Computer Repair Store
So this summer, I am seriously considering starting my own small-time computer repair business.
At school this year, I acquired Toshiba Technician certification, and I was planning on applying for a job at a local computer repair shop. The only problem is that there is no local repair place, just a Best Buy nearby, but I'm not working for Geek Squad. There is also an Apple Store about forty minutes away, but i would not have any transportation available there.
So anyway, I would probably advertise it with signs and fliers around town, which would give the address, phone number, and website of my shop. I would run it out of my parent's basement, since I am only 16. I have tools, static mats and wristbands. I would be the only employee.
I perform virtually any hardware repair on any machine, and i can fix virtually all OS-X problems. I am mildly proficiant at fixing XP software problems, and i have delt very little with Vista.
So, my question is, does anyone have any good suggestions for me? I was just wondering things like, what kind of supplies i would need (other then the ones i have), how much time to devote to this (I have a low-paying part time juob at McDonalds which I hate), How much money could I make (I was hoping to replace my Mac Mini before next year), and so on.
Really though, i want to know if this is a good idea, or if there is anything i should/shouldn't do.
EDIT: Also, how much should I charge, since i am not a Professional, but i do have Technician-level certification for hardware repair?
At school this year, I acquired Toshiba Technician certification, and I was planning on applying for a job at a local computer repair shop. The only problem is that there is no local repair place, just a Best Buy nearby, but I'm not working for Geek Squad. There is also an Apple Store about forty minutes away, but i would not have any transportation available there.
So anyway, I would probably advertise it with signs and fliers around town, which would give the address, phone number, and website of my shop. I would run it out of my parent's basement, since I am only 16. I have tools, static mats and wristbands. I would be the only employee.
I perform virtually any hardware repair on any machine, and i can fix virtually all OS-X problems. I am mildly proficiant at fixing XP software problems, and i have delt very little with Vista.
So, my question is, does anyone have any good suggestions for me? I was just wondering things like, what kind of supplies i would need (other then the ones i have), how much time to devote to this (I have a low-paying part time juob at McDonalds which I hate), How much money could I make (I was hoping to replace my Mac Mini before next year), and so on.
Really though, i want to know if this is a good idea, or if there is anything i should/shouldn't do.
EDIT: Also, how much should I charge, since i am not a Professional, but i do have Technician-level certification for hardware repair?
Comments
So this summer, I am seriously considering starting my own small-time computer repair business.
At school this year, I acquired Toshiba Technician certification, and I was planning on applying for a job at a local computer repair shop. The only problem is that there is no local repair place, just a Best Buy nearby, but I'm not working for Geek Squad. There is also an Apple Store about forty minutes away, but i would not have any transportation available there.
So anyway, I would probably advertise it with signs and fliers around town, which would give the address, phone number, and website of my shop. I would run it out of my parent's basement, since I am only 16. I have tools, static mats and wristbands. I would be the only employee.
I perform virtually any hardware repair on any machine, and i can fix virtually all OS-X problems. I am mildly proficiant at fixing XP software problems, and i have delt very little with Vista.
So, my question is, does anyone have any good suggestions for me? I was just wondering things like, what kind of supplies i would need (other then the ones i have), how much time to devote to this (I have a low-paying part time juob at McDonalds which I hate), How much money could I make (I was hoping to replace my Mac Mini before next year), and so on.
Really though, i want to know if this is a good idea, or if there is anything i should/shouldn't do.
EDIT: Also, how much should I charge, since i am not a Professional, but i do have Technician-level certification for hardware repair?
If you can fix virtually all OS X problems then why aren't you offering fixes for the multitude of Leopard issues that many are complaining about?
Before you go into ANY business, you should have some experience at it. One way to get that is to work for someone else. That allows you to see first hand what works and what doesn't, and you're being paid to learn it. And NO, going to school is NOT the same as working for wages. In addition, working for someone else in the same field lets you see if there's any potential for you to open a business out of your home.
Do you have an Apple certification? If not, then I wouldn't be calling you unless I needed to have my lawn mowed. It's takes little time, effort, and money to TALK ABOUT starting a business, and it takes a great deal more to actually do it. Ask your self why people would call you as opposed to the Geek Squad. If you can't come up with a good answer, then you need to understand why. Are you licensed, bonded, and insured? If not, you won't step foot on my property. The reason why is that unless you are, then I'm liable for any injuries that occur on my property, plus if you damage anything while here, I want some way to recover my losses. I sincerely doubt that most 16 yr olds have the financial resources to do that on their own.
