The Business Of Computer Repair

Info

Level: Beginner
Presenter: Eli the Computer Guy
Date Created: May 19, 2010
Length of Class: 84 Minutes
Tracks

Computer Repair
Prerequisites

Interest in starting a Computer Repair Business
Purpose of Class

This class teaches students the basic concepts for starting a Computer Repair business, but also warns that this type of business is unlikely to be viable in the future.
Topics Covered

What is the Computer Repair Business
Where to operate a Computer Repair Business from
How the Computer Repair Business makes profit
How to Bill Clients
Selling Computer and Parts
Limiting Liability
Common Mistakes
Class Notes

Introduction
The Computer Repair Business includes: Hardware Repair , Configurations, Viruses
Mix this business with Networking Business and Data Recovery
How to do it?
Storefront? -- Seems more "legitimate" but costs can far outweigh benefits
At their house? -- Going to the clients house is a good option that saves overhead cost, and really isn't as bad as people imagine it can be
At your house? -- People are willing to bring computers to your house.
Efficiency
Computer Repair is a commodity business
Setup your workbench to be as efficient as possible (4 Monitors, Keyboards, Mice)
Sysprep, Slipstream and Disk Imaging increase the speed of installing new operating systems.
Billing
They always pay something
Flat Rates work best
Up sell Parts -- Reselling parts easily adds $25-$200 profit to a work order
Selling Computers?
Building custom computers is generally more trouble than it's worth now.
Easier to "consult" on buying a Dell
Create Partnerships
You can't do everything. Approach local tech companies about swapping work.
Limit Your Liability
Use contracts
You are not responsible for data
Time limit for pickup
Payment due at time of delivery
Common Mistakes
Create checklists so you have fail out points (Avoid the "Rabbit Hole to Hell")
Communication with the client makes everyone's life better
Under Promise, Over Deliver
Parts
Always buy name brand parts from reliable vendors.
It's not worth time, money, or frustration dealing with no name manufacturers or vendors.
If a part fails the client will blame you, not the manufacturer
Final Thoughts...
The Computer Repair Business is dying
New Computers can be bought for $200 at Best Buy
Windows 7 is much more stable/ secure then XP and needs fewer repairs.
There still is, and always will be work, but... There are other aspects of Information Technology that will pay much better and be more relevant and interesting.
This is a good place to get your feet wet as a new IT Consultant. What you learn fixing $200 computers is directly relevant to what you need to know fixing $20,000 systems, but there is a lot less liability WHEN something goes wrong.
Start a Computer Repair Business with the idea of learning the skills required to become a valuable technology consultant. There is a lot or work available, but clients are not willing to pay enough for "real" technicians to deal with them. By coming in cheap you can easily get this work, and then move on to offering other solutions once you feel comfortable running a small technology business.

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