Retail, Online Businesses

Start A Computer Service Company | Laptop PC Repair Business

Become High Demand

Today, almost every household in the USA has at least one computer, and most of us own a cell phone. Millions of people have become dependent on the PC for many of life’s functions. These devices have become a big part of our lives and have become vital for our business and personal lives. Unfortunately, computers are prone to breakage, viruses, and many other problems that can compromise functionality like any mechanical device. Even with the best care, computers can still break down. Luckily, there are computer service/laptop service centers / pc repair shops everywhere that can fix most problems within 24-48 hours. The computer services business is very lucrative for those with knowledge and experience with repairs and computer diagnosis. Moreover, unlike many other repair businesses, startup costs for a local computer repair shop or computer or tablet screen repair business are minimal because you can also work out of your home. Here are some practical tips on setting up a computer repair business.

Become An IT Technician – PC Tech

If you have just graduated from a computing course and want to start your own business, the best advice we can offer is to gain practical experience. You may want to consider working with an existing computer repair company that will provide you with business skills, increase your knowledge about PCs, and enhance your repair skills. When you feel ready, you can begin to open your own business.

Computer Services Job Description

Troubleshooting: computer cleaning, hardware, software issues.
The sale of hardware, accessories, and computer parts.
Hardware and software consulting.
Networks and network maintenance.
The implementation of solutions, software, or applications.
Community management (social networks).
Training in the creation of software.
Repairing screens of tablets or mobile phones.

Computer Services Business Plan

If you want to begin in the computer repair business, it is essential to make a plan. Your business plan will help anticipate any future problems or concerns. The business plan should contain the following:

What are the startup costs for a computer repair business?
What tools do I need to start a computer repair business?
What licenses and permits are required?
How will I finance my business?
What type of profit can I make with a computer repair business?
What are the negatives of running a computer repair business?
Who are my clients?
How will I market my business?
Should I offer mobile services?
From where will I get my computer equipment supplies?

Here are a few services that will help with your plan available online

Computer Repair Business License

Do I need a license to operate a computer repair business? The answer is no. But you will need to check with your local Chamber of Commerce to be sure about business licenses and permits that local governments may require. Also, many cities restrict the type and size of businesses operating outside of a home.

While you can open a computer business without a formal degree in computing, certification is always better. There are dozens of computer repair certification programs, and you should seek one that is more relevant to your repair business. For example, if you only repair Apple computers, seek the Apple repair certificate. This qualification proves that you have the necessary education and expertise in computer repairs, which puts you at a significant advantage.

Home Computer Services Courses

Here are some popular online IT courses

Computer Repair Jobs: Skills

Requires expertise with different hardware and software
Experience with WAN/LAN networks
Solid knowledge of data privacy and internet security
Excellent troubleshooting skills
Excellent professional and social skills since you will be interacting with clients, vendors, developers, and IT specialists
Be available
Do quality work
Offer a warranty
Have reasonable prices

Computer Repair Legal Entity

You will need to create a legal entity to protect yourself and your business from litigation. That can be a sole proprietorship or a corporation. Forming a legal entity is not expensive, but you must renew your certification annually.

Check out these few companies that can assist you in getting your LLC started.

Here are a few government links you might want to visit

Check out the IRS Website

This site by the IRS is a must-see when beginning your LLC.

Computer Repair Business Startup Costs

If you plan to operate the repair business from your home, the start-up costs are minimal and will include the following:

License and permits $200-$500
Insurance $400-$2000
Tools $500
Supplies $1,000
Marketing zero if you do it yourself
Van $10K (old) or $30K (new)

If you already have a van or a truck, you can set up a home computer repair business for less than $3,000.

How Will I Finance My PC Repair Computer Repair Shop?

The amount of money required to start a home computer repair business is minimal. If you do not have any savings, then your options include:

Small business loans
Credit unions
Credit card loan
Tapping into your savings
Crowdfunding
Borrow money from friends and family

Gadget Repair Business Funding

Small Business Administration

The Small Business Administration, SBA has a program to fund new startups, and is worth a look.

Here are a few of your options

How Much Do I Charge For Computer Repair?

You have two options: charge by the hour or offer a flat rate. The going hourly rate varies from $50-$150. If the work is complex and likely to take many hours, a flat rate of $300-$500 is standard. But remember, if you will be charging $300-$500 for computer repairs, the owner can also buy a new PC, which has around the same cost. The newer PCs come with more software, are more reliable, and have a warranty. So your pricing has to be reasonable.

