Going Pro

[mjc]

Ok guys,

I may be crazy, but I'm seriously considering starting up a computer repair shop. I know some of you here do have shops so what I'm looking for is a little advice......

I think I've got a pretty good grasp of things, how a computer works and what not, the rust has definately been stripped away since coming here. I know what I know and more importantly I know that I don't know everything.

I also know where to come if I really get stuck......

I'm not going to do it full time, just something to do on the side and maybe earn a little money for important things like that new MOBO I've been eyeing or that P4 or..... http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

Do Vulcans even have to debug?

[Randy_tx]

Location is VERY important......Signs are VERY important (With your Phone # in big print). When I started about 4 years ago I didnt know doodley squat (arguably still dont http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif)...BUT I had nearly 18 years of running my own business under my belt. So, I dont think it's what you know about computers as much as what you know about how to keep afloat that counts. You can ALWAYS get the answer to troubleshooting questions....YOU DO NEED TO KNOW HOW TO BUILD A COMPUTER...and do it in about 1 hr 20 min (or set that as the goal to reach in less than 6 mo.). And you do need to stay up with the latest things the "BIG BOYS" are doing( I tell customers I only compete with Dell, IBM & Gateway). I can obviously give better and faster service than ANY of the Big guys. Repairs make MUCH more than new systems do; however, I now can make about $375-$450 per system on a new one ....For me, It's feast or famine....slowest time is the summer. I do high speed copying & color copying in addition to computers to provide some additional revenue. Good luck in the decision.

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"As hard as a rock & dumb as a brick"...Windows CEMeNT

[Paleo Pete]

Good advice Randy, I've been wanting to try and set up shop for ages, but your first 4 words are my biggest problem. I'm 25 miles out in the sticks in East Texas, and seriously doubt if it would ever stay afloat. Most of my family has been pushing me to try it for at least a year, and none of them seem to understand or admit that the LOCATION is a major roadblock.

I can create good advertising, signs, phonebook, local weekly ad papers, business cards etc. After a decent start and about $150 to spend I can get the old Laser Jet back online, and offer high quality printing, fax, scanning, word processing, and eventually a decent parts inventory. I could also try setting up classes or regular meetings to teach people to use computers. I've done that before...

The two major problems are location, and enough repair way out here to keep me alive. I don't think it would float on either point...Not enough computers out here to keep me alive, along with the local geeks who already work on friends' and families' machines, the overabundance of shops 25 miles away, and being basically unknown to begin with. A town of about 100,000 maybe less 25 miles away, and nearly a dozen shops listed in the phone book...too many shops here already...and you're right, repair is the "bread and butter" of the computer business. That's what would kill me...

Parts..that's about the least profitable side of it all, building new machines, as you imply, is probably next.

So, soon as I can manage some way to scrape up some gas money, I'm looking at being forced to go to Dallas, Houston (YUKKK!) or somewhere like that just to make a living-both are 2 1/2-3 hours away-even though I happen to know I'm one of the best techs in the area. Jobs here? Forget it...been looking for 2 years. Not one opening I've been able to sniff out yet...it's all "good ole boys" and family...That's why I got out of the machine shop business. 8 years as a machinist, and not one of the 12-15 shops in town will talk to me. When they do, they won't even consider more than $8.00/hour. I literally can't get an interview with any machine shop here...or computer shop...

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Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines!
Note: Please post your questions on the forums, not in my email.

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[mjc]

Around me the nearest shop is about 15 miles away and there are enough computers, maybe not enough to make a living but enough to add some income.

Pete, don't feel to bad the "good ole boys" network is alive nad well in WV, too. I was told by a business owner that he wasn't going to hire me because I had more education than he did.....(afraid I was going to take over his business, I guess).

I hope to be able to do about $100 a week to start (by the end of the summer up that quite a bit), the going rate around here is $35/hr after driving your computer into the shop (1/2 hr min drive...winding, narrow country roads......). And I think that I can order most parts on an as needed basis....people around here are used to waiting for parts (two weeks for a plow share bolt......). I'll be working out of my garage/workshop to begin so I won't have that extra overhead, in a about a year or so looking into an actual shop location (my neighbor, the mayor ran a successful exterminating business out of his garage for years before moving into his new office....)

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mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

Do Vulcans even have to debug?

[Randy_tx]

The best way to start getting business is to invest in some simple Business Cards with something like " Computer Repairs" as the title & Phone # in large print.....and go around to everyone nearby and pass em out....also, try to get a Store to have them on the counter for you ...you will be surprised how many will call after a bit http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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"As hard as a rock & dumb as a brick"...Windows CEMeNT

[mjc]

Been there done that for my wordworking shop. I still got plenty of card stock for them.....just starting on a design, probably go just text....have to remember to update my business stuff with the state.......looking to start advertising myself right after Easter...

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mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

Do Vulcans even have to debug?

[Paleo Pete]

Lots of luck mjc, I hope it works. I doubt if you'll have much trouble once you become known, since it's fairly obvious from your participation in the forums that you have the knowledge and ability to do it. As for advertising...word of mouth is absolutely the best. You'll usually get more business from people telling friends than from any other method. That's where quality service counts most.

I'm still thinking about trying it here just for some extra income, I can print out the business cards, and put notices on a few bulletin boards at local stores, etc, but really don't see much hope for it out here. Sure wish my Laser Jet wasn't down, it would make the business cards and flyers much nicer, as well as drip proof...I don't expect to make a living, but I might be able to scrape up a bit of extra income to add to the current odd jobs and at least survive...

Also, email me, I have another matter to check with you about.



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Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines!
Note: Please post your questions on the forums, not in my email.

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)