Firstly i would like to point out the following. PC repair is a dime a dozen as the market is flooded with people that repair, or at least think they know how to repair PCs. You might want to consider about specialising in an area of computers. Eg. I repair PCs, but I also do security and Point of sales terminals.
Try avoiding working from home. If you can, rent out an office or store front. Otherwise make a seperate room just for business. And try having a seperate entrance to this area where your clients can see you directly. I know a few people that have converted garages just for this purpose. The other people that you might want to contact is some of these companies that will subcontract you. Sure, you might not be working on the same rates as you normally charge. However these people are doing all the hardwork of advertising and getting you jobs.
Don't charge too cheaply. I have seen people charge as cheap as $30 per hour. Keep in mind, that this is your time you are talking about here, and you need to make it worth it.
Have a job sheet that has the following
- Client Name, Address, Phone Number
- Rates Charged for job
- Description of fault
- PC's user name and password
- Terms and conditions stating that you will not be liable for any lost or corruption of data. Plus stating your work warranty conditions.
And until they sign that paper agreeing to those terms and conditions, do not even pick up a screw driver.
Create a website. it might not make the money roll on it, but it does give you a web presence that makes you look bigger.
Business Insurance and Public Liability insurance. Don't fool arround. Just get it. Last think you want to do is install a power supply and have it cause a fire a few months later.
No one goes to a mechanic because they know they are ASE Certified, they go cause they do good work and don't screw people over.
Very true.