Computer Services Banking

Here are a few of the standard business banking options available online

Laptop Service Center Insurance Policies

When running a computer repair business, you will need several insurance policies. No matter where you operate from, there is a risk of fire, theft, and damage. So it is vital to get supplementary insurance.

If you work from home, you should get separate insurance for your computer business because a normal homeowner’s policy will not cover a company.
General liability will pay for repair or replacement of the customer’s property if damaged/stolen while in your possession.
Professional liability (also known as omissions and errors) insurance will pay if a client sues you for failing to provide a service or for a mistake you made.
Cyber liability insurance will help protect you if the client’s computer breaks soon after your repair.
Commercial auto insurance is needed because your personal auto insurance policy will not cover any vehicle used for a business.
You will need to purchase workers’ compensation insurance if you hire more than two employees.

Computer Repair Business Insurance

Here is a list of some standard insurance companies

Biberk
Three Insurance (Berkshire Hathaway Company)
Next Insurance
Thimble
Geico
Insureon
Mercury Insurance
Allstate
Chubb
CNA
Farmers Insurance
Huckleberry
State Farm
Hiscox
Nationwide
The Hartford
Travelers-Business Insurance
Liberty Mutual
Progressive Commercial

Best Places To Get Small Business Insurance

Fidelity Bond

Today, many large businesses like banks, schools, and hospitals will not seek a computer repair person’s services if they are not covered. The fidelity bond ensures that you will not utilize your experience to steal/hack company secrets after the repair.

Should I Open a Computer Repair Shop?

When you start out, you may be working with limited finances, so we recommend you try a home-based business. This will give you a feel for running the company while keeping expenses to a minimum while developing your client base. Operating from a store means paying rent, utilities, and insurance and meeting all zoning and safety requirements. Plus, most leases run for 5-7 years, and canceling the lease early can result in huge penalties.

How To Aquire Computer Repair Clients

Besides the general public, many small businesses frequently need a computer repair person. Unlike large companies with their own IT professionals, most small businesses rely on small computer repair shops when they have issues. The key is to remain reasonably priced because large computer companies like the Geek-Squad offer prompt services with many technical specialties. You can also contract your services to schools, churches, sporting facilities, bars, restaurants, grocery stores.

How Should I Promote My Tech Repair Business?

Create a website that details your laptop fixers’ services, prices
Distribute flyers to the local community
Offer free pick-up and delivery
Combine forces with local businesses, including IT professionals, web designers, and software specialists
Participate in the local school activities and sports events, where you can distribute your business card
Offer free advice on virus and malware protection.

What Are The Pros of Owning Computer Repair Stores?

Independence- set your own schedule.
A considerable market as most people have at least one PC
Low overhead since you pay no extra rent
Lucrative as the profit margin is huge

Even though you will offer mobile services from your home, you will still need a stable and structured work environment. Computer repair requires a dedicated space. Plus, this space should not be accessible to everyone because of small delicate items and the dangers of electrocution.

What Are The Cons Of A Home Computer Repair Business?

Competition is intense
Because new computers are inexpensive, the repair cost has to be reasonable, or the owner will buy a new PC. And newer PCs are less likely to break down and have many additional features.
You will require insurance to protect against any accidents or mishaps
Attracting new customers can be difficult when starting a business from home.
You will need an aggressive marketing campaign to inform people about your business.
All complex repairs may require investment in sophisticated tools or referral to the manufacturer.

Tools For Repairing A Computer

Alcohol for cleaning
Anti-static wrist strap
Cable crimping tool
Cable testers
Cable ties
Cleaning tools (e.g., Soft cloth)
Compressed air
Cotton swabs
Data-recovery software
Flashlight
Memory sticks (RAM), video cards, hard drives, and computer processors.
Multi-tester
Needle-nose Pliers
Nut Drivers
Opening pry tool kit

POST Card
Power Supply Tester
Programming tools (e.g., compilers, 4GLs, editors, interpreters, assemblers, application generators, and debuggers).
Screwdrivers (Non-magnetic)
Software-based troubleshooting tools
Soldering kit
Tool kits
Tweezers
Wire Cutters

Conclusion

The computer repair business does provide a steady income for talented technicians and offers flexible working hours. As long as you provide excellent service, have reasonable prices, and have good customer skills, then there is no reason why your business should fail.