Thinking about starting my own computer repair service

[Master117]

I'm going to be starting college soon, meaning I'm going to be moving into student living. This dorm houses about 900 people, plus there are another set of dorms about a mile away on campus with a bunch more.
Now with this many people, you can break them down: those who know how to troubleshoot and fix an issue and those who do not. Guess which ones I am after.

I can do everything Geek Squad does (without the A+ Certification), but with more care and a lot less money since I will have zero overhead.
The thing that I need help with now is determining pricing. I want consultations and [I]basic[/I] diagnostics to remain free (etc: if I can figure out what is wrong with your computer in 5 minutes, which I probably can, then I won't charge for diagnostics).

I will also offer computer building services, which would be a flat rate regardless of the complexity (is 50USD fair?). Parts repair would be cheaper. I will factor in the price of my services into their build when they give me a maximum spending limit.

I can also offer basic computer maintenance training for free as well.

The other part of this is I need a tool kit. I need some software like a portable suite that I can carry around and diagnose shit on the spot. I'm thinking like Knoppix or Ultimate boot CD or something for boot issues, but if the computer boots, then what should I use?

Then there are the questions: what if I can't fix the issue (besides a complete format)? I obviously don't charge them, but what do I tell them? "I'm sorry, your computer is completely fucked..." and also networking issues. I am not very good at that stuff, although I can do it.

Finally, if I get a lot of customers, how will I keep track of them and how would I handle the load?

[gerbils_alt]

Start small. As it grows maybe hire a friend?

[svengeance]

[QUOTE=Master117;16622236]I'm going to be starting college soon, meaning I'm going to be moving into student living. This dorm houses about 900 people, plus there are another set of dorms about a mile away on campus with a bunch more.
Now with this many people, you can break them down: those who know how to troubleshoot and fix an issue and those who do not. Guess which ones I am after.

I can do everything Geek Squad does (without the A+ Certification), but with more care and a lot less money since I will have zero overhead.
The thing that I need help with now is determining pricing. I want consultations and [I]basic[/I] diagnostics to remain free (etc: if I can figure out what is wrong with your computer in 5 minutes, which I probably can, then I won't charge for diagnostics). [b]Kay[/b]

I will also offer computer building services, which would be a flat rate regardless of the complexity (is 50USD fair?). Parts repair would be cheaper. I will factor in the price of my services into their build when they give me a maximum spending limit. [b]Not including the motherboard, building a computer is relatively simple. If you break one of the parts, you pay for it.

[/b]

I can also offer basic computer maintenance training for free as well.

The other part of this is I need a tool kit. I need some software like a portable suite that I can carry around and diagnose shit on the spot. I'm thinking like Knoppix or Ultimate boot CD or something for boot issues, but if the computer boots, then what should I use?[b]Get a bunch of screws to replace ones they may have lost (expansion slots, case screws, etc), get a screw driver that is long, but big. It's a pain getting short screwdrivers into every nook and cranny in a case. [/b]

Then there are the questions: what if I can't fix the issue (besides a complete format)? I obviously don't charge them, but what do I tell them? "I'm sorry, your computer is completely fucked..." and also networking issues. I am not very good at that stuff, although I can do it. [b]You aren't the smartest one out there. Tell them to call a hardware store / manufacturer[/b].

Finally, if I get a lot of customers, how will I keep track of them and how would I handle the load?[b]Organize yourself? Get a clipboard, or get Microsoft Excel. As for stress, we're not going to hold your hand.[/QUOTE]
Om nom nom.

[Master117]

[QUOTE=Shadow187(FP);16622286]Om nom nom.[/QUOTE]

I have one of those beast screw drivers where you can bend the thing and get it into most angles.
Also, that is pretty good. And I see you're suggesting to not include motherboard installation because of the risk of breaking it. I never thought about those risks. Hmm. I guess I need to always set aside some money in case I break something. Small mistakes can cost a lot of money.

