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How to be Successful With Computer Repair

35 Responses (Add) | Tuesday, February 26th, 2008 at 2:50am

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At one point, I wanted to be a computer repair person. It didn’t really pan out. After a summer of delivering pizzas, I realized I didn’t want to enter people’s homes on a regular basis. I really love the work I’m doing online, helping all of you for free via my blog and the live calls. Jeremy is a community member who happens to be a computer repair person. He sent in his top six list of tips to help you become successful in this venture.

  • Don’t cut corners. Do the best job possible fixing your potential clients’ computers. Remember if you’re doing it yourself you have to market superior quality. Selling cheap components or cutting corners on repairs will lead to you never getting any repeat business. Be the best!
  • Dress professionally. Hey, people are paying you a lot of money to fix their computers and you had better look professional even if you’re a newbie. Speak with confidence, and dress for success. Perception is reality and, believe me, handing your neighbor a $120 bill wearing a hoodie and ripped jeans gets a very different response as opposed to handing them the very same bill wearing a nice pair of slacks and at least a dress shirt (however, I still recommend a tie). If you don’t know how to tie a tie, learn like I did: on the Web (or ask your dad).
  • Go above and beyond. Don’t just do the bare minimum. If they asked you to replace a CD-ROM or something, give their hard drive a virus scan. Grab a can of compressed air and clean out their computer from dust. Check their fans, and so on. Providing these value-added services really makes people happy. (Especially when you tell them right as you hand them the bill.) Think of it this way: people go to those quick lube oil change places not just because they are quick but because of all the extra things they do, like check your tire pressure and air cleaner and everything. The point is helping them out! (A lot of times you can generate some extra cash for yourself by recommending simple system upgrades as well)
  • Don’t overbill. Regardless of the situation, have some ethics — I don’t care if you’re fixing Oprah’s computer! Bill her the same as you would anyone else. Its just fair, and good business. The key is having a consistent revenue stream rather than a one time big hit. Trust me, it is way more profitable. Eventually, customers will figure out that you’re overbilling; just remember why they likely contacted you in the first place — to save some money!
  • Do leave business cards and a way to get ahold of you. Market yourself! If you’re anything like I was ten years ago, high schools kid with little to no money I doubt you’re looking to spend $500-1000 per month advertising in the local yellow pages. You must, however, fork over the cash to get some nice business cards printed, and leave a bunch of them with each client you service. When I got started I just used OfficeMax and paid like $50 for a couple thousand cards — believe me, the return on investment is huge. Also, do have a Web site. They are very inexpensive to operate, and you can project a lot more professionalism with a nice Web site and nice business cards. Even if you are working from your bedroom, the garage, or your basement, your customers never have to know with a nice Web site outlining all the services you provide. (I always used to offer a “free pick up and delivery” as a great way to avoid the question of “where are you located?”)
  • Stick with what you know. Whatever it is, master it and then sell it, in that order. Taking on a job you cannot complete at a high level is business suicide and can lead to all sorts of problems you never want to deal with. If your specialty is PC repair, do that. If it’s networking, then do that — either way, don’t bite off more than you can chew. it’s always better to be honest and turn away a job you cant handle. It doesn’t mean they won’t maybe use you for something else. Take on a job you can’t do, and you’ll never see them or anyone they know again.

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35 Comments

Nakas99

February 25th, 2008
at 6:05pm

Good tips i was thinking of going into the business and this has helped me alot with making my decision, means alot Chris thank you!
-Aussie_matu in chat.

cragus2004

February 25th, 2008
at 6:18pm

Chris you are the coolest nerd i know lol

lionelttl

February 26th, 2008
at 2:25am

Chris you poor guy! I wish I could tip you more.

beyourownit

February 26th, 2008
at 3:14am

Thanks For Posting Chris, Love the show!

RRA1ncognito

February 26th, 2008
at 4:55am

I caught the end of this recording the other night.

jonnyk5614

February 26th, 2008
at 5:28am

(I am making no money by saying this so don’t spam me!)
With regard to business cards, vistaprint will do you 250 business cards for just £4 postage - no charge for the cards.
Perfect for the penny-less student!

777arshal

February 26th, 2008
at 6:32am

if i was only 14 i would give 100 dollars in no time but…

dJ phuturecybersonique

February 26th, 2008
at 8:06am

and here’s 10 reasons why it doesn’t pay to be the computer guy sometimes: http://www.lifereboot.com/2007/10-reasons-it-doesnt-pay-to-be-the-computer-guy/ but if you love what you do, there’s no reason for that anyways. just thought i’d share that one. :)

Useful Habits | Habits to make your technology GO!

February 26th, 2008
at 10:51am

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alphaxion

February 26th, 2008
at 2:10pm

don’t forget tho, a tie is a health hazard for IT professionals!
If you’re crawling under desks or peering into an open machine it can be choke central if you’re not careful.

