I'd like to open a computer repair business...any tips?

Yes, take out your previous employee permanently.

 

Was is the ROI for computer repair business?

I have heard that strip clubs and paycheck advance places have great ROI.

 

Don't underestimate the importance of having a good IT Department.

 

Initially my advice was. . . DON'T!! LOL
but I would just be joking
You seem you got the chops for business
the biggest issues are cost, price and competition

I do side work and a lot of time it is not really worth it
but I do it to help people more than make a profit
i.e. I might go above and beyond to preserve data and apps
where a GeekSquad is quicked to goto the Format Reinstall route
which results in more hours at a lower profit [or no profit] for me

I think the biggest thing is to standardize your process
and be thorough in your explaination of the customer's expectation
Be consistant

But at the end . . . you still competing with some big boys
You can win . . . though

Rocket River

 

Give your business a real American sounding name such as 'Freedom Eagle 2nd Amendment Computer Repairs'. This will bring in lots of business.

 

Indeed. An EAGLE is also a Mexican symbol... it's in our flag's seal... so... it's a "GANA GANA" situation.

Spoiler

 

^
I guess the snake was not polite enough when it asked to not be tread upon?

 

You are wrong. America invented the Eagle, that's just some cheap knock off.

 

^ That might be true, and I believe that the eagle may have been invented by the NATIVE UNITED STATESIANS, who in turn released the eagle and it flew DEEP DEEP DEEP DOWN (that's what SHE SAID) into Mexico, probably met the ANCESTOR of Steve Irwin, captured a snake (croikey!) and became our SEAL, so says Mexican FOLKLORE... (starts at 38s).

'MURICAn continent, F@#($*& YEAH.

 

Here are some marketing pointers for starting out. I have done marketing for a couple different industries. First, in the mean time, I say start repairing computers and get it going with word of mouth to start. Even if you have to do it very cheap just to prove yourself and get good things said about you. You can even give a referral discount down the road. Next, market yourself like crazy. Facebook. Craigslist. Get some fliers going. Send out postcards to the market you are wanting to get into. Write a blog where you give weekly computer tips or just your opinion on the latest computer technology. You could do the same in email form and send out in the form of email blasts. Just make sure they have something that would make people want to actually open it. Anything to get attention to yourself or let them know why you are a better choice than anyone else. All of these are cheap and easy. Just is usually work that people are too lazy to do and then don't get why they didn't maintain or acquire new business. Next, Develop a business plan or at least Brand yourself. Pick a logo, tagline and everything and keep it consistent. Cannot stress that enough. Too many people ruin their business by changing and making it look like a different business too often. No consistency=high chance of failure. Hope this stuff helps.

 

Serious question.. Isn't the computer repair business contracting with more and more people going for tablets over desktops/laptops. Perhaps you can get into tablet/phone repair as well.

 

You have to be willing to drive to the customers location to work on their computers for their convenience. Also hand out flyers in nice neighborhoods. Rich old people hate working on their computers and are willing to pay for someone to come out and fix it. Dress nice and not threatening..khaki dockers and a polo shirt.

Pick a stupid logo that old people would like -





I did this after college for a few years to get some experience. 75% of calls were for trojan removal. Once you gain their trust you can do some remote access work as well.

 

Honestly I thought about bringing in a couple of Comp Sci friends and doing a comp repair business as well. I am usually the IT guy where I work because I know computers and stuff. Honestly though, the more and more kids coming out of college are getting into the work force, the less and less they'll need an IT guy. Infact my first real job out of college, I took out the IT guy all together (contracted IT guy who had his own business) just because I knew how to map a driver or reconnect a printer etc.

You may still have some time to make it successful, or maybe turn your attention to big companies that use larger servers. I was mainly dealing with 5-10 people offices when I use my IT "expertise". Good luck in your venture, I wish you success!

 

don't overcharge people for parts they don't need like every other computer repair place does