Computer Repair Business

sdt1986

I'm thinking about setting up a computer repair business in the local area, initially in my spare time to see how it goes, fixing things that are pretty basic but many people shy away from doing.

Anyone got any advice in this area, or any knowledge on pricing etc.

It's very basic and I just want to see how it goes hopefully make a few extra quid to go in a savings fund, nothing major.

Thanks

sdt1986

I'm having a leaflet designed and am thinking of just puting these around the local area in hope I can get a few odd jobs and then build on word of mouth.

ohreally

Leaflets tend to go straight in the bin. Why not build a website?

Andy_L

Working out of a shop or visiting peoples homes?

SailorSam

This is an old thread on the same subject, it's quite long but i'm sure it's worth a read.

PC Repair Business - Hints and tips - MoneySavingExpert.com Forums

jfh7gwa

sdt1986 wrote: »

Anyone got any advice in this area, or any knowledge on pricing etc.

Thanks

You'd be best looking around what service provision there currently is in your area. That will give you the best idea of pricing and whether there are any niche areas you could target (e.g. late night appointments, or pickup for repairs from people's workplaces - something over and above, to set yourself apart from the established companies operating where you are).

Leaflets are also a waste of money to make a significant impact as you're just starting out. It's the first thing that people think of when they're quite old school and know they need to market themselves in some way, but don't really have a clue how - sorry!

As mentioned, get yourself a basic website (it doesn't have to be all singing all dancing) built for a few hundred quid (or free if you can find a local uni student trying to build their portfolio, maybe!). Get yourself recommended by word of mouth. Do deals that make you stand out, and let people know about them (yes, perhaps by leaflets if need be - IF the offer is suitable for targetting folk this way - leaflets aren't bad, they just need to be used selectively).

InsideInsurance

Pricing is simple.... bottom up you work out how much it is going to cost you in advertising, commissions, petrol, rent, whatever is applicable + the amount you want to be making in profit and divide that by the amount of jobs or hours you are likely to get paying customers for (depending on if your flat rating or by the hour).

Top down you contact your future competitors posing as a prospective customer and asking how much your PC is going to cost to get fixed. Work out what you should charge from that (sense check your bottom up price too against this info). Times that by the jobs you'll get and take off the costs you'll incur and see if the profit is worth it for the effort.

This is a very difficult market to get into and the few that I've known that do still offer the service have either gotten in with local small businesses to provide their IT support function or do this as a secondary service to something like having a parts shop. Obviously the former requires you to have networking skills and be available during office hours but opens up the options of retainers.

sdt1986

Andy_L wrote: »

Working out of a shop or visiting peoples homes?

Visiting

SailorSam wrote: »

This is an old thread on the same subject, it's quite long but i'm sure it's worth a read.

PC Repair Business - Hints and tips - MoneySavingExpert.com Forums

Thank you

ohreally wrote: »

Leaflets tend to go straight in the bin. Why not build a website?

The town and area I'm targeting is hardly big, chances of them finding a small website is slim, if they pop into the butchers and see a leaflet they're much more likely to see it surely. Can't see a website working for such a small business, but I'm open to trying it.

Hammyman

What is your level of knowledge? If the sum total is sticking a bit of RAM or a new hard drive in, installing Windows and running antivirus software then forget it - world and dog do that already. However if you're a bit handy with a soldering iron and can do things like laptop charger socket repairs then you're in with a chance. Also if you can do networking, as in a full network including the cabling, then look at small businesses such as estate agents and the like. There's a fair amount of money in providing support for companies like that.