According to the U.S. Census Bureau, almost 80% of Americans own either a desktop or laptop computer today. That’s up from just 50% about 20 years ago.
If you enjoy working on computers and fixing issues with them, this has created a big market for computer repair shops. Even though the average cost of a basic computer has dropped to under $1,000, there are still plenty of people out there who would prefer to fix their computers rather than replace them when they experience problems.
By learning how to start a computer repair business, you can service this segment of the population. You can also bring in a significant amount of money if you do good work.
Let’s take a look at how to start a computer repair business from the ground up so that you can turn your love for computers into a company.
Begin by Creating Your Business Plan
The very first thing you should do when you’re trying to figure out how to start a computer repair business is sit down and formulate a business plan.
Your business plan should include everything that anyone could ever want to know about your business. Some of the key things to put into your business plan are:
- Your business name
- Your target audience
- Information on your specific market
- Your business goals
- The strategies you plan to use to reach your goals
Creating a business plan for your computer repair company will put down a great foundation. You can build on it and bring your business to life once it’s in place.
Find Financing for Your Business
One of the things you’ll quickly discover when you’re learning how to start a computer repair business is that it won’t cost that much money to do it. But you will need some financing to get things up and running.
Use your business plan to convince investors, lenders, or even family and friends to loan you money to start your company. Borrow as much money as you’ll need to begin your business, and have a plan for paying it all back over time.
You’re going to need to have the working capital to buy everything from tools and supplies to advertising and business insurance. Make sure you have enough of it on hand when you start operating your business.
Decide Where to Open Up Your Business
Another great thing about opening a computer repair business is that you don’t have to rent commercial space to do it. Many computer repair business owners have launched their companies right in their own homes. Another idea is to offer on-site services like home desktop repair, or visiting businesses that need your help.
If you don’t have a steady stream of clients at the start, think about opening up your business in your home. You can set up shop in your spare bedroom, your basement, or even your garage without having to worry about paying rent right away.
Come Up With a List of Services Your Business Will Offer
What specific computer repair services is your company going to offer to people? Are you going to specialize in:
- Repairing home computers?
- Maintaining business computers?
- Some combination of both?
In theory, you might think that listing every single computer repair service possible is going to bring in the most business. But those who hire you are going to want to know that you have extensive experience in making the repairs they need.
Therefore, it’s often smart to focus in on just a few services at the start. It’ll instill a sense of confidence in your customers when they come to you for computer repair.
Obtain the Parts Your Business Will Need to Repair Computers
To fix computers, you know that you’re obviously going to need to have different parts on hand at all times. But what new computer repair shop owners don’t always realize is just how many parts they really need.
You’re going to need things like:
- Hard drives
- Processors
- Network cards
- Fans
It’s a good idea to generate a list of all the parts you’ll need and then work hard to get them at the best prices. Learn more about how to do this so that you don’t break the bank investing in your initial inventory of computer repair parts.
Figure Out the Best Pricing Model for Your Business
How much are you going to charge your customers for computer repair?
Charge them too little and you’re not going to earn enough profits every year. Charge them too much and you could miss out on the chance to work with certain customers.
Look around at the other computer repair businesses in your area and see what they’re charging for services. Your services should be priced accordingly so that you’re able to compete with other companies.
Market Your Business to Computer Owners in Your Community
At the end of the day, you can offer the best computer repair services at prices that can’t be beaten. But it won’t matter at all if people aren’t aware of the fact that your company exists.
Make them aware by marketing your company as best you can. You can do everything from hanging signs up around town touting your services to signing up for social media accounts and launching a social media marketing campaign.
Your goal should be to build up your brand recognition and make people think of your company when they need to have their computers fixed.
It’s Easy to Learn How to Start a Computer Repair Business
Learning how to start a computer repair business shouldn’t take you too long to do. But actually getting out there and doing it could be a little more challenging.
Follow the steps laid out here to work your way through the process. By coming up with a business plan, creating a list of services, and deciding on which pricing model to use, you can set your computer repair company up for long-term success.
Looking for more tips on starting a small business and turning it into a big deal? Browse through the articles on our blog to find the advice you need.