[svengeance]

Congrats.

Do New-PC formats where you'll install the OS, basic software (AV, CCleaner, shit like that), and yeah.
Do Case-Management, where you'll dust the PC, Rewire everything, re-seat everything, and make sure it looks GOOD.

[Master117]

[QUOTE=Shadow187(FP);16622343]Congrats.

Do New-PC formats where you'll install the OS, basic software (AV, CCleaner, shit like that), and yeah.
Do Case-Management, where you'll dust the PC, Rewire everything, re-seat everything, and make sure it looks GOOD.[/QUOTE]

Cable management? Uhh, my computer looks like a bowl of rainbow spaghetti was dumped into it. If I can barely do it myself (wires are too short to go around my gfx card neatly), then how am I going to do it with clients?

[svengeance]

Then you need to learn! Spare molex cables go above the drives -- there's always a space directly across the PSU, above the first CD/DVD drive.
Wires should be tied together using plastic cables! Keep wires OUT of the center of the PC, running them along the sides. The only things that should even go out too far are 6pins, Fan Molex connectors, and depending on the motherboard, your 20+4 pin.

[Tezza1234]

Been there done that.

You'll get increasingly sick of the people you'll work with.

I did anwyay.

[ReznorT]

[QUOTE=Tezza1234;16622760]Been there done that.

You'll get increasingly sick of the people you'll work with.

I did anwyay.[/QUOTE]

People constanly calling you saying "I have a virus HELP" amirite

[Tezza1234]

That, And they think after one repair job that your ass is theirs for every tiny little thing... for free ._.

[mikhga]

Computer repair is a very lucrative business. People who will hire you will most probably be completely incompetent when it comes to computers, which is to your advantage. If you do it "right" you can make a lot of money.

[gparent]

[QUOTE=Master117;16622236]I'm going to be starting college soon,[/QUOTE]
Congrats on finding a nice place to do business at. Dorms are awesome, everybody's close, lots of people know each other. Being known as 'the' techy might be hard, but it's certainly possible.
[QUOTE=Master117;16622236]The thing that I need help with now is determining pricing.[/QUOTE]
Good idea. However a good idea it may seem, you do [i]not[/i] want the rest of college to figure out you give special pricing to nice guys and hotter chicks. You need something fair, strict and appropriate, and most importantly you need to stick to it. For that I recommend matching a specific task with an average number of hours, and then figuring out an hourly rate. You're probably going to be able to beat any store staff hands down, last time I made my own calculations I could easily cut their rate by half and still make twice the money I do as I'm typing. However you don't want to push the limit since you're dealing with college students. If they can't pay, then have them get you a few beers or lunch at first. You want to be known, once you're known, computers and thus money will come in.
[QUOTE=Master117;16622236]I will also offer computer building services, which would be a flat rate regardless of the complexity (is 50USD fair?).[/quote]
I'd say yes. Building a computer typically takes the same amount of time regardless of the price of the final build, unless you factor in special parts (watercooling, etc.) You might want to also consider taking a cut off the final price (majoring X%) since people who buy high end computers are likely to have more money to give you, and people who buy low end likely do not.

Also, don't be afraid to recommend a computer from Dell or HP, or whatever brand you like the most. They have very good pricing on low-end machines, and usually worse pricing on the higher-end. Make sure you match your own builds with known manufacturers - Remember that they offer warranties.
[QUOTE=Master117;16622236]The other part of this is I need a tool kit. I need some software like a portable suite that I can carry around and diagnose shit on the spot. I'm thinking like Knoppix or Ultimate boot CD or something for boot issues, but if the computer boots, then what should I use?[/QUOTE]
This one is hard. Here's what in my typical toolset (use CD-RWs with labelled pockets, instead of labelled CDs. That way you can reburn with the latest versions):