Do you know what advertising costs?
I don't want to rain on your parade, but I strongly suspect that you need to know more about the business that you THINK you want to open.
If you can fix virtually all OS X problems then why aren't you offering fixes for the multitude of Leopard issues that many are complaining about?
Before you go into ANY business, you should have some experience at it. One way to get that is to work for someone else. That allows you to see first hand what works and what doesn't, and you're being paid to learn it. And NO, going to school is NOT the same as working for wages. In addition, working for someone else in the same field lets you see if there's any potential for you to open a business out of your home.
Do you have an Apple certification? If not, then I wouldn't be calling you unless I needed to have my lawn mowed. It's takes little time, effort, and money to TALK ABOUT starting a business, and it takes a great deal more to actually do it. Ask your self why people would call you as opposed to the Geek Squad. If you can't come up with a good answer, then you need to understand why. Are you licensed, bonded, and insured? If not, you won't step foot on my property. The reason why is that unless you are, then I'm liable for any injuries that occur on my property, plus if you damage anything while here, I want some way to recover my losses. I sincerely doubt that most 16 yr olds have the financial resources to do that on their own.
Do you know what advertising costs?
I don't want to rain on your parade, but I strongly suspect that you need to know more about the business that you THINK you want to open.
Well, I do have full Toshiba certification, and i am licensed to do repairs, though not Apple certification.
But, thanks for pointing that stuff out, but i guess i was asking, if i was to do it, would anyone have any suggestions?
Well, I do have full Toshiba certification, and i am licensed to do repairs, though not Apple certification.
But, thanks for pointing that stuff out, but i guess i was asking, if i was to do it, would anyone have any suggestions?
It looks like you ignored what I posted, because there were suggestions. Albeit not what you wanted to hear. That makes you a typical 16 year old, ask questions and ignore the answers from people that have been there and done that.
Good luck
It looks like you ignored what I posted, because there were suggestions. Albeit not what you wanted to hear. That makes you a typical 16 year old, ask questions and ignore the answers from people that have been there and done that. Good luck
And this makes you look like a crabby old man...
So this summer, I am seriously considering starting my own small-time computer repair business.
At school this year, I acquired Toshiba Technician certification, and I was planning on applying for a job at a local computer repair shop. The only problem is that there is no local repair place, just a Best Buy nearby, but I'm not working for Geek Squad. There is also an Apple Store about forty minutes away, but i would not have any transportation available there...
Seriously though, I think you are on the right track. You should get Apple Certification. Without it, if you physically open any Mac, for the most part, you violate the warranty.
On the PC side, I leave it to you.
On the Mac side, this is what I suggest.
1. Start with ACSP (I got this, for me it was kinda brain-boggling but for you should be ok). This is software-level OS X certification. A very good start. Just get the book, study, practise(!! Important !!) then take the test. http://training.apple.com/certification/macosx
Just do the Leopard Client one first. Server if you're interested...
Theoretically with or without this you can troubleshoot software and OS stuff without getting into trouble with Apple.
2. Then go on to portable and desktop technician.
http://training.apple.com/certification/acmt
You might have to go through this carefully through and maybe after the summer.
3. Stay off drugs, and by your 25th birthday you'll be making more than most of us.
This would entail installing network solutions for small to medium sized businesses. Right now Windows dominates this arena but I think this could change. I think Apple will make big in-roads into healthcare in particular. Right now most practice management and EMR software is on the windows platform but I think that is about to change.
This is the far more lucrative business compared to repair.
This is the far more lucrative business compared to repair.
Yah, great suggestion.
One other thing you can do is look for a summer job as a tech at a local business. That helps with the resume building side and a start at word of mouth advertising (or just a reference) if you do a good job.
You can still do repairs/upgrades and newtwork setup on the side. Network setup seems more in line than software for you at a guess but maybe not.
It looks like you ignored what I posted, because there were suggestions. Albeit not what you wanted to hear. That makes you a typical 16 year old, ask questions and ignore the answers from people that have been there and done that.
Good luck
Ok, Honestly, I was hoping that this was not going to turn into something about my age, though thankfully, no one else mentioned it.
As to your suggestions, I did read them and pay attenton to them, but i did not respond specifically to them.
If you can fix virtually all OS X problems then why aren't you offering fixes for the multitude of Leopard issues that many are complaining about?
Because I am. I am fixing computers on campus at my school, but I don't find enough time to appear regularly on any forums, so you would not have seen it.
