cards are a good idea. Consulting an attorney and an accountant might also be a good idea. While taxes are a necessary evil they can also work to your advantage. Get help from family if they are willing, but don't push it. If you do quality work at a reasonable price word of mouth will be your best advertisement. People will be more than happy to bring their equipment to you at home, or anywhere else for that matter. If you must do house calls get compensated up front for it. Don't quit your day job until business is steady and you are confident you are ready.

 

I have had several businesses and currently am a consultant IT Admin to a National Company.
The best piece of advice I can give you after you have already been seeing an accountant and a solicitor to layout your terms of service and warranty and payment terms, is to make sure you have public liability insurance. Imagine you are working at someone's home and you have been using your soldering iron and it is sitting on its stand when their toddler races in and grabs the soldering iron and burns his/her face. If the parents are litigious then you could be paying out big compensation or at the least legal fees. Another common one is you fix a computer for a business and it fails again shortly after (maybe for another reason) and they want you to compensate them for their lost earnings. Insurance fixes these problems as long as they don't happen too often.
Business cards are a must
Make sure you have an address on your business card, when people give me a business card with only a mobile number on it I give it back to them and tell them I can't do business with someone who could be anonymous.
A nice letterhead on your invoices looks professional
Neat clean clothes and some sort of company ID is good.
Hard work and knowing most businesses go broke in the first 18 months so make sure you don't rack up to much debt until you have a solid regular cashflow.
Good luck

 

All good advice provided with these Posts. If American, then definitely look to Post #4 of Bugbalou in particular to website he posted:
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/10-steps-start-your-business/




If you're Australian, the equivalent type of website for you to refer to for starters is this one to get an understanding of what's required:
https://abr.business.gov.au/FAQ/Names

Then look to this one to get organised:
http://asic.gov.au/

Personally, before I hire anyone, I always go to ASIC to check out their business background and if there were any dramas (e.g. de-registered for any reason). While looking professional helps, being professional, ethical and maintaining integrity in business is what really counts for repeat business and a good reputation. Bugallou mentioned "word of mouth" - this can be the best type of advertising if doing a good job, and your downfall if failing in your professional duties.

Whatever you do, do it right the first time to avoid legal dramas further down the track.

Good luck

Cheers
LS

 

Bear in mind also that the desktop PC is all but dead now........over 75% of accessed domains now occur from a smart device such as a phone or tablet.
If your proficient with laptops. and are good at screen replacement / data recovery from smart devices, you will do ok!
I use 'point of sale' software SQUARE for pro looking invoices along with there contactless device for card tapping in payments!
You can connect square to your business bank accounts as well as any accounting software you utilize online ie. quickbooks, zero etc

Cheers

 

Information Security is all the rage today!
Big data is the new business currency......securing whole networks, servers/clients, mobile devices and protecting data in the cloud pays big $$.
Being proficient in penetration testing and other forms of ethical hacking maybe a sideline you could consider, depending on your skill levels.
Offensive Security are a leader in online training for Data protection & more!

 

I don't like using stuff like Cloud back up.Be cause in it self is a security risk.

I keep all my private data on a secondary or third on a hard drive big hard drives. One Tb of hard drive space for back up should be more than enough for one computer.

 

Your right wile, for most home networks this is adequate although even some system image backups (everyone should have one), can be quite large these days.....I keep a 2tb external for system image backups only!
It all depends on your goals for the data you keep.
if your a business with multiple users needing access from multiple locations, on multiple devices.....the cloud is your friend but as you stated, with the benefits and advantages of this, come the pitfalls also.