You’ll find the steps to start a computer repair business below, followed by a few points to consider.
Steps to Starting a Computer Repair Business
- Researching a Computer Repair Business – See An Inside Look Into the Business You Want To Start.
- Choosing a Location for Your Computer Repair Business For more, see Choosing The Best Location for Your Business.
- Choose a Name for Your Computer Repair Business. See How to Choose a Business Name.
- Legalizing Your Business – See  How to Register your Business.
- Create Your Corporate ID – See A Complete Introduction to Corporate Identity Packages.
- Software Setup
- Get Your Computer Repair Business Insured
- Computer Repair Business Office Setup – See, Here are Considerations for The Setup of Your Office.
- Choosing Suppliers for Your Computer Repair Business – See, How to Choose a Supplier You Can Depend on
- Create an External Support Team – See, Building a Team of Professional Advisors for Your Business
- Hiring Employees – See How and When to Hire a New Employee.
Points to Consider Before Starting
The work you performed can range from replacing hardware, upgrading software, virus cleanup and protection, networking issues, system setup, and more.
Considerations:
There are several things to consider before starting. First, consider whether to start this business inside your home or in a shop. A shop offers more credibility while working from your home, you’ll have fewer monthly costs to cover.
Also, consider whether you plan to make house calls or only work from your shop. In my opinion and especially for a business you will need to work at the customer’s site.
You may decide to specialize in certain programs or operating systems, such as Linux, Windows, Mac OS, etc.
You may want to consider a franchise computer repair company such as Fast-Teks®.
You may want to have a standard waiver in case of loss of data. You can always backup data when there is a danger of losing it, but in case something does happen you’ll be covered.
Skill Set:
- Using a variety of diagnostic tools.
- Cleaning computers.
- Software installation.
- Soldering parts.
- Building custom computers.
- Data backup.
- Staying current with advances in the computer industry.
- Knowledge of both hardware and software.
- Experience working with electrical components.
- Knowledge of different operating systems.
- Ability to diagnose and repair various types of hardware, software, and network issues.
- Strong problem-solving, organizational, analytical, and multi-tasking skills.
- High level of computer literacy.
- Common Business Skills.
Hours of Operation:
General Hours of Operation – Many companies operate within normal hours, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but this can vary, depending on the clients that require 24/7 emergency services.
Employee Considerations
- Computer Technicians
- Sales Personnel
- Common staff positions needed to run some businesses
Licenses:
See our Page On Licenses and Permits
Approximate Minimum Startup Cost:
Entrepreneur Magazine estimates that a startup can range between $2,000 to $10,000. However, if you already have a lot of the equipment and planning to start from home, these expenses may be less.
Equipment:
- Diagnostic tools and testers
- Laptop
- Reliable transportation
- Gloves and grounding tools
- Small precision screwdriver set
- A variety of toolkits including wire strippers, solder guns, etc.
- Digital Voltmeter
- Different types of cables (USB, audio/video, etc.)
- Office Equipment
Monthly Expenses to Consider:
- Certifications/Training
- Wages
- Rent/Mortgage Payment
- Utilities
- Fuel
- Phone
- High-Speed Internet Access
- Common Monthly Business Expenses
Special Requirements:
You may decide to obtain an additional certification for hardware and software (IT)
Pros and Cons:
The Pros:
- Minimal startup investments
- High-profit margins are available
- This business is completely expandable
- Being your own boss
The Cons:
- Customers can be impatient and demanding
- You may be held responsible for lost data
- You may be on call at odd hours
- Intermittent problems can be difficult to diagnose
- You don’t have control over some software problems
- In the future of personal computers, it may become a disposable unit and cheaper to buy a new one than repair.
Type of Customers You Need to Attract:
As technology continues to advance, more and more homes and businesses have computers and networks. Clients can include businesses such as retail stores, law firms, and government agencies, as well as a variety of small businesses, and home computer users.
Revenue:
Entrepreneur Magazine says that the national average for computer service billing is $100 USD. This varies though. For example, the average for Manhattan is $160 USD.