Before you go into ANY business, you should have some experience at it. One way to get that is to work for someone else. That allows you to see first hand what works and what doesn't, and you're being paid to learn it. And NO, going to school is NOT the same as working for wages. In addition, working for someone else in the same field lets you see if there's any potential for you to open a business out of your home.
Well, I actually do work, not for pay, but for mandatory school service hours. I work for the IT and network engineers at my school, and I am one of their top technicians, out of the forty or so.
Do you have an Apple certification? If not, then I wouldn't be calling you unless I needed to have my lawn mowed. It's takes little time, effort, and money to TALK ABOUT starting a business, and it takes a great deal more to actually do it.
Honestly, I don't expect to be making many Apple hardware repairs, since only 13% of the population uses them, and Macs have less issues then PCs.
Ask your self why people would call you as opposed to the Geek Squad. If you can't come up with a good answer, then you need to understand why. Are you licensed, bonded, and insured? If not, you won't step foot on my property. The reason why is that unless you are, then I'm liable for any injuries that occur on my property, plus if you damage anything while here, I want some way to recover my losses. I sincerely doubt that most 16 yr olds have the financial resources to do that on their own.
I did take this whole thing into account, especially the first sentence. In regards to the rest, I was thinking more of performing repairs at my house, rather then at someone else's, because i knew that insurance would be a factor, though i don't know specific costs.
Do you know what advertising costs?
Yes, which was why I said I would advertise with fliers or signs, not billboards or newspaper ads.
I don't want to rain on your parade, but I strongly suspect that you need to know more about the business that you THINK you want to open.
Actually, reading that was more of a reality check then a rained-out parade. I know more about the whole computer repair business then you suspect me to though
And this makes you look like a crabby old man...
Seriously though, I think you are on the right track. You should get Apple Certification. Without it, if you physically open any Mac, for the most part, you violate the warranty.
On the PC side, I leave it to you.
On the Mac side, this is what I suggest.
1. Start with ACSP (I got this, for me it was kinda brain-boggling but for you should be ok). This is software-level OS X certification. A very good start. Just get the book, study, practise(!! Important !!) then take the test. http://training.apple.com/certification/macosx
Just do the Leopard Client one first. Server if you're interested...
Theoretically with or without this you can troubleshoot software and OS stuff without getting into trouble with Apple.
2. Then go on to portable and desktop technician.
http://training.apple.com/certification/acmt
You might have to go through this carefully through and maybe after the summer.
3. Stay off drugs, and by your 25th birthday you'll be making more than most of us.
Alright, thank you. This actually is really helpful, since I probably never would have found these on my own.
I would recommend that you go an addition step and become a business solutions provider.
This would entail installing network solutions for small to medium sized businesses. Right now Windows dominates this arena but I think this could change. I think Apple will make big in-roads into healthcare in particular. Right now most practice management and EMR software is on the windows platform but I think that is about to change.
This is the far more lucrative business compared to repair.
I considered that, but providing for larger businesses would require, well, alot that I don't know/have.
I do know that I would first need a good reputation and be fairly well known before i could start in that field.
Jake, you might know a great deal about computer repair, but since you've never been in the computer repair business, I doubt you know much about it. They are two completely different animals. At 16 you cannot even legally sign a contract, your parents are still legally responsible for you.
"I know more about the whole computer repair business then you suspect me to though"
Jake, you might know a great deal about computer repair, but since you've never been in the computer repair business, I doubt you know much about it. They are two completely different animals. At 16 you cannot even legally sign a contract, your parents are still legally responsible for you.
Jeez, he's not going to run your local Apple Store, he's just gonna re-install OS X or Windoze XP for somebody's grandma (or next door neighbour, etc.) for x amount of dollars... Cottage industry...
Jeez, he's not going to run your local Apple Store, he's just gonna re-install OS X or Windoze XP for somebody's grandma (or next door neighbour, etc.) for x amount of dollars... Cottage industry...
Sorry, that's not the way I read his intentions. He said open a business in which he admittedly has zero experience. Businesses failure for that reason alone is quite high. If one is serious about it, they get the knowledge that they need prior to opening a business. He thinks he's too good to work for the Geek Squad, but the Geek Squad is a successful business.
He has no business plan, the number one reason for business failure. you can bet the farm that the Geek Squad had a business plan before they ever got started. Once a business is opened, and fails, it's public knowledge, and it takes it's toll on one's credibility. Success has quite the opposite effect.