-GParted for partitions
-A good portable virus scanner
-HiJackThis / MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware
-Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista SP2 CD/DVD (include 7 when appropriate).
-A portable hard drive (Backups, off-disk data retrieval)
-PCInspector File Recovery v4 (I need a better one)
-Screwdrivers. You want a few of the + ones with different sizes so you don't strips the inside of the screw head if the size doesn't fit.
-A spare hard drive (It's amazing how much these things break)
-SATA cables, IDE cables, molex to X converters, etc.
-A linux boot CD for various tasks, like reading from Windows installs that won't boot, removing files that are always locked, diagnosing if a network problem is on the software side, etc.
-Clonezilla for backups/images

The last item is [b]very[/b] important. If you lose people's data, they're going to be pissed. There is no reason at all not to backup the entire computer before doing something important on it. You also want to make an image of brand new computers you build so that they can be easily restored if they break later on, otherwise you end up on a driver hunting spree sometimes.
[QUOTE=Master117;16622236]Then there are the questions: what if I can't fix the issue (besides a complete format)? I obviously don't charge them, but what do I tell them? "I'm sorry, your computer is completely fucked..." and also networking issues. I am not very good at that stuff, although I can do it.[/QUOTE]
If you can't repair it without a reformat, then tell them just that. Leave them a few days to think about it, make a list of what they want to keep, then backup the entire computer, transfer their data to that external hard disk, reinstall, restore data, reimage final, working computer - You're done. If it's a hardware problem? Well you can diagnose that, right? There's always something to do. Sometimes it takes a while, but there's always something.

As for networking - You're at a college, right? Ask the networking guys! I was pretty awful at networking too until I ended up learning a lot from college courses. Now I may not be able to repair everything, but knowing how IP/TCP/ARP/Routers/Switches work is very helpful.
[QUOTE=Master117;16622236]Finally, if I get a lot of customers, how will I keep track of them and how would I handle the load?[/QUOTE]
I can't help with that, it's my opinion that only experience can tell. It depends on how your schedule fits with your client's (as a college student, I find it really hard to make two schedules match on pickup day -and- delivery day, maybe you'll have better luck). Remember that while you're backing up a client's drive, you can install Windows/Linux on another computer.
[QUOTE=Shadow187(FP);16622343]Do Case-Management, where you'll dust the PC, Rewire everything, re-seat everything, and make sure it looks GOOD.[/QUOTE]
I doubt somebody is going to pay you [b]just[/b] so you arrange the wires. You want to do it the day you build their new machine, so that they remember that everything was done neatly. Dusting should be done whenever appropriate and not be charged for unless it's a massive infestation of fast-reproducing dust bunnies. Appearance matters, but I wouldn't take my computer in just so it gets cleaned up.

TL;DR: Good luck.

[Amez]

[QUOTE=Tezza1234;16622760]Been there done that.

You'll get increasingly sick of the people you'll work with.

I did anwyay.[/QUOTE]

Shower this man with agrees now.

[Master117]

[QUOTE=gparent;16623063]Congrats on finding a nice place to do business at. Dorms are awesome, everybody's close, lots of people know each other. Being known as 'the' techy might be hard, but it's certainly possible.

Good idea. However a good idea it may seem, you do [i]not[/i] want the rest of college to figure out you give special pricing to nice guys and hotter chicks. You need something fair, strict and appropriate, and most importantly you need to stick to it. For that I recommend matching a specific task with an average number of hours, and then figuring out an hourly rate. You're probably going to be able to beat any store staff hands down, last time I made my own calculations I could easily cut their rate by half and still make twice the money I do as I'm typing. However you don't want to push the limit since you're dealing with college students. If they can't pay, then have them get you a few beers or lunch at first. You want to be known, once you're known, computers and thus money will come in.

I'd say yes. Building a computer typically takes the same amount of time regardless of the price of the final build, unless you factor in special parts (watercooling, etc.) You might want to also consider taking a cut off the final price (majoring X%) since people who buy high end computers are likely to have more money to give you, and people who buy low end likely do not.

