Repairing computers for fun and profit
Computers have become ubiquitous in our society. Businesses rely on them heavily and individuals have enthusiastically adopted this modern convenience for home use. And even with prices falling steadily year after year, these machines are still too costly to simply discard and replace when something goes wrong. Computer repair remains an essential need to businesses and individuals alike.
Skills
A good understanding of computer components and how they work together is essential. The more hands-on experience you have, the better. If you have been an enthusiastic computer "tinkerer" for some time, you probably already have a good understanding of the basics of computer repair. Computer repair is also taught at numerous colleges and trade schools across the country. Troubleshooting skills are especially valuable. Research skills are also important. When you come up against a problem you can't solve, you must know where to go to find solutions. Fortunately, resources for this kind of information are readily available, especially on the Internet. Computer manufacturers' websites and computer enthusiasts' online forums can be especially rich sources of solutions.
Tools
Having the proper tools for computer repair work is essential, and having them organized and easily accessible will make your working life a lot easier. For repair visits to a customer's site, a carrying case with the tools you most often use is a necessity.
Workspace
You will need sufficient workspace to comfortably accommodate several computers, in various states of dis-assembly, at one time. Adequate storage space for tools and spare parts is also important. Office space, even if only a desk, telephone and file cabinet in a corner, is essential for the unavoidable paperwork that your business will require.
Suppliers
You will need sources for the replacement parts you will use in repairing your customer's machines. Buying these parts through regular consumer channels, at regular retail prices, will impact your profits and affect your ability to compete with other repair services on price. Look to computer parts wholesalers and to the parts manufacturers themselves to find the best bargains.
Licenses and Permits
Whether you need any business licenses or permits will depend on your individual location. Start at your local city hall. Municipal staff will either clearly explain the requirements to you or direct you to someone who can.
Accounting
You must keep adequate records of your business operations, not only for tax purposes, but because it will be virtually impossible to profitably run your business without them. If you have a fairly good knowledge of basic accounting concepts and like to do things yourself, computerized accounting software will probably be sufficient. Or, you may prefer to hire an accountant to handle your accounting tasks for you.
Customers
Without customers, you have no business. Hopefully, when you start your computer repair business, you'll already have several friends and acquaintances for whom you have performed repairs in the past. These people will be your first potential customers. Gathering more customers, and retaining those you have, will be a never-ending part of your business. Have professional-quality business cards printed up, and don't be shy about handing them out. Participate in local computer user groups and other relevant organizations to become known to your potential customers. "Word of mouth" is the best advertising of all. Every satisfied customer is worth his weight in gold in spreading the word about your repair services. Your primary job at all times is to keep the customer happy.
Tags: your business, already have, also important, computer repair, good understanding
