Computer Repair

[Encrypted]

I'm not usually one to ask too many questions, but I would like some ideas on how to go about in starting a new business of mine. I want to start a computer repair business; cleaning, upgrading, restoring, and backing up computers. Anyone have any ideas where I should start? I was thinking about throwing up a website and posting papers on bulletin boards around my campus. I would like to stay away from house calls, unless they were near by. I was planning on focusing my business on people shipping their computers to me and then shipping them back as well as live support; where I would remotely connect to their computer to fix their problems. Post any additional ideas you may have. Thanks.

[pats4801]

Me too......

[ikjosh]

I'm not sure how well you'd do with people shipping their computer to you - I wouldn't do that, for two reasons:

1. I don't know you. What are you going to do with my computer?
2. I can't be away from my computer that long

I think you need to build a local client base. Businesses or individuals could drop their computers off with you at your office if you didn't want to make calls, but in my opinion that's not viable, businesses want someone who can come in and do fixes on site. You also need to build rapport with the client - going back to #1

As an individual, you can only do so much with this business model. Now, you could setup a website and offer live support via phone or email through the website, and that would expand your client base. But physical repairs I think would have to be local

I think you start by putting up the simple website, and sending out a blast email to all your contacts letting them know about what you're doing now - You'll get a couple jobs maybe, hopefully they turn into recurring work and then referrals. You could also charge these folks a retainer for maintenance and support, now you can build a steady stream of income.

[Encrypted]

I'm not sure how well you'd do with people shipping their computer to you - I wouldn't do that, for two reasons:

1. I don't know you. What are you going to do with my computer?
2. I can't be away from my computer that long

I think you need to build a local client base. Businesses or individuals could drop their computers off with you at your office if you didn't want to make calls, but in my opinion that's not viable, businesses want someone who can come in and do fixes on site. You also need to build rapport with the client - going back to #1

As an individual, you can only do so much with this business model. Now, you could setup a website and offer live support via phone or email through the website, and that would expand your client base. But physical repairs I think would have to be local

I think you start by putting up the simple website, and sending out a blast email to all your contacts letting them know about what you're doing now - You'll get a couple jobs maybe, hopefully they turn into recurring work and then referrals. You could also charge these folks a retainer for maintenance and support, now you can build a steady stream of income.

Thanks for the reply. I've thought about it a bit more and I think I'm going to hold off for awhile or completely scratch the idea. At least until I get out of Philly; I'm not looking to get car jacked when I go out for a repair. lol