Also, don't be afraid to recommend a computer from Dell or HP, or whatever brand you like the most. They have very good pricing on low-end machines, and usually worse pricing on the higher-end. Make sure you match your own builds with known manufacturers - Remember that they offer warranties.

This one is hard. Here's what in my typical toolset (use CD-RWs with labelled pockets, instead of labelled CDs. That way you can reburn with the latest versions):

-GParted for partitions
-A good portable virus scanner
-HiJackThis / MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware
-Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista SP2 CD/DVD (include 7 when appropriate).
-A portable hard drive (Backups, off-disk data retrieval)
-PCInspector File Recovery v4 (I need a better one)
-Screwdrivers. You want a few of the + ones with different sizes so you don't strips the inside of the screw head if the size doesn't fit.
-A spare hard drive (It's amazing how much these things break)
-SATA cables, IDE cables, molex to X converters, etc.
-A linux boot CD for various tasks, like reading from Windows installs that won't boot, removing files that are always locked, diagnosing if a network problem is on the software side, etc.
-Clonezilla for backups/images

The last item is [b]very[/b] important. If you lose people's data, they're going to be pissed. There is no reason at all not to backup the entire computer before doing something important on it. You also want to make an image of brand new computers you build so that they can be easily restored if they break later on, otherwise you end up on a driver hunting spree sometimes.

If you can't repair it without a reformat, then tell them just that. Leave them a few days to think about it, make a list of what they want to keep, then backup the entire computer, transfer their data to that external hard disk, reinstall, restore data, reimage final, working computer - You're done. If it's a hardware problem? Well you can diagnose that, right? There's always something to do. Sometimes it takes a while, but there's always something.

As for networking - You're at a college, right? Ask the networking guys! I was pretty awful at networking too until I ended up learning a lot from college courses. Now I may not be able to repair everything, but knowing how IP/TCP/ARP/Routers/Switches work is very helpful.

I can't help with that, it's my opinion that only experience can tell. It depends on how your schedule fits with your client's (as a college student, I find it really hard to make two schedules match on pickup day -and- delivery day, maybe you'll have better luck). Remember that while you're backing up a client's drive, you can install Windows/Linux on another computer.

I doubt somebody is going to pay you [b]just[/b] so you arrange the wires. You want to do it the day you build their new machine, so that they remember that everything was done neatly. Dusting should be done whenever appropriate and not be charged for unless it's a massive infestation of fast-reproducing dust bunnies. Appearance matters, but I wouldn't take my computer in just so it gets cleaned up.

TL;DR: Good luck.[/QUOTE]

I
love
you.

[snuwoods]

[QUOTE=Shadow187(FP);16622343]Congrats.

Do New-PC formats where you'll install the OS, basic software (AV, CCleaner, shit like that), and yeah.
Do Case-Management, where you'll dust the PC, Rewire everything, re-seat everything, and make sure it looks GOOD.[/QUOTE]

Remember, formats should include free software, lest it be unsupported warez.
Ubuntu would be a good try.

[Amez]

[QUOTE=gparent;16623063]Congrats on finding a nice place to do business at. Dorms are awesome, everybody's close, lots of people know each other. Being known as 'the' techy might be hard, but it's certainly possible.

Good idea. However a good idea it may seem, you do [i]not[/i] want the rest of college to figure out you give special pricing to nice guys and hotter chicks. You need something fair, strict and appropriate, and most importantly you need to stick to it. For that I recommend matching a specific task with an average number of hours, and then figuring out an hourly rate. You're probably going to be able to beat any store staff hands down, last time I made my own calculations I could easily cut their rate by half and still make twice the money I do as I'm typing. However you don't want to push the limit since you're dealing with college students. If they can't pay, then have them get you a few beers or lunch at first. You want to be known, once you're known, computers and thus money will come in.

