Is Computer Repair A Good Business?

Depends on your area I suppose and what the local competition is.

Were I live there must be at least 40-50 companies listed in the local telephone directory and we are a pretty small town! If you live in a City, who knows. Just market yourself properly and you shall succeed

I did computer repairs for a number of years, but just out
of my home. After computer prices fell I found that less
people were willing to pay for repairs. If you can get the
volume then you can make a decent profit.

Also think about selling computers as well rather than
just repairs. Also laptops resale is not a bad option.
You buy used laptops, spruce them up and resell them
locally or on eBay.

If you keep your overhead low then you can offer
competitive prices and be prepared for a lot of
"virus" types repairs instead of upgrades and
hardware.

-Ray Edwards

Its possible.. Charge 50 for a wipe and reload and find a few clients a day. Easier said than done but you can do it. Run a small ad, open a site.. Get customers!

With computer prices approaching the level of a good toaster, it seems like less and less people would be opting to repair a computer over just buying a new one. I'd at least consider that when thinking of your long term options.

As far as people work with computers and it's their primary way to store, receive, and send information... combined with security needs... computer repair will continue to be a good business to operate in. You plan on doing this offline or online?

If you live in an area that lacks a decent computer repair business then there's a good chance of your business growing.

I once worked in a small business where we paid an IT guy a monthly retainer fee. We had two offices with about 4 computers in each and a couple of printers. It was a very small network.

The guy charged was a little more expensive but my boss was happy to pay him more because he knew the system (which meant less messing about) and if anything went wrong he could just pick up the phone and give him a buzz. Some of the problems were solved remotely and others he'd come in a visit the office. Either way he only lived down the road so it was easy.

If I was to go into computer repair I think I'd do it with the intention of targeting small businesses with the end goal of finding firms that'd pay a monthly retainer fee so they had pretty much instant access if anything went wrong. What's that worth to a business that depends on IT? What's it worth to know you have the staff you're paying working... instead of sitting around waiting while you sort out the problem?

You could also team up with a major computer company. For instance, the guy who fixes my Dell laptops (that I use for my business) is a local guy but his company is outsourced by Dell for this service.

Its a good idea.But the business will depend on your marketing and competition.You could sell relevant product.

There are two computer repair guys in my small town's main street. One offers £50 flat fee service (plus parts) and the other a no-fix no-fee (but charges more when he does fix). The latter one seems the busier.

Both sell bespoke computers and the odd bit of reconditioned kit, but neither think like marketers.

Last time I needed some work doing I spent an hour chatting to the no-fix no-fee guy about ways he could expand his business and was amazed to find that he hadn't even considered most of the simple ideas I offered him. Ideas like offering a set-up service for seniors, a data transfer service for people who've bought a new machine, beginners classes for basic programs like Word, Excel, Outlook etc. He had also never even considered collecting customer email addresses so he could send out tps, hints and offers!

I'm not into local marketing and so was happy to offer him my ideas free of charge, but as far as I can see he hasn't done anything with any of them.

The potential scope for a plain computer repair shop is somewhat limited and is a struggle to maintain a flow of business, but by thinking outside the box and applying old-fashioned marketing could make it a much more viable proposition.

Martin

Hello,

its a great business!

1. Though, make sure to charge customers a fee that you are compfortable with. Do not work with a flat fee.
2. Make a mimimum charge fee (for ex. : 2-3 hours) if not, customers will be calling you for little things every 5 minutes with every little problem they've got. You will be working a lot for very little return.
3. Base your business on service and not on selling hardware.
4. Provide good service and you wont be needing any marketing, you'll get refereces. thats how its hard to get a good tech guy these days.

good luck

If you have my dad as a customer then it's a goldmine .

Regards,
jim

Computer repair is a good business if you have enough knowledge to provide different services and clear concept regarding computers's problem. It depends on few specific points as well. Those are, your customer base, way of promotion, reputation, place selection and competitors.