My own personal wish is that we can move past the need for an edwardian costume of slavery, something which actually has measurable impacts upon your health and longevity!

Rebel against the uniform of the drone, as long as you’re not wearing something with stains and obvious impracticality (a ripped pair of trousers is a health hazard too), then it shouldn’t matter what you wear - it’s all perception, and without anyone challenging the norm we would never make any progress and change a persons perception.
Besides, the equiv of the suit centuries before that was once a ruffle, tights and a jacket!

disclaimer: the above is meant as partial light relief, but also fueled by a hatred for the “suit” that actually does have a measurable impact upon your health - however, until the older generation dies off and a fresher mindset can take hold, we’ll never be rid of it and you’ll have to wear it if you want people to take you serious. And that last sentence hurts, but then I am a dreamer ;)

Rob Sutherland

February 26th, 2008
at 6:44pm

About a year ago i did some volentry work for a pc repair shop and the head technichian always said to go above and beyond little freebies keep customers cumming back. little simple things when adding a new hard drive tidy the cable properly and dont just leave them hanging in there, think air has to flow through your case. little things like that make your work stick out from the rest.

Steven

February 26th, 2008
at 9:49pm

Theres 10 centuries per MILLENNIUM, Chris. :P

Windows Vista Torrent

February 27th, 2008
at 5:11am

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Liam

February 27th, 2008
at 10:00pm

Everyone wants IT stuff for free. I work at a College and would never go back to doing computer repair.

I do miss the early 90s, back then you could make money.

Now we are the equivalent of TV repair men.
“Don’t repair, buy a new one” is the new catchphrase.

Computer Repair Ontario at Computer Repair Ontario

February 28th, 2008
at 7:15pm

the world require the services of computer troubleshooters for handling their computer related dilemmas. They look forward to those individuals or firms, who are specialized in a professional and friendly computer repair services.How to be Successful with <b>Computer Repair</b>At one point, I wanted to be a computer repair person. It didnt really pan out. After a summer of delivering pizzas, I realized I didnt want to enter peoples homes on a regular basis. I really love the work Im doing online,

WWBZT1

March 3rd, 2008
at 7:38am

That is so true to use the best parts. There is only one way to repair something and that is the right way. LOL Just wait till you work for someone. The place I work now, among desktops and notebooks , about 200 printers, they act like the printers should never need parts, like fusers and feed rollers. I go home with a headache over this.

phoukhampk

March 4th, 2008
at 2:23pm

You’re not Professional!

nlucctw2

March 7th, 2008
at 7:25am

These tips do prove to be helpful. I have found myself stuck in a place where making these decisions can be tough, expecially when you’re tempted to do something that will benefit you as opposed to the customer. All in all its a mindset.

Computer Repair Ottawa » Computer Repair Ottawa

March 10th, 2008
at 7:15am

then book an appointment with this website using the online form or through phone. If you are too busy during the weekdays then no problem! These engineers can visit you on Saturdays between 8am and 6pm for …How to be Successful with <b>Computer Repair</b>At one point, I wanted to be a computer repair person. It didnt really pan out. After a summer of delivering pizzas, I realized I didnt want to enter peoples homes on a regular basis. I really love the work Im doing online,

beyourownit

March 10th, 2008
at 2:17pm

glad they were and glad he plugged us

live computer support - Blog Search Engine

March 21st, 2008
at 1:52am

MyMobileGeek Blog De (2008-02-01T20:08:24Z) Comment on MSN (Qwest) DSL *does not … In the Password box, type the password for your Windows… Comments for alexkin (2008-03-19T00:05:55Z)How to be Successful with Computer …I really love the work I’m doing online, helping all … Chris Pirillo (2008-02-26T09:50:57Z) Linux live CD with OpenGL develop … You could just try [il]locate gl.h[/il] Although I don’…

Joshua Feinberg's Blog

March 24th, 2008
at 7:25am

I think you hit the nail on the head. Having a successful computer repair business – as with having any other type of technology services or high-end services business – is first and foremost about building professional, mutually-beneficial relationships. I don’t agree with the comment that implies you can’t make money in computer repair. If you couldn’t, why would there be so many successful IT consultants and so many more each year choosing the profession? It’s definitely about using good marketing strategies and not trying to follow the pricing and service models of the truly “cheap” computer repair businesses (aka, Geek Squad, etc.). Not only is it not practical with a smaller-scale mindset, but it’s not sustainable! If you set your prices competitively and right and focus on building strong relationships with clients, you won’t attract the type of people that will be price hunting and view you as a commodity, or the type of people that don’t understand the value of the services you provide.

Beyourownit

March 25th, 2008
at 1:22pm

agreed things were a heck of a lot better in the early 90’s (cash wise)

blacklabelrum

April 15th, 2008
at 12:24pm

this guy just wants to make money!!!!!!

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