He's 16, and thinks he knows it all, but the only job that he's ever held is flippin burgers for Mickey D's. Maybe an MBA in Business Administration isn't enough to qualify one to comment on this, but the smartest thing he could do at this point, is to work for someone else in the business, and learn the ropes. His chance for success is far better if he knows the business first.
Sorry, that's not the way I read his intentions. He said open a business in which he admittedly has zero experience. Businesses failure for that reason alone is quite high. If one is serious about it, they get the knowledge that they need prior to opening a business. He thinks he's too good to work for the Geek Squad, but the Geek Squad is a successful business.
Actually, nvidia2008 had it right. I plan on having a smaller shop. I'm sorry if I worded it wrong. And saying that I have zero experience implies that I have never booted up a computer before. As far as the Geek Squad goes, I would not work for them ever since they sold out to Best Buy, since they are alot less qualified now, and they are known to cheat customers in various ways.
He has no business plan, the number one reason for business failure. you can bet the farm that the Geek Squad had a business plan before they ever got started. Once a business is opened, and fails, it's public knowledge, and it takes it's toll on one's credibility. Success has quite the opposite effect.
Well, Just because I didn't tell you something, does not mean it does not exist.
He's 16, and thinks he knows it all, but the only job that he's ever held is flippin burgers for Mickey D's. Maybe an MBA in Business Administration isn't enough to qualify one to comment on this, but the smartest thing he could do at this point, is to work for someone else in the business, and learn the ropes. His chance for success is far better if he knows the business first.
I wish you would quit assuming stuff about me because of my age. Like I said, I already work for someone in this business. I have been paid by neighbors for fixing their computer before, but I was hoping to expand it a little.
If I had not mentoned that I was 16, how would your tone be to me then?
Actually, nvidia2008 had it right. I plan on having a smaller shop. I'm sorry if I worded it wrong. And saying that I have zero experience implies that I have never booted up a computer before. As far as the Geek Squad goes, I would not work for them ever since they sold out to Best Buy, since they are alot less qualified now, and they are known to cheat customers in various ways.
Well, Just because I didn't tell you something, does not mean it does not exist.
I wish you would quit assuming stuff about me because of my age. Like I said, I already work for someone in this business. I have been paid by neighbors for fixing their computer before, but I was hoping to expand it a little.
If I had not mentoned that I was 16, how would your tone be to me then?
You are making the same assumptions that the uninitiated make. You are confusing experience in repairing computers with business experience in that line of work. You admitted that you don't even how much to charge for your services. That is not called experience, it's called ignorance. Wanting to go into business is no qualification to do so. The simple fact is that you have NO CLUE about the business side of it. Being the best computer repair person on the planet does not qualify you as someone that should go into business without some idea of how it works.
Now you are enjoying feeling like I'm picking on you because of your age. What I said applies to anyone wanting to go into any business. You had better get your ducks in a row before you open the doors. I know that you THINK you have all of this experience, but the questions that you asked here show that you don't. You might know computers to some degree, but you do not know business. You made some broad sweeping comments about the Geek Squad and Best Buy, just how do you know all of this? Do they tell you, do you know all of their employees and their qualifications, do you have access to all of their customers comments, have YOU been cheated by them, or is this all anecdotal? Saying I know a guy that knows this girl who knows the aunt of a guy that says was cheated, isn't credible.
I'd be very careful about making what could be seen as libelous comments in a public forum about Best Buy, unless you can back them up with proof. I've not seen one piece of news where the Geek Squad has been guilty of cheating anyone, and I live in the 5th largest city in the country. From here, it looks like you are spreading rumors.
The FACT is that the number of businesses that fail because they don't have a business plan is extraordinarily high. A business plan means that you have good grip the demographics in the area that you plan to operate in. You know that there is a market for your business. You know what the market will bear in terms of prices. It involves all of that and a lot more, because it gives you a reasonable chance of success. Going in blind is nearly always a disaster.
You can get a handle on a great deal of that by working for someone else and seeing first hand how it goes. But, you don't WANT to do that. So, go do what you what you want to do.
You are making the same assumptions that the uninitiated make. You are confusing experience in repairing computers with business experience in that line of work. You admitted that you don't even how much to charge for your services. That is not called experience, it's called ignorance. Wanting to go into business is no qualification to do so. The simple fact is that you have NO CLUE about the business side of it. Being the best computer repair person on the planet does not qualify you as someone that should go into business without some idea of how it works.
