This article is written for those whose home business of choice is the computer repair business. Having assumed that one has upgraded their skills and is ready to meet the challenge of dealing with customers, I would like to share a few tips and hints to help your business be more enjoyable and profitable.
If your computer repair business has stemmed from a hobby you are in an ideal situation as you probably already have a small clientele of people that you've fixed computers for. Though many of the people that you have repaired computers for have been lucky enough to have received your services for free you must now go through the process of informing them that you are starting a business. This is a double edge sword but can be done in different ways. Friends and even more so families have grown accustomed to your services at a no pay rate. I would strongly advise you to have a business card made up and give a few to your past clientèle, asking that they hand them out explaining your new business. As you know word of mouth is the best way to advertise but by the same token you'll have a few people who may resent the fact that they can't call you in the middle of the night to fix their computer aches and pains for free. This is life though and we need to develop a tough skin when it comes to business.
Another problem that arises when turning your computer repair skills into a business is the awkward nature of giving a friend the rate that you will be charging. Family is an even more delicate situation. However, those who a truly happy for you and wish to see you excel in your new computer repair home business venture will not have a problem with your fees. They will in fact recommend you given the opportunity. A price list for your various computer repair services comes in handy here and it is easy to figure your fees based on the competition. When I was unsure of a rate to charge (for example installing a CD burner) I would phone the major computer or electronics companies posing as a customer and simply ask. This gave me a solid base for price quotes and estimates. It is essential that you charge for “on site” estimates as opposed to phone estimates. An onsite estimate can be a lengthy process with a myriad of questions and a time where you are forced to open the computer to see what is going on. This is where the price list comes in handy. Another way that some opt to do estimates is charging a house call fee. Your time is valuable and customers grow to understand and respect this as you do work for them.
Here are a few customer types that you should expect to deal with and have your business card ready (along with your price list) to present to them:
- The family member who you have fixed their computer for a dozen times who is expecting a “freebie” simply for being related
- The neighbor who feels that he/she is excluded from the list of paying customers since you done work for them on a free basis before
- The bartering customer who wants to “nickel and dime” you in regards to your rates or a charge for a service. Do not haggle with him. Make your prices clear and non-negotiable.
- The friend who just wants you to have a quick look at the computer system. These quick looks have cost me many hours of repairs for no money. I would advise anyone just starting in the field of computer repair to stay away from favors in regards to your work.
- The repeat customer who expects a discount because they have used your services on a regular basis. Be firm with this type of customer explaining that if you do it for them, you have to do it for everyone. This usually keeps them in line.
- The phone harasser is a customer who doesn't want to pay and acts as though your time on the phone is limitless. Stop them dead in their tracks and say assertively, “I'd be glad to come out and give you an estimate, however a house call fee is necessary.” .
Don't be afraid of losing customers. Anyone who you have worked for or will work for knows that your time is valuable and you didn't go into business to do free repairs and estimates. This may sound like stern advice but after all you are not in the computer repair field to make friends. Keep business, business!
