How Do I Start My Own Computer Repair Business?
- Computers are used by all kinds of businesses.
- Like everything else, they also wear out over time.
- And this is where the need to consult a computer repair business comes into the picture.
- Those having a knack for fixing electronics not only help keep IT assets up and functioning, but also generate decent revenue.
- No matter what your educational experience or skill set is, starting a computer repair business is pretty simple.
- However, stepping into the business without a plan is something you should resist away from.
- The more time you spend planning and marketing your business, the more likely your business is to succeed.
- The following are some doable tips that should be kept in mind before starting a computer repair business.
Decide Your Ideal Clients
- Before starting, determine your ideal clients- whom do you want to serve?
- Which characteristics do they share?
- What is the scale of their business? What problems do they encounter?
- Once you are clear on your ideal computer repair business client, think about your specialty or niche.
- Pick industries that your client is into.
- Having a niche can help you stand out in terms of marketing your computer business.
- Stand out and showcase to people that you’re different and no other pc repair shop near me is offering what you are.
- Make it indispensable for your clients.
Build Up Your Savings
- Don’t be in a rush.
- Starting a business is wonderful, but it takes time to hustle, plan, and collect savings.
- Once you have decided you want to summon yourself, the foremost step should be to build up your savings.
- It’s vital to set up a financial mask in case there is not much billable work to cover your expenses or salary.
- Savings can help your business stay in the works during those initial months.
- Another way is to stockpile liquid funds to manage your income for the first few months of quitting your full-time job.
Decide Your Rates In The Beginning
- When you operate your brand, time is money.
- You can’t afford to set low rates at the start.
- Else you’ll have to work incredibly hard to make ends meet.
- Additionally, you’ll also have a tough time improving your rates at once, when you’ve already started.
- This further may lead to damaging your reputation and relationships in the market.
- So, it’s good to set your rates in the beginning.
- Identify your competitors (local ones), research their methodologies- what they’re charging, how are they performing, service delivery, and so on.
Craft A Business Plan
- An effective and well-designed business plan is the bedrock of any successful firm.
- It enables you to structure and envision the business in a way so that it performs as expected during the later stages.
- Some of the queries your computer company should address are:
- The services you deliver, including server maintenance, fixes, sales, etc.
- Your target audience which includes individual owners, businesses, or maybe both.
- The structure of your business-like LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.
- Working space (client site, retail shop, or co-working space)
- The way you’re financing your business.
- Competitive landscape.
- Budget and income for the initial years.
- The marketing strategy.
- Plan on hiring employees. If so, when?
Once your business plan is in place, you’ll be on your way to approach lenders for funds.
Funding Your Business
- In addition to building up a nest egg, seeking out additional funds can help you get your business kick-off.
- For the same, you can either consider a loan through small business administration or investors, like, venture capitalists, angel investors, etc.
- The last one is borrowing money from friends or family.
- Micro-lending institutions make it easier to get business loans approved.
- Therefore, it is one of the safest options to get loans at typically lower interest rates.
- With bank loans, the interest may be higher.
- Initially, you must focus on balance to minimise the amount of funds you’re borrowing.
- Your ideal step should be to focus on building the business, not repaying debts.
Decide On Your Working Space
- Just like any other business, a computer business also comes with a certain amount of flexibility in terms of management, marketing, and the working environment.
- As a computer repair business, you have the option to either operate from home or out of a retail store.
- While there are upsides and downsides attached to each of them, you may choose the best fit based on your business needs.
- When you’re at home, you are saved from the overhead expenses, your commute is non-existent, and most importantly you will have flexibility on the number of hours you work.
- On the flip side, you may lack attention, your family members may compete for your time during your work hours.
- While in the store, you can draw brand visibility to your business.
- The major drawback is the additional expense.
- Not only will you pay to rent a space but also for additional expenses like electricity, utilities and so on.
- On renting a space, you’ll also have to submit liability insurance to your landlord.
- On-site support eliminates the need to pay additional expenses like that of a storefront.
- It also creates a balance between your personal and professional life.
- However, the worst part is that you will have to keep track of your client schedule.
- There could be events when you are asked to work late hours at your client’s place.
- And since you will be driving to their place, you’ll have to invest in commercial auto insurance.
- Irrespective of the options you choose, risks are bound to occur.
- Therefore, it is advisable to invest in small business insurance to safeguard your computer repair business against all the risks.
Keep Your Rates Apt
- At the start, you may offer your services at a much lower price, but this can backfire later.
- You will have to struggle for increasing the rates later on.
- Also, there are some chances of attracting clients who are more interested in your rates than the service.
- So, never try this strategy for enticing new customers.
- Before proceeding, research the rates at which your competitors are serving.
- Do a google search typing in “pc repair shop near me” and make sure you collect in-depth information about their pricing structure.
- Then, charge your clients.
- Don’t forget to value your time, expenses, commitment, and efforts before quoting the full price.
Never Ignore The Marketing Part
- In addition to seeking help from friends, family, you also require a full-fledged marketing plan that can help create more clients for your business.
- The priority should be focusing on digital marketing.
- Get a website designed for your business.
- Ensure that it is mobile-compatible and completely optimised.
- Email marketing is another enticing option to go for.
- You can also try promoted ads on social media.
- Make marketing a regular habit.
- Take some time out to touch base with existing and potential clients.
- Create a buzz on social media.
- Let people know you exist.
Ending Thoughts!
- Considering the aforesaid factors, you can significantly enhance your chances of being successful as a computer repair business.
- The most important factor to consider is the quality of service you deliver.
- In today’s digital age, customer service plays an important role in deciding the success or failure of a business.
- Thus, as a start-up, you should always focus on delivering superior customer service.
- Empathise with your customers.
- Bond with them and let it reflect via your products and services.
- Frankly speaking, this goes a long way in building client relationships and further accentuating your business.
- The better your customer service is, the more clients you attract, thereby leading to the prosperity and longevity of the business.
Also Read:
1) How To Start A Business From Scratch?
2) How To Start Your Own Franchise?
3) How does a New Business Help To Generate Employment?
4) How to Prepare Your Business for Tax Season?
5) How To Reduce Your Taxable Income?