It's a good idea indeed. Problems with electronics machines will never end. So if you able to provide good services to your customers and can promote your business, definitely you will get success.

The skills for how to repair computes is only half the job though - You have to have a lot of patients with people who ask silly questions or demand you do things for silly prices. If you have both of those skill sets them indeed it's a great business to be in I'm sure!

I suppose it can be or people wouldn't be in the business. Check out this thread and decide for yourself. http://www.warriorforum.com/offline-...-two-days.html

Disclaimer: I am not endorsing I am just saying you read it and decide. GOOD LUCK.

I think is a good idea. You could have a better chance if you are located in a area that lacks a computer repair service. Although I haven't use this service myself but I've been to a small store that also sells computers and see customers waiting in line for repairs. The more computer service offered, the better. Like others have already mentioned, if you know how to market yourself, then I'll go for it.

What would also be good if you are able to form contracts with larger companies since I've always seen computers breaking for a number of reasons..

Definitely its a good business. I think it is a really good one too. I have a friend here who runs a computer repair business and he make a good income from it.

i think these business are really profitable in the suburb areas. you can get clients and when you get some orders then you can expand your business.
thanks

I've found that people are willing to pay to get their pictures, music & other files even if they are just going to buy a new computer. For the most part just opening up the case, removing their HD & ordering an external bay for it off amazon for like $20 & you can charge $100 or so for doing it.

Yes, It is a very good business because there are so many people are using computer now a days and there are every people have the computers at their home ans so that it is a good business.

Nowadays everybody owns a computer (or more) so a repair will be always needed. Its if you are going to sell old repaired computers too. Buy them on a cheap price (as they will not be working properly),repare them, sell them, get the profit.

That almost depends on where you are from. Most of the people here are saying why would people repair old computer when you can have one with a little price but here in my area people repair things instead of buying a lot. So computer repair business goes well along with selling services in my country and people are making decent amount of money by it.

All i want to say is HARD WORK will be involved. If i am your friend, i will give this business ideal a PASS.

It's a waste of their time and yours. Too many people falsely and idiotically believe they can enter the computer repair industry because they know how to replace a keyboard. I can't tell you how many of my clients come from lousy remote and on-site computer repair businesses.

Hey drakerush... any business is a good idea for online income provided it meets certain criteria, so have a look for the following:

1. Is there are a market? - go check out the search volume by typing into the Google keyword tool the 'main keywords' of the biz
2. Are there some good 'high traffic, low competition' keywords that you can target?
3. How strong is are the competing sites?
4. Do you have the ability to drive 'buyer' traffic to your site quickly?

That's the start point... if yes then you're ready to dig a bit deeper with your research.

Check my signature... the videos there may be of real help to get you started!

Not so good ,
It's a too good idea,
try to be regular in your job,
I am sure you will be STEVE JOBS one day.

Few tips:
1. Gauge your competition.
2. Market yourself to your customers properly.
3. You should really know what you're doing.
4. As in any Business, plan your exit strategy beforehand.

All the best.

Generally speaking, YES, that's a good business. Just make sure competition in your area is low.

It is a good idea but with lots of competition.Try to choose long tail keywords and use a unique selling point.

Depending on where you live, this is a VERY competitive business. Look at the craigslist classifieds for computer repairs alone. Market yourself properly though, and you may be able to build up a nice customer base.

Here's our suggestions:

1. Find the websites of local computer stores in your area.
2. Make a research in their marketing strategies (SEO, local and online marketing, sales, promos, etc).
3. Get and combine their best practices. Apply them to your own local computer repair business, build a website, use the best keywords they're all using on their sites so you'll rank well. You don't have to re-invent the wheel.
4. Anything that I missed???
5. Rinse and repeat (that's the life cycle of any business).


I hope this helps.

yes,do it but you need to providing software's and hardware parts also....it helps little....