I'd say yes. Building a computer typically takes the same amount of time regardless of the price of the final build, unless you factor in special parts (watercooling, etc.) You might want to also consider taking a cut off the final price (majoring X%) since people who buy high end computers are likely to have more money to give you, and people who buy low end likely do not.

Also, don't be afraid to recommend a computer from Dell or HP, or whatever brand you like the most. They have very good pricing on low-end machines, and usually worse pricing on the higher-end. Make sure you match your own builds with known manufacturers - Remember that they offer warranties.

This one is hard. Here's what in my typical toolset (use CD-RWs with labelled pockets, instead of labelled CDs. That way you can reburn with the latest versions):

-GParted for partitions
-A good portable virus scanner
-HiJackThis / MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware
-Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista SP2 CD/DVD (include 7 when appropriate).
-A portable hard drive (Backups, off-disk data retrieval)
-PCInspector File Recovery v4 (I need a better one)
-Screwdrivers. You want a few of the + ones with different sizes so you don't strips the inside of the screw head if the size doesn't fit.
-A spare hard drive (It's amazing how much these things break)
-SATA cables, IDE cables, molex to X converters, etc.
-A linux boot CD for various tasks, like reading from Windows installs that won't boot, removing files that are always locked, diagnosing if a network problem is on the software side, etc.
-Clonezilla for backups/images

The last item is [b]very[/b] important. If you lose people's data, they're going to be pissed. There is no reason at all not to backup the entire computer before doing something important on it. You also want to make an image of brand new computers you build so that they can be easily restored if they break later on, otherwise you end up on a driver hunting spree sometimes.

If you can't repair it without a reformat, then tell them just that. Leave them a few days to think about it, make a list of what they want to keep, then backup the entire computer, transfer their data to that external hard disk, reinstall, restore data, reimage final, working computer - You're done. If it's a hardware problem? Well you can diagnose that, right? There's always something to do. Sometimes it takes a while, but there's always something.

As for networking - You're at a college, right? Ask the networking guys! I was pretty awful at networking too until I ended up learning a lot from college courses. Now I may not be able to repair everything, but knowing how IP/TCP/ARP/Routers/Switches work is very helpful.

I can't help with that, it's my opinion that only experience can tell. It depends on how your schedule fits with your client's (as a college student, I find it really hard to make two schedules match on pickup day -and- delivery day, maybe you'll have better luck). Remember that while you're backing up a client's drive, you can install Windows/Linux on another computer.

I doubt somebody is going to pay you [b]just[/b] so you arrange the wires. You want to do it the day you build their new machine, so that they remember that everything was done neatly. Dusting should be done whenever appropriate and not be charged for unless it's a massive infestation of fast-reproducing dust bunnies. Appearance matters, but I wouldn't take my computer in just so it gets cleaned up.

TL;DR: Good luck.[/QUOTE]

Saved for future use on my PC.

[cryticfarm]

Show a comparison of your prices vs best buy.
[url]http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926HDS0010047661&catid=22044[/url]
^^Operating system install for 250 CAD (around 220 USD?).

[gparent]

[QUOTE=cryticfarm;16623296]Show a comparison of your prices vs best buy.
[url]http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926HDS0010047661&catid=22044[/url]
^^Operating system install for 250 CAD (around 220 USD?).[/QUOTE]
Good idea, I didn't think of that. Sometimes Captain Reality Check can be really useful when they think your prices are too high. If you've properly undercut the well-known stores, then price won't be an issue and the only remaining one will be "Do I trust this guy more than that store?".

[Master117]

[QUOTE=gparent;16623336]Good idea, I didn't think of that. Sometimes Captain Reality Check can be really useful when they think your prices are too high. If you've properly undercut the well-known stores, then price won't be an issue and the only remaining one will be "Do I trust this guy more than that store?".[/QUOTE]

Well, they should since I won't only be charging like 1/3rd to 1/4th the price, I won't charge if I can't fix it.

