A Good Time to Start a Computer Repair Business?
Inc.com lists The Best Industries for Starting a Business Right Now. "Repair Services" is #16 on their slideshow. Specifically, "personal electronics repair shops" is mentioned.
The trick for the computer guru tends to be the marketing aspect, which this site aims to focus on. Technibble does a great job at covering the technical aspects. Here we focus specifically on virus removal as well.
The best way to begin is probably not to start your own shop, but instead to work out of a home office initially.
Dealing With All Types of Customers
If you're thinking of starting or are just starting a computer repair or other tech related business, you need to be able to deal with customers of all types. Each day is a new adventure, and just when you think you've seen it all, something new comes along. There are many types of customers you need to watch out for. Before I decided to go full time with my repair business, I spent a few years in customer service dealing with all kinds of people everyday. If you're typically known as the “nice guy” you may have to change your train of thought to keep from getting run over by your customers. If you have not had the benefit of gaining any type customer service experience, you should ask yourself, Can I deal with:
- The customer who “knows” what the problem is and wants to talk about it.
These aren't that bad, just annoying. - The customer who wants to look over your shoulder while you work.
Personally I hate this. I don't get nervous, but I can't stand to have anyone looking over my shoulder in any situation. - Same as above but wants an explanation of every single thing you do.
Grrrr - The customer who wants to negotiate the price.
These guys are bad especially if you're working out of your home. - The customer doesn't give you the whole story or “forgets” to tell you something relevant, like the fact he spilled coffee all over his laptop.
This can determine whether you work 10 minutes or two hours. - The older customer who wants explanations but doesn't have a clue what you're saying even when you break it down into elementary English.
Not that bad really, just another annoyance. On the plus side, if you can make a “connection” with this customer, they'll come back every time. - The customer who “since you're already working on it” wants you to fix something else for the same price.
Be firm, don't do anything for free. Let them know that it will be $x.xx more for you to do that. - The customer who wants to blame you for something that was wrong with the computer before they dropped it off.
Most of these are premeditated. They come in knowing they're going to try and get one over on you.
These are the types I run into the most but there are other types and variations.
You have to remember that this is your business. You no longer have to clock in and answer to anyone else. You're the boss and you can run your business as you see fit. If you're the type to get nervous when someone looks over your shoulder, post on a sign that if a job is estimated to take more than 30 minutes (your discretion) then it is recommended that they drop off and come back.
Be firm with your prices, you're not running a stand at a flea market. You're prices are set. Don't cave no matter how persistent that are. If they want cheap service they can look elsewhere. You can stand strong with these types of people and they will usually cave themselves. If you give in, they will be back every week wanting you to do something cheap.
Be sure to inspect whatever the customer drops off in front of them. Make a note of any defects you find, and have them sign off on it.
You can stand by your convictions without coming across as a jerk. It's all in the way that you do it.
Good luck!
Author: B-TECH Computer Repair
Will You Need Sales Skills?
Do you want to be really successful? Then yes. You're going to need a range of soft skills.
Most computer technicians aren't salesman; they are from from it, and that is the last thing they'd want to get involved with. However, that is precisely why Geek Squad has been successful - they've bridged the gap between sales and computers. If you are lacking in salesmanship skill and plan on starting up alone, then you're likely going to have a difficult time. Get a mentor, learn the art, or get a partner. Your business depends on someone having this talent.
On that note, dealing with customers eventually includes angry clients, rejection, and other emotionally challenging situations. Entrepreneurship is for the strong-minded and emotionally resilient.
How would you handle the following situations?
- You have just fixed the customer's computer, but he is unwilling to pay.
- The customer is blaming you for losing data that you know you didn't lose
- The customer is blaming you for data that was lost while repairing his computer.
- You are getting more work than you can handle, and your customers want their computer back asap.
- You are getting less work than you expected.
Bottom line: expect all of the above challenges, and work with someone who can complement your skill set if necessary.
What it Takes to Start a Virus Removal Business
Don't rent office space. Here's what you do need:
Absolute Requirements: Unless you've already perfected virus removal, you're going to need a spare computer for practicing and testing (minimum Pentium-4, 256 MB Ram). I don't recommend practicing on your own computer, much less your customer's.
Strongly Recommended: A car helps significantly. A cell phone and laptop will facilitate mobility. Finally, as with any business, you need to spend money to make money. Recommended start-up cash: $500. You're also going to need cash to live off of while you build your customer base.
Your target demographic: wealthy home computer owners. Do you live around them? Are there other small-to-medium-sized businesses around?
Nice to Have: A good office space. You can easily, legally work from your own home in most areas, and I do not recommend renting office space right away.
Is Computer Repair for You?
You are aspiring to start your own tech business, or perhaps leave Geek Squad and quadruple your hourly rate. You have decent social skills; you know how to talk to people. Repairing your family and friends' computers comes easily to you, and you know you can do a better job than the guys you've seen at the local computer repair shop.
If you just read a description of yourself, then you are likely positioned to start up your own business. Determine whether there is a local demand, and if so, get to it!