Starting a Computer Business
Starting a computer business allows you to put your skills and technical knowledge to use while making money in the process. Consumers, business professionals and everyone in between has a need for system repairs, upgrades, as well as new or used computers, which means that your business should have very little trouble finding a hungry market. Achieving success, however, requires both perseverance and a desire to broaden your computer skills, since individuals who find out that you lack certain capabilities may seek help from your competitors.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Decide on the products and services you want to offer at your computer business. Make a list of the computer repairs that you know how to do and those that you are planning to learn. Write down some of the major computer upgrades a client could ask for: operating system upgrades, random access memory, hard drive as
well as processor upgrades. Also decide whether you want to build computers from scratch to sell. -
2
Set the prices for your computer services and products. Research local competition from both independent computer stores and big-box computer stores like Best Buy or Circuit City. Set your prices accordingly to be competitive with other businesses while not shortchanging yourself or placing less value on your abilities and services.
-
-
3
Create a name for your computer business and take care of the legal aspects of setting it up. Register your business name and structure with your state whether you want to be a limited liability company (LLC) or a sole proprietorship. Fill out paperwork for the appropriate business licenses--such as sales tax permits--for your computer business.
-
4
Find an office or retail space. Look for office space that has both sufficient working space and an area to showcase the retail products--such as the computer systems--that you're selling. Sign any lease documents and pay any monthly leasing fees as appropriate.
-
5
Purchase supplies to get your computer business started. Order a work bench so that you'll have a spot to place computers that need to be repaired. Order power surge protectors, heavy duty electrical cords and electrical battery testers. Buy hardware, such as screwdrivers and screws, for opening and securing computer
cases. Find suppliers for refurbished or re-certified computer components at online sources like Tiger Direct, Newegg and Amazon. -
6
Become an authorized reseller for computer manufacturers. Authorized dealer programs--such as those offered to retailers by brands such as Apple, Dell and Gateway--allow you to receive commissions on new computer orders from clients. Contact the appropriate computer manufacturer and fill out the reseller application as required.
-
7
Begin advertising your computer business. Call local newspapers to have a press release written or an advertisement placed. Place fliers and business cards on public bulletin boards. Create a budget for local radio or television station advertising to reach more local clients and potential customers. Pay for a spot in
your local Yellow Pages phone book. Consider having an advertisement designed
and placed on your automobile so that your business name will get more exposure while you're traveling.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit computer repair image by Keith Frith from Fotolia.com