[gparent]

Oh, and before I forget: Install <insert at -least- IE8 or non-IE browser here> on every computer you setup, and set it as default browser. I don't wanna preach for Firefox, but that's the one most people are used to, so I'd go with that and adblock (not noscript, that can be a pain for regular users). Tell them when you give them the computer. Yes, you will lose customers since they won't get infected as much, but I consider it a better deal than having them think malware always comes back because you didn't do your job correctly.

[Daniellynet]

[QUOTE=mikhga;16622966]Computer repair is a very lucrative business. People who will hire you will most probably be completely incompetent when it comes to computers, which is to your advantage. If you do it "right" you can make a lot of money.[/QUOTE]

Yeah.... Like in my school.. A simple, VERY simple fix but noo... The teachers get a handyman.... :bang:

[Sh33p]

If you can get some good word of mouth going people will probably come to you, it's much easier for them to carry their computer down the corridor than to take it out to a computer shop.

[Master117]

[QUOTE=gparent;16623419]Oh, and before I forget: Install <insert at -least- IE8 or non-IE browser here> on every computer you setup, and set it as default browser. I don't wanna preach for Firefox, but that's the one most people are used to, so I'd go with that and adblock (not noscript, that can be a pain for regular users). Tell them when you give them the computer. Yes, you will lose customers since they won't get infected as much, but I consider it a better deal than having them think malware always comes back because you didn't do your job correctly.[/QUOTE]

Yes and yes. I will also put a free antivirus and anti malware along with a firewall if they don't have any. I will also suggest them to buy an antivirus and tell them which are the best ones.

Everyone who has posted so far are amazing and so helpful :)

[compwhizii]

[QUOTE=snuwoods;16623235]Ubuntu would be a good try.[/QUOTE]

This would be a good option, but absolutely not the only option.

[Kiyasha Omin]

If you want to start out, I suggest reading up on informational books about OS systems.

If you plan on doing MS only, then start with XP and move your way up.

Learn how to use the registry, learn to identify viruses by hand.
I suggest you read up on some coding.

My mom's website has some useful information here:

[url]http://elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Hardware_Tshoot[/url]

More here:

[url]http://elephantboycomputers.com/page4.html#Links[/url]

[Master117]

Sorry to bump my old thread, but I need help on pricing.
Here are the services I am going to offer:

1	Virus/Spyware removal 
2	Backup 
3	Installation setup 
4       Program Installation
5	Network Issues
6	Computer Building/Upgrading
7	Parts Replacement
8	Tune Ups/Optimizations
9	Printer problems
10	Training
11	Consultations
12	Data Recovery

I am also going to do on-site repairs, but charge X amount more per hour (for the inconvenience).
So far, I feel that 30 dollars is a fair price for virus/spyware removal, unless I should charge more.

[jmazouri]

Get this for fucked up computers that won't boot: [url]http://www.ubcd4win.com/[/url]

[Master117]

[QUOTE=jmazouri;17269390]Get this for fucked up computers that won't boot: [url]http://www.ubcd4win.com/[/url][/QUOTE]

I have something better. By better, I have the Geek Squad toolkit. I used it already on a friend's computer, and I honestly don't understand how Geek Squad can suck so much with this toolkit.

[orsenfelt]

[QUOTE=Master117;16622236]I will also offer computer building services, which would be a flat rate regardless of the complexity[/QUOTE]

As someone who does this and has done for several years, I advise against this method.

Calculate for yourself an hourly rate and work it into the cost of whatever you are doing. Flat fee sounds good on the surface but it causes problems.

For example you are gonna hurt the appeal of any budget system you spec up for someone. People on the low end, every $ matters. So a flat $50 is gonna get noticed. However on bigger builds it tends not to get noticed as the bigger you go the less price tends to be an issue.

I personally charge £30/hour and round it to the nearest 30 minutes. So low end simplistic office systems only take 30 minutes to put together, so I add £15 ontop after costs.

[DamagePoint]

Keep in mind a lot of universities have people that will fix student's computers for free.