How to Set Up a Computer Shop

Setting up a computer shop takes money and experience.

If you are experienced in working with computers and you enjoy working on and helping others with their compute, then setting up a small computer business might be a good idea. It does take a lot of work though and probably more paperwork than you might imagine. After you take care of the legal aspect, you must also do the hard chore of setting up your physical shop.

Instructions

1. Get a business license. Most states require you to get a business license. You will have to check with your local, state and federal agencies for requirements. Often however, your county's district offices will supply a business license.

2. Get tax and use license. In states that have income tax you will have to apply for this license with the state. This is so that you can collect sales tax and so that you can buy supplies that you will resell tax free.

3. Apply for any additional licenses. Depending on local law and exactly what you will be doing you may need additional licenses. Applying for these licenses usually requires a fee and an application be filled out.

4. Get funding. You will have to use your own money or money borrowed from investors or a small business loan to find your business. The Small Business Administration can help you get a loan. You can also contact local banks. You will need to create a business plan that shows how your operation will work and how you will make money, in order to get a loan.

5. Find wholesalers and purchase equipment. In order to make money at selling computer products you need to purchase them and sell them at a higher price. Unfortunately, most wholesalers sell at very high prices to small businesses so you may be better off buying from retailers and selling at a higher price.

6. Find a space to host your store. You will have to rent retail space to open a store. GO to a business realtor to look for space to rent. Find an affordable place but one that has a location where you believe you will get a lot of traffic.

7. Advertise your business. Contact the Yellow Pages or similar directories and place a listing for your business. You can also advertise in your local newspaper and online. Your best advertising is word-of-mouth though. Get your friends and family to share information about your store to their friends. Having business cards made will also be helpful. Do some free or discounted work for people or companies who would be able to spread the word about your business.