Computer Repair: Home Based Business and Out Calls

When considering the computer repair technician business (from a home based perspective) there is much to be considered. Some of these considerations where mentioned in my previous computer repair article, but I will delve into them on a deeper level in this article. Assuming that one has taken the necessary educational steps or already possesses the skills and technical aptitude, a business plan would be the next order of action.

I will be basing much of my advice on the computer repair business that I run from my home (on a part-time basis now) as I have found through trial and error have worked to my financial and mental advantage. Supply and demand is a huge part of the computer repair and maintenance business. Do not be intimidated by the huge well-established computer companies that already exist. You will quickly find that many people prefer the one on one and a more inter-personal approach when it comes to repairing and upgrading their systems. There is a fine line here though. If you choose to run a computer repair business that operates solely out of your home, you must try and avoid friendships or “buddy chat” that arises as a customer attempts to frequent your place of work (being your home) to check up on the progress that you are making on their system. This becomes a very unpleasant situation especially when you are trying to work and more so when you are presenting the customer with the bill. A smile is always preferable to a frown but make every effort to keep repairs on a professional business level. Upon taking a system let the customer know that you will contact then within 3 to 5 business days or on the completion of the computer that you are working on. If you do not put these or similar parameters on repairs you can guarantee a daily call from a customer just dying to catch up on his/her MSN gossip.

Outcalls are a similar scenario. If you have your computer repair business based on calls that you go to (or on-site repair) here are a few pointers that will keep you above board especially when you first start out:

• Charge a house call fee above and beyond any work that you do to a computer system
• Find out as much detail about the problem and the computer that you will be working on in advance.
• Avoid small talk with customers as you work. Not only is it distracting to you, but also they are often surprised when you present them with a bill based on your hourly rate. Keep conversation work-related and professional.
• Always call a few major computer stores and outlets to compare or to set your rates in regards to house call fees and work-related costs
• Do not try to gain business by undercutting the local stores. People tend to believe that they get what they pay for and if you come too cheap, you appear third rate.
• Avoid being a “fix it slave”. By this I mean make it clear to your customer that after you fix a certain problem, you are not responsible for their system if they download a virus (for example) or if they alter the system themselves after you've done a job. Make this clear from the get go.
• Don't over-book yourself. Between the mental stress of doing repairs and the traveling time in between, a tired computer technician is not the most reliable, and your work will attest to this fact. .

These are just a few tips that will help you succeed in the promising field of computer repair. Many may think that the market is flooded with computer handymen. This is not the case. Most customers will phone a list of computer techs from their local newspaper and will opt to take the first one who can fix their computer “now!” You won't be short on calls if you advertise and keep your business organized and honest.