How to Start a Computer Repair Business

The repairing of computers in relation to hardware and software may include the maintenance of computers in terms of virus detection, system cleanup, system performance increase and system upgrades.

Many other business ideas can be added such as: Data Backup, Computer Consulting and Tutoring, Networks (Troubleshooting, Setup, Repair, Designing).

Computers are a rapidly growing age. It reflects technology, our careers, and our every day lives. The world is changing over into a Digital Age at which nearly all businesses, schools, and homes are focused around a solid foundation built solely on Computers.

With this fast growing age, there will never be a shortage of broken down computers. Like cars, computers come and go. Old are being replaced with new. The need for computers will never diminish, it will greatly increase with time.

Owning a business performing any form of maintenance on Computers will be appreciated in nearly any area. Many people have no clue as to how to begin fixing a computer even if its just a simple virus issue.

"A Computer Repair business can be fun and may lay down a nice sum of profits after a days work".
The one true requirement is to have a solid knowledge of computers. You will need to know the hardware, you will need to know the Operating Systems, and how to navigate through solving a known issue.

There are many diagnostic tools available that will help you pin point the exact cause of an issue. You will still be required to have knowledge and experiences as to how to fix that issue.

Any person looking into owning a Computer Repair business will most likely have some form of knowledge of computer architecture. If this person is you, then these resources will possibly help you into getting a head start on opening, or expanding your Computer Repair Business.

There are three approaches to running a Computer Repair Business:

1. Running this business from your Home

A great place to start. You may be required to place local adds around, or advertise in the local classifieds. Running a Computer Repair Business from home can be beneficial. You will have no overhead cost, you will be in the comfort of your home, and be able to work in a less stressful or time demanding environment. Running the business from home will also allow you to possibly use your utilities to file them on your taxes as business expenses. When running this business, customers will come to you, either to your door, or by phone call when they have an issue. You may also choose to come pick their computer up, and insist on delivering their computer back to them once the repair is complete.

2. On-call in home support.

This approach can be in addition to running the business from your own home. You will provide in home on call computer repair services to your customers. You will go to their home and repair the computer in front of their very eyes. This approach is probably one of the most valuable. The customer will have confidence that you are repairing their computer with caution as they can watch your every move. One aspect to think about is customer satisfaction. Many people may not have any form of knowledge of computers. The last thing they want is to have to unhook the computer to bring it to a repair center. They would then need to bring the computer back home, and struggle with hooking it up correctly, many customers may not know what cable hooks into what. They may also not want to have to struggle with carrying around the computer tower and cables in their vehicle. Its frustrating, the customers would greatly appreciate an in home on call Computer Repairman.

3. Physical Business

You will own a physical building at which customers come to you for their needs and support. With this form of business you will have a physical location established which will benefit any form of advertising. You can also provide in home on call support as well. You may also provide in home pickup of the computer, and delivery after the computer is repaired, either free of charge or for an extra charge.

After you determine your approach you need to focus on your resources.

Diagnostic Hardware

Diagnostic Hardware is a component that can be plugged into the computer needing repair. The Hardware will do a diagnostic that will help determine the given issue. Generally the hardware will have a number of lights. Each light will light up to form a code. Each code will determine a specific issue.

Diagnostic Software

Diagnostic Software is software that can be ran from a CD/DVD or through a flash or USB drive. This will do a full software diagnostic of all hardware and software in the computer. Some software diagnostic tools will incorporate a virus, spyware, and adware detection and removal tool.

Extra hardware

You may need to purchase extra hardware to use as your testing hardware. For example, the customer has a problem with their computer turning on, you determine it is not a problem with the power switch, motherboard, ram, or any other component. Your almost certain that it's a problem with the power supply. It is always best to try a spare power supply to be sure that is the problem. If it is you will be 100% sure and will be able to order the right part, or you may simply sell them a power supply you currently have whether its new or used.

Resources

Diagnostic Products:

Ultra-X Inc. www.uxd.com

PC Diag Inc. www.pc-diagnostics.com/