How to Start a Computer Repair Home Business

If you love computers and have a lot of experience building and repair comparing them, consider opening your own computer repair business at home. You will be doing work that you love, with the ability to earn money and quit your regular 9 to 5.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Business License
• Home Office
• Insurance
• Computer Software for Repair and Infections
• Ability to Repair Computer Hardware

1. Keep your business professional by getting a business license. Get the forms online and send them back through the mail.

2. Create a unique name to brand your business, instead of using your real name. Think of the Geek Squad from Best Buy. When someone has a problem with their computer, you want them to think of your business name when they need help.

3. Research your competitors both off and online. Check to see how much they charge, as this will help you to create your own hourly fees. You should charge on the low end of the spectrum when you are first starting out, but as your business grows, your prices should reflect that. There are individuals who are making $100 or more per hour because PC users will always need someone to repair computers.

4. Factor in gas when you create your hourly fee. While some clients may bring the computer to your home office, you will be the one to visit their home to fix a computer. If you have to drive long distances, you can find that most of your earnings will go into your gas tank. To keep travel expenses low, take public transportation if it is convenient. A public bus or train may not be a good option if you have a heavy box of computer parts for the client.

5. Create a space for your business. Unlike most home businesses that require a computer desk, computer, fax, printer, and computer and file storage, a computer repair business will need a lot of extra space to store hardware. You want to have computer parts and peripherals that your client's computers may need. Making them available at all times will help you to fix a computer faster and please your clients.

6. The hardest task of any home business is trying to market your business to bring in new customers. Create business cards and give them to family and friends. Also let them know that you have decided to open a computer repair business and see if they know anyone who is having computer problems.

7. Place flyers around town and ads in the local newspapers. Also advertise in online classifieds. Unlike most home businesses, remember that a computer repair business needs to be advertised in your city.

Tips & Warnings

• You don't need a degree to fix computers for your home business, but try to keep up on the latest technologies to save money and time.
• Keep safe and tell family and friends where you are going to repair a personal computer.
• If you are uncomfortable visiting someone's home to fix their computer, try to get them to meet you at a public location or take someone with you on the house call.

[godfather25]

on 7/20/2009 Outstanding tips on starting a computer repair home business.

[jerder]

on 5/27/2009 Just sent this to my 19 year old son's cell phone. He is laid off and is really good with computers. Very informative. Five stars

[howsitdone]

on 5/26/2009 Great idea for computer gurus. People are more likely to fix a computer than to buy a new one in this economy.

[skyedanzer]

on 5/26/2009 Excellent home business info

[jimmy13]

on 5/25/2009 To go into further depth, get help and advice on aspects like marketing your computer business at the forum at www.virusremovalbusiness.com/forum