Now you are enjoying feeling like I'm picking on you because of your age. What I said applies to anyone wanting to go into any business. You had better get your ducks in a row before you open the doors. I know that you THINK you have all of this experience, but the questions that you asked here show that you don't. You might know computers to some degree, but you do not know business. You made some broad sweeping comments about the Geek Squad and Best Buy, just how do you know all of this? Do they tell you, do you know all of their employees and their qualifications, do you have access to all of their customers comments, have YOU been cheated by them, or is this all anecdotal? Saying I know a guy that knows this girl who knows the aunt of a guy that says was cheated, isn't credible.
I'd be very careful about making what could be seen as libelous comments in a public forum about Best Buy, unless you can back them up with proof. I've not seen one piece of news where the Geek Squad has been guilty of cheating anyone, and I live in the 5th largest city in the country. From here, it looks like you are spreading rumors.
The FACT is that the number of businesses that fail because they don't have a business plan is extraordinarily high. A business plan means that you have good grip the demographics in the area that you plan to operate in. You know that there is a market for your business. You know what the market will bear in terms of prices. It involves all of that and a lot more, because it gives you a reasonable chance of success. Going in blind is nearly always a disaster.
You can get a handle on a great deal of that by working for someone else and seeing first hand how it goes. But, you don't WANT to do that. So, go do what you what you want to do.
This is probably the most psychotic rant I've read this week, enough so that I decided I should probably join and offer some support to this potential business creator. My first suggestion is that you ignore this frothing-mouth troll at all costs.
I've come to find that there is a great number of people in this world who intend to enforce their will and their opinions on complete strangers. This poster is one of them, an outright fool with plenty of time on his/her hands.
My advice is to just start doing your service by spreading the fliers just to see how many calls you get. You will want to have some sort of waiver that customers sign which says that they are aware the computer has a problem, and that you aren't responsible if it can't be fixed (to keep your parents out of court). You should also give them an estimate of the price for any parts that will need to be replaced.
Keep in mind that it is still usually boring service stuff, but that you are in essence selling your personality and reputation, which you'll build over time.
When it comes to payment, set an hourly rate with some amount of payment up front (A fee to show up, and an hourly rate from their out). Make sure you are getting paid before you do anything, as people will take advantage of you if they think you are too young to seek legal recourse.
The only other thing, if you get enough customers, is that you'll want to cover yourself with any service sales licenses necessary for your state, and to register yourself as a business (which depends on your state, and can cost something). You'll have to pay taxes then since you'll have drawn the state's attention to you.
I think that generally covers it, but most of all, be sure to tell the anonymous spittle spewing forum trolls where they can go.
Now you are enjoying feeling like I'm picking on you because of your age. What I said applies to anyone wanting to go into any business. You had better get your ducks in a row before you open the doors. I know that you THINK you have all of this experience, but the questions that you asked here show that you don't. You might know computers to some degree, but you do not know business. You made some broad sweeping comments about the Geek Squad and Best Buy, just how do you know all of this? Do they tell you, do you know all of their employees and their qualifications, do you have access to all of their customers comments, have YOU been cheated by them, or is this all anecdotal? Saying I know a guy that knows this girl who knows the aunt of a guy that says was cheated, isn't credible.
Here, here, here, here, and there's even more.
You can get a handle on a great deal of that by working for someone else and seeing first hand how it goes. But, you don't WANT to do that. So, go do what you what you want to do.
I'm not sure how hard it is to understand that I ALREADY WORK FOR SOMEONE.
My advice is to just start doing your service by spreading the fliers just to see how many calls you get. You will want to have some sort of waiver that customers sign which says that they are aware the computer has a problem, and that you aren't responsible if it can't be fixed (to keep your parents out of court). You should also give them an estimate of the price for any parts that will need to be replaced.
Keep in mind that it is still usually boring service stuff, but that you are in essence selling your personality and reputation, which you'll build over time.
When it comes to payment, set an hourly rate with some amount of payment up front (A fee to show up, and an hourly rate from their out). Make sure you are getting paid before you do anything, as people will take advantage of you if they think you are too young to seek legal recourse.
The only other thing, if you get enough customers, is that you'll want to cover yourself with any service sales licenses necessary for your state, and to register yourself as a business (which depends on your state, and can cost something). You'll have to pay taxes then since you'll have drawn the state's attention to you.
Thank you. This, and what nvidia2008 said, was the kind of stuff i was looking for.