The Business of Computer Repair

Description about the video

Info Level: Beginner Presenter: Eli the Computer Guy Date Created: May 19, 2010 Length of Class: 84 Minutes Tracks Computer Repair Prerequisites Interest in starting a Computer Repair Business Purpose of Class This class teaches students the basic concepts for starting a Computer Repair business, but also warns that this type of business is unlikely to be viable in the future. Topics Covered What is the Computer Repair Business Where to operate a Computer Repair Business from How the Computer Repair Business makes profit How to Bill Clients Selling Computer and Parts Limiting Liability Common Mistakes Class Notes Introduction The Computer Repair Business includes: Hardware Repair , Configurations, Viruses Mix this business with Networking Business and Data Recovery How to do it? Storefront? -- Seems more "legitimate" but costs can far outweigh benefits At their house? -- Going to the clients house is a good option that saves overhead cost, and really isn't as bad as people imagine it can be At your house? -- People are willing to bring computers to your house. Efficiency Computer Repair is a commodity business Setup your workbench to be as efficient as possible (4 Monitors, Keyboards, Mice) Sysprep, Slipstream and Disk Imaging increase the speed of installing new operating systems. Billing They always pay something Flat Rates work best Up sell Parts -- Reselling parts easily adds $25-$200 profit to a work order Selling Computers? Building custom computers is generally more trouble than it's worth now. Easier to "consult" on buying a Dell Create Partnerships You can't do everything. Approach local tech companies about swapping work. Limit Your Liability Use contracts You are not responsible for data Time limit for pickup Payment due at time of delivery Common Mistakes Create checklists so you have fail out points (Avoid the "Rabbit Hole to Hell") Communication with the client makes everyone's life better Under Promise, Over Deliver Parts Always buy name brand parts from reliable vendors. It's not worth time, money, or frustration dealing with no name manufacturers or vendors. If a part fails the client will blame you, not the manufacturer Final Thoughts... The Computer Repair Business is dying New Computers can be bought for $200 at Best Buy Windows 7 is much more stable/ secure then XP and needs fewer repairs. There still is, and always will be work, but... There are other aspects of Information Technology that will pay much better and be more relevant and interesting. This is a good place to get your feet wet as a new IT Consultant. What you learn fixing $200 computers is directly relevant to what you need to know fixing $20,000 systems, but there is a lot less liability WHEN something goes wrong. Start a Computer Repair Business with the idea of learning the skills required to become a valuable technology consultant. There is a lot or work available, but clients are not willing to pay enough for "real" technicians to deal with them. By coming in cheap you can easily get this work, and then move on to offering other solutions once you feel comfortable running a small technology business.

Channel: Science & Technology
Uploaded: November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am
Author: elithecomputerguy

Length: 25:03
Rating: 4.952381
Views: 9469

Tags: The  Business  of  Computer  Repair