I think you need to get into the business end of the business. If you have a few small business clients you will probably do alright, since they will pay for you to get their computers back up and running quickly.

Consumers on the other hand are more likely to toss there computer and get a new & better one than pay for repairs.

I have mixed feelings on this one. You can build a solid business doing this, BUT it is a service business. The service stops the money stops, many online businesses have residual income, when the work stops you still can make money :-) Much better model.

Computer repair is a good business as I did it on the side, it's a solid model if you're targeting small businesses in your area and offering them a monthly IT support plan.

You charge them based on the # of PCs they have and formulate a monthly price which will include remote and onsite support.

Best of luck,
Ahmad

yes, that's what i am doing and it has no end....and if you are an expert you can be like bill gates, warren bafet, shiv nadar, azim premji...

It's like the blind leading the blind when you ask for advice on this forum. Don't base your decision on it.

Here's my two cents...

A computer repair store would of been a good idea 10 years ago.

Nowadays the market is highly competitive.

It's a service job so you will have to put up with lousy customers.

And I don't see a lot of room for growth.

And the main reason I'd be cautions about jumping into a business like this is... It's based around current technology. 10-15 years from now computers might be so cheap that it would be more expensive to get it repaired rather than replace. Also 10-15 years from now we don't even know what kind of computers will be using. Desktops and laptops might be replaced with a super phone that you hook up to your TV. Desktops and laptops could go the way of the typewriter. It's always a risk when you create a business around current technology.

Good idea but not the best i think. I think this will make you waste time useful if you do you duty sincerely and you can add other stuff like games dvd or other computer parts and related with your computer repairing business. I know some of my friends are doing good. But you only doing computer repairing will no bring good amount for you.

Firstly see the competition and market of that place.
secondly see the place where you want to make your success possible.

You need more then just computer repairs.

Any business is fine as long as you love what you are doing. There is a high chance that you and your partner would be successful if both of you treat the business as passion. Assuming you have that you have the desire and heart to run the business, it's time to use your head and plan marketing strategies before the actual selling.

If you are planning to sell online, hire a good web designer to set up your website. Then, engage in all social media sites especially Facebook and Twiter and grow your network. To increase visibility in the web, go for SEO.

Way too much competition, too late to enter, very average pay. Unless you do something extra/unique, there are probably better alternatives out there.

First I read your post not everyones else op.
So if I duplicate I apologize.
I had a very successful business, Storefront all that.
This is over ten years ago and I made some decent money.
I tried to help a friend get started and he barely made enough to
pay for his time, this was this year.

Depends on your area.
Here in DFW they have the craigslist cut throats.
19 dollars for a home repair. Now we know there going to
get inside the home and say well a simple repair won't work and I
have to take it to the office and now the price just jumped up there.
To get the customer to realize this before they call them is another problem.

Any business can make it even with the cut throats but
it depends on how long you have to starve before word gets out that
your one of the best and most legit out there.

In our area, I have seen so many people who needs to repair their own computers, laptops, tablets and their respective parts. But it really depends on the area that you are right now. It is better that you should check your competition there before starting your own computer repair business.

I worked in IT Support for many years, and used to moonlight doing home PC support/repair-listen if you are really patient and don't expect to work on interesting problems-you will be explaining basic stuff to moms and dads, and the older folks-which is fine-but you have to have the right temperament for it...Also people tend to blame you for everything that goes wrong with their machines after you have looked at it-people can be awkward. Bundle up some other services, re-sell equipment-that kind of thing, best of luck to you.

It all comes down to whether you can find and keep quality customers.

You need to know what jobs customers are willing to pay good money for. A lot of businesses struggle because they never find the cash cow jobs. They can scrape by doing bread and butter jobs but eventually get tired and give up.

There are plenty of technophobes out there that are willing to pay to have their problems go away. Also there are a lot of small businesses that need a technical resource they can call on when needed.

It comes down to whether you and your friend can close deals and then keep your customers happy. This tends to rely more on personality than on technical ability.

