Starting a Home-Based Computer Repair Business

Computers and computer peripherals are nearly ubiquitous. Almost every home, office and business has at least one computer, while some have several computers. Computers require periodic upgrades and repairs - projects that many computer users would prefer to leave to a professional. The prevalence of home and office networks has also increased dramatically in recent years creating further opportunities for computer specialists. Even those who don't mind upgrading the memory in their computer may find the prospect of setting up a network to be overwhelming.

This growth in computer and network usage has created opportunities for skilled computer professionals to service these machines and networks. Starting a home-based, computer repair business can be accomplished on a shoestring budget and can be a great home-based business for the computer savvy.

The United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) compiles data on many occupations. The agency's occupational projections data does not include a dedicated category for computer repair, but does include computer support specialists.

BLS reports that there were 565,700 computer support specialist jobs in the USA as of 2008. This number is expected to grow by 13.8 percent, or 78,000 jobs, over the decade from 2008 - 2018. BLS expects 234,600 jobs to be available in this industry over the same decade due to growth and the need for replacement workers. A small percentage of computer support specialists are self-employed - 1.2 percent according to BLS. Workers in this industry typically earn "high" median annual wages of $43,450 according to BLS statistics.

Getting Started

Before announcing that your new computer repair service is open for business it may be a good idea to make sure that you have the tools, software, materials, and technical documentation you will need. Documentation and software needs will vary depending on whether you plan to work on Windows, Mac, Linux or other xNIX computers.

A repair workstation will be essential if you plan to work on computers at your home office. The workstation will need a bench or table, and appropriate storage for parts, supplies and materials.

A portable tool and supplies kit will be essential if you plan to perform mobile services. You will want to be able to conveniently carry everything you are likely to need on a computer service call.

A+ certification, offered by CompTIA, is an internationally recognized certification for computer professionals. A+ certification requires passing at least two competency exams. As of this writing, the required exams are CompTIA A+ Essentials and CompTIA A+ Practical Application. The cost for non-members, as of 2010, is $168 per exam. Considering the potential return that an A+ certification can bring to a computer professional this is probably a good investment. Being able to advertise yourself as an A+ certified computer technician can boost credibility and possibly open doors to new opportunities.

I know of several small computer repair and service companies that have been able to contract with major PC manufacturers to provide in-field support for their customers with computer problems. This may be an option for growing your business once you are established and comfortable with the business.

Marketing

Deciding how best to market your home-based, computer repair business will depend on your target customer base. Computer repair businesses may target residential or business customers. While there may be some overlap between the two markets, most computer repair businesses seem to target one or the other market.

Marketing to residential customers may be the most difficult initially. The easiest initial approach may be to contact all of your friends, family, and acquaintances to ask for their business and referrals. This word-of-mouth marketing can be augmented with social media announcements. Finally, advertising in the local business directories or newspaper service sections can serve to get your business in front of potential customers, though this can be a slow and expensive process.

Marketing to business customers is probably best accomplished by direct marketing. This approach involves "cold calling" on target customers to pitch your business services. This marketing approach will usually involve plenty of rejection as companies may not need any computer repair services at the moment or may already have a successful relationship with another repair company. However, some calls will yield results either because a company needs service or is dissatisfied with their current computer repair service.

Some computer repair businesses find it useful to specialize within a particular niche. This provides the benefit of working with similar companies and, frequently, similar software and hardware configurations.

It should go without saying that a high-tech business like computer repair and service needs a website. A business website will allow you to be found by potential customers who are searching for computer repair businesses in their city or area. A quality business website also provides an additional venue to sell your services to potential customers.

Business cards are always a good idea for any business owner. Carrying business cards with you at all times allows you to provide essential contact information to a potential customer any time the occasion arises. Business cards are inexpensive but effective.

Cautions

Operating a home-based computer repair business will require a dedicated work area with a work bench (or table) and storage area. A work bench large enough to accommodate several computers at once will be essential, along with an appropriate electrical power source. Storage shelves or space will be necessary for storing parts and supplies.

Your work area should ideally have a separate entrance if you plan to have customers bring computers to your office. This allows you to maintain a professional image without needing to escort customers through your home and into your office or repair shop. A garage or large shed on the property may serve perfectly well, as may an enclosed porch area.

You should also check with your local city or county zoning office to be sure that zoning ordinances allow for frequent customer and delivery traffic.

Conclusion

The computer repair industry is projected to continue growing for some time. This is good news for those who enjoy repairing computers and would like to work in this industry. A home-based computer repair business can be a perfect solution for someone who is computer savvy, is proficient with setting up computer peripherals and networks, and who would like to work in this hands-on, technical business.

SOURCES

- United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. Site accessed on 7 October 2010.

- CompTIA. CompTIA. Site accessed on 28 October 2010.

- CompTIA A+ Certification. CompTIA. Site accessed on 28 October 2010.

- CompTIA A+ Voucher. CompTIA. Site accessed on 28 October 2010.

- How to Start a Computer Repair Business. Entrepreneur. Site accessed on 28 October 2010.

- Erika Welz Prafder. Starting a PC Repair Business: 10 smart tips that will help you start and grow your computer repair service. Site accessed on 28 October 2010.