How to Run a Computer Repair Business

Focusing on troubleshooting computer hardware problems is one aspect of a computer repair business.

Running a computer repair business is similar to operating any successful business, with the added twist of excelling in solving technology problems. Composing a successful business plan when you are starting out will aid you greatly in focusing on your goals, deciding on your clientele, developing concrete marketing strategies and staying within your predefined budget.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet

Instructions

1. Decide on the business structure your company will be defined under. Perhaps you excel at computer repair of hardware components, but not software installs. Partnering with a software specialist who will have an equal share financially in the company and forming a partnership is one avenue to explore. Forming a corporation and hiring software specialists as employees is another option. Contracting out software services under a limited liability company is a third possibility. Check into what state and federal regulations exist for the type of structure you pick. Taxes, paperwork, personal liability and business loans are all affected by this decision.

2. Choose a price structure for services offered. Check out other computer repair business prices, both locally and statewide. Review what their prices are for similar computer services. Do they charge for repairs by the hour, through bid or both? Determine the amount of money you want to "take home" after figuring for taxes, overhead and expenses.

3. Focus on computer repair marketing strategies, especially free or low-cost plans. Develop a website, social networking site and blog to advertise repair services on the Internet. Network with other computer repair businesses online and in your local community. Join your city's Chamber of Commerce. Display business posters on community bulletin boards throughout your city. Advertise in the yellow and white pages under computer repair. Periodically offer specials and discounts on software installs and cleaning up hard drives.

4. Clearly outline what types of services you will offer: fixing hardware problems, software issues or both. Ask yourself if you want to be involved with rebuilding computers, or simply installing boards, CD/DVD drives or troubleshooting printer problems. Identify your capabilities in servicing network problems. Decide to what extent your company will fix software issues, such as installation of new programs, virus issues or installing a new operating system.

5. Provide an estimate for services defining exactly what you will be doing (especially on large jobs) and obtain a signature from the customer, agreeing to the terms. Remember that the "buck stops here." You are the expert, and it is your responsibility to research, fix and follow up on computer problems you have worked on and charged for. Make it a policy to offer exceptional customer service, even if you have to charge less for a service or take a loss.

6. Continue to educate yourself on the latest technology changes and trends. Consider becoming CompTIA A+ certified, which is the industry's standard for hardware and networking Computer Support Technicians. Stay informed on new releases of software, operating systems and social networking sites. Learn as you earn.

References

• IRS: Choosing a Business Structure
• "Starting Your Own Computer Business"; Morris Rosenthal; 2010

Resources

• CompTIA
• Entrepreneur: Starting a PC Repair Business