I did it a LONG time ago as a small business ..it was ok for side money. I have seen many local shops close as they can't compete with the big shops like 'Geek Squad' etc. Now , doing everything remote is easy for the most part. A lot more people have switched the Macs these days which don't have to be repaired for OS issues as often by any means. Now if you create an iPhone repair shop... good business.

I'd say data recovery is still a good niche. It has the importance of the data and immediacy===>higher$$

I'd agree, mobile phone repair could be even better going forward. People "need" their phones and want them fixed quickly====>higher$$ They do not want to ship them off a few days even if they have insurance.

I'd say you better off with an iPhone repair shop but who knows. Clients are rude sometimes and gadgets seem to be more popular then computers.

If you don't have a storefront (so no need to sit and wait for customers to show up) occupy your free time with service calls from field tech companies. It's a great way to add income to your PC repair company and will give you experience with equipment you may not touch otherwise (like point-of-sale systems and digital signage, for example). Sometimes it's just menial work, like swapping out a printer and sending the old one back in same box, but it really can be worth your time and you may find it a greater income source. Since you bid on jobs, you only take them when it's convenient for you and worth it to you, so it's not like having a full time job with an annoying boss to push you around.

I've dealt with several companies, but prefer Field Nation and Field Solutions.

https://www.fieldnation.com/

Electronics Field Service | Independent Field Service Technicians | FieldSolutions

It definitely is profitable, but there is a lot of competition out there for this type of business. It'd be better to offer more than just computer repairing. Offer other gadget repairs, computer upgrades and customizing. You'll get much more customers this way.

I don't see anything wrong with trying this. It seems like a very low risk startup. It's not like you need to buy expensive tools or spend months developing something that might fail or sink huge money into it.

You may want to incorporate mobile device repair into it though.... cracked screens... sluggish Androids...

It's a very old thread but here are my 2 cents.
I did that when I was a teen, personal computers were booming.
Right now is people really willing to pay a fair repair bill when tech products are usually very cheap?

ive tried it with little success. in my area, theirs 50 or more companies and individuals that fix computers in a 15 mile radius. these days people have a lot of choices.... strike one.

office depot best buy staples, they have big money and brand name recognition... they spend millions on marketing every year, that I can't do... strike two.

maybe I do better work but how do I get the word out and find clients? fliers on mailboxes? tried that... post office said its illegal to put fliers on boxes.. so had to stop that. had a website... anyone can build a website, but how do you get people to see the site? and when the site does come up in search engine results, people have to be willing click on your site, read it, and phone someone they've never heard of before. strike three. lol

I see people on craigslist willing to remove viruses for 29 bucks. for that little amount of money, I pass... it's not worth my time or effort. least thats what i'm starting to realize..

Computer repair is just an industry, all that matters is what you plan to make of your business.

Everyone above can tell you whether it is or isn't a good business to get into, but the reality is if you plan is just to copy the traditional model that you apparently have in mind, you will end up only worse-off than the multitudes of firms offering the same services. As anyone can tell you, copying a business model isn't going to earn you a fortune.

Bestbuy's Geeksquad is a great example of how billions could be made in the computer repair market. Conceive a differentiated offering and go for it.

I am an IT technician shortest answer is YES.

Honestly, I would recommend starting an e-commerce store with your friend and scrap the pc repair idea lol. I have a friend that worked at one of these computer repair places and the guy that owned the place made a lot of money but he was a crook. My friend quit because he didn't like lying to customers and when PC prices started falling he saw the writing on the wall. The owner of that business has since gone out of business. Luckily for him he made a fortune off of poor old ladies that didn't know any better before his business crashed. You can make so much more money online and not have to be a slave to another job. If you don't like the idea of working 80+ hours per week for yourself and spending a ton of money hoping your business doesn't fail in the first 2 or 3 years I would suggest the online route.

Of course is YES. Many people are having computer problems everyday