Starting a PC Repair Business

[djs13]

My college roommate is extremely talented when it comes to repairing computers and he's looking for a way to make some extra cash this summer. I offered to partner with him on a PC Repair Business Venture. I know this is definitely not fastlane, but some extra income for both of us could be helpful with rent and food.

I'm taking care of the business side of things (accounting/marketing) and he's going to actually be performing the services. But I have a few questions about how I should go about executing this plan.

1.) The business will be driven by home appointments. I am going to be responsible for making these appointments but I want to avoid creating a job for myself. Is there a way I can set up an automated phone service to take these appointments?

2.) Marketing is a huge issue since we don't have a large budget. I'm thinking that printing fliers and dropping them off at houses throughout the village we live in is a low cost way to hit a large amount of potential customers.

What do you think?

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Nathan]

As for creating appointments... create a simple website. Should have all your service info, and have the ability to setup appointments. The only thing at this point you would have going for you is personal service... sooo I wouldn't take that out of the equation this early. You obviously said you know it's not fastlane... so don't treat it that way.

Quality in the services and personal service is what you'll have to push in the beginning. Maybe automate the appointments later after you have a customer base... or maybe funnel your existing customers that way only.

As for marketing.... I'm still in that learning game too... so I can't help there.

 

[Forbes]

1. Outsource your customer service who will make appointments. buy an 800 number
2. Advertising online is free. target your local community.

 

[Operation_OPM]

Check out Tim Ferris "Four Hour Workweek" it fits perfectly with your goals of not creating a job and putting your systems on automate from the beginning.

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[EastWind]

i don't care too much for these advices given.

forget the website, you are going for the local market.
forget outsourcing your customer service
and forget the 4 hr work week.

find all organizations that target senior citizens, start there, they older the crowd, the happier they will be to have someone fix their computers if they don't have a child or grand child that can do it, work your way down from there. 70's, 60's, 50's, 40's, 30's.

make flyers, pass it out, introduce yourself, build rep, get know by word of mouth.

 

[FDJustin]

There's nothing wrong with having a website, even if your main target is going to be that old. Thing is, a simple website is cheap, or entirely free depending on how you go about it. Aside from that, it's informative and can be easily looked up once someone knows the address.

I'll tell you this much. Malware removal, backups, and reinstalling are easiest done at home, where you can multi-task (or in the case of malware, plug the hard drive directly into a test machine... That's about a thousand times easier than trying to clean it on the same computer.)

1: For now you probably will just be creating a job. Removing yourself from the proccess means giving someone else a job to manage scheduling and appointments, right? It doesn't seem to me like you have the man power available for someone to call in and say "I need someone on Monday after 6."

2: Ok, go for it. Don't forget to check craigslist and kijiji for local listings (check other nearby locations if they don't, people might be viewing/posting at the closest listing that appears).. And you can post there for free.

 

[darkjediii]

I've done some PC Repair businesses.

You need to be a salesman and find clients. I used to walk the streets all day long to drop flyers. I would say that you would get 1 lead per around 600 flyers that you pass out. You need to make sure that your marketing is consistent. There are alot of ways to get your name out there. The best way to split up the work for you and your partner is for him to do the technical work and you find the clients full time. just concentrate on hitting up homes and businesses. scope out your competition.

(dont know if this is allowed) There is a useful message boards that I used to go to for information Resource for Computer Repair Technicians to Start or Improve their Computer Business - Technibble - check that out and it will give you a good idea of what to do for marketing.

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Deege]

I did the same thing for a couple years on a low scale. It has real potential though! Congrats on starting the venture.

To start, your gonna wanna get your name out there, flyers, possibly a quick website set up should get you going.

One thing i noticed while trying out this venture for my self is that "hear-say" is very vital and good for your business, encourage each and every customer to SPREAD THE WORD!

Last but not least, Good Luck!
Let your ambitions carry you far.

 

[Inphinity]

Hmm, ok, first, please don't take anything I'm about to say as negative or critical, just a few things to consider.

1) How saturated (or not) is this service market in your area?

2) How will you be "better" than others offering similar service?

3) How competent is your technician friend?

4) Have you taken liability insurance into account?

5) Can you get a reseller account through a major parts distributor near you, so when you have to replace parts you can source them yourself?

 

[brewer]

Have you thought about offering a free 1 hour class for seniors? Show them the basics of email, facebook and blog spot? Gets your name out there and helps create a positive image for your company

Maybe consider partnering with a local mail and ship store? They usually have a lot of foot traffic and can help spread the word. Throw them a percentage of every referral and maybe use it as a drop off point for customers machines?

Good luck

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.