I would like information on starting a small computer repair business.?
Posted on September 29th, 2009 by admin
I have 8 years IT experience and would like to start a small part time repair business to make some spare money. Does anyone have any suggestions on getting it started? A couple specific things I would like to know about are:
1. How should I market my business in a small town of about 8,000 people.
2. What do I need to do as far as taxes go? I plan on making no more than $5,000 per year
3. Any other suggestions?
Buy a magnetic sign for the door of your car and start working. Put up flyers at grocery stores. The IRS will figure out your tax. No city tax if you make less than $30,000. You can call the City Treasurer to confirm and they will give you advice about any permits or places you must register.
Do a great job and charge less than Geek Squad..
September 29th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Hi,
Lots of things to consider, but let me share some thoughts.
1) You should advertise in your local newspaper and in the grocery store bulletin board, etc. Definitely offer some kind of incentive. Promote that you can get their computer working much better without having to replace it. So many people have computers gummed up by adware and viruses that they end up just going out and getting a new one. You can save them money.
2) If you want to be on the up and up (and you do, right?) then you will want to talk to an accountant or knowledgable friend about either incorporating or at least keeping records so you can file a "schedule C" on your individual return. The income you make will be taxable, but any business expenses can offset that income. So you should keep good records, it will save you lots of money.
3) You should consider insurance. God forbid, if you short someone’s computer out or you lose a valuable document by accident, you want to be sure you’re not going to lose your shirt. This is supposed to make you money, so protect yourself. It’s worth the cost. Also, do you have any certifications like A+? Those are very valuable for providing evidence to your customers that you are competent. You have to compete against Best Buy and Dell service centers, etc. You need to look your best at all times.
Finally, make all customers sign something saying that it’s okay or not okay to format their computer to fix it. You don’t want them to come back to you furious.
And fix problems thoroughly. When I was in practice doing computer repair, the biggest problem we had was incomplete fixes, which doubled the work load.
References :
September 29th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
Buy a magnetic sign for the door of your car and start working. Put up flyers at grocery stores. The IRS will figure out your tax. No city tax if you make less than $30,000. You can call the City Treasurer to confirm and they will give you advice about any permits or places you must register.
Do a great job and charge less than Geek Squad..
References :