If designing isn’t your thing then you definitely should get a professional to make one. In this article I’ll tell you how to get one made at a decent price and have hundreds of custom-made designs to choose from.

This place is called 99Designs.com and it is a place where you to run a contest for designers to create your logo. The prize money is the $200-350 and the winner is the designer who made the logo you want to use. To give you an idea of what I am talking about, here are some past logo contests for computer repair businesses: http://99designs.com/search?q=computer
As you can see, there is some great talent on this site.

The key to getting exactly what you want on 99Designs.com is to:

1. Give as much detail as you can in your creative brief – In this brief you may mention that you are a computer repair business and the angle you are going for is a “young and funky” look or perhaps “serious suits and ties”. You may want a single shape and text logo like Best Buy’s Geeksquad, or a logo with text below it like Circuit City’s (now defunct) Firedog. You may like the shiny web 2.0 look or perhaps something traditional and serious. Whatever you have in mind, let them know. The more comprehensive your creative brief, the better the logos will match your businesses vision and needs.

2. Set your budget and pay a fair price – The bare minimum prize money for a logo competition is $204 USD and the maximum is as high as you want. Keep in mind that the more prize money you offer , the more entrants you get which means more choices and possibly higher quality work since some extremely skilled designers may not waste their time in lesser paying contests.

3. Work with the designers and provide constant feedback – Once you have submitted your contest you will begin to see entries coming in within a few hours. 99Designs provides a 5 star rating system where you vote on the designs you like and this will let the current designers know whether they are on the right track or not. You should rate the submissions early and often because future entrants will create new designs that are similar to the ones that you rated highly
Sometimes it is clear that certain designs or designers will never get there so you can forcefully remove them from the competition.

4. Get opinions and choose a design – Once the competition comes to an end (usually after 7 days), you may get overwhelmed trying to decide on a logo when there were hundreds of submissions so I recommend that you get someone else to help you decide. Your logo will be seen by many people and different designs can mean different things to each person. Once you pay the designer the prize money they will send you the completed design along with the copyright to the original artwork. I highly recommend that you make sure you get the source files such as the mutli-layered PSD’s rather than a flat JPG file. This way they can be edited or resized at a later time with no reduction in quality.

Business Cards
Once you are happy with a designer, you could ask them to create a business card design for you or you can start a new competition (another $204+) asking other designers to create a business card using your new logo.

Make sure the text isn’t too small so people who don’t have perfect sight can read it.
You can increase the chances of the client keeping your card by making it useful. I have seen some technicians print computer shortcuts such as copy and paste on the back of their cards. The client often sticks it to their computer and when that computer breaks down, your number is right there.
You can also use your business card as a referral system. Leave a space where you can enter a clients name or internal ID and explain to them that they and their friend can get 10% off their next service if they give one of your cards to them. If you write on the card “produce this card for a 10% discount” the new client is more likely to show you and the client that referred them will get the credit they deserve.
If you are charging $60 for your first visit to that clients location, 10% is only $6. If you do a good job, you will keep that client for a very long time and make much more money off them. Isn’t that worth the $6 discount?

© Technibble - A Resource for Computer Technicians to start or improve their computer business
To get started with your own computer business, check out our Computer Business Kit. If you need a website for your computer repair services, check out the Tech Website Builder.
If you want to learn how to repair laptops, check out these narrated, high definition videos. These would pay for themselves in 1 repair job.

How to Get a Killer Logo and Business Card

“Where do you draw the line between suggesting rebuilding a PC or suggesting that they go buy a new one?”

The other question is:

“At what point in the repair cycle do you make the choice to format & reinstall the OS and the applications?”

The answer to both of these questions are identical.


“Always do what is best for your client”

This golden rule makes it much easier when deciding what to do, but lets break it down a little more.

If a client brought in an old computer with a failed motherboard, chances are that it will not be cost effective to repair since the cost of a faster second hand computer will be similar. I could replace the motherboard and reinstall the OS so I feel good about being the technician who fixes things rather than telling the client to buy a new one, but this is not in the best interest for my client. The best thing to do is to tell them how much repairing their old computer will cost, then tell them that they can have a much faster machine for a similar cost and let them choose.

If this client brought in the same aging computer and it only had a light virus infection rather than a failed motherboard, it may not be in the best interest of the client if I did an outright nuke and pave (format).
In most cases, I will attempt to move a virus for about an hour. After that 1 hour I will make the decision whether to continue removing the virus or just format the machine.

If I am making progress and believe that I will be finished soon, then I will continue removing the virus because this usually takes no more than 2 hours. However, if the virus is particularly nasty and it has damaged critical parts of the operating system then there is no point trying to fix it for a further 3 hours if I am going to have to format it anyway.

I like being a skilled technician that can remove just about any virus if I have enough time, but if a format is the cheaper and more stable result for the client then I am going to go with that. Again always, do what is best for your client; in both price and reliability.

While I am on the topic of reliability, what is best for a residential client may not be what is best for a business client. In most cases, a business client with an established business will value turnaround time and reliability more than price. There have been a few times where I could have purchased a part for a business client at a cheaper price but it would have taken time for me to obtain it (eBay). Instead, the choice was to get their computers up and running within a few hours at a premium rather than having them wait a few days and lose productivity.

I could choose options that are better for my business and make me more money but by looking after your clients, they like you more which results in more work from them and recommendations to their friends, which in turn makes you more money in the long run anyway.

© Technibble - A Resource for Computer Technicians to start or improve their computer business
To get started with your own computer business, check out our Computer Business Kit. If you need a website for your computer repair services, check out the Tech Website Builder.
If you want to learn how to repair laptops, check out these narrated, high definition videos. These would pay for themselves in 1 repair job.

The Answer To 2 Common Computer Technician Questions

For some people, working in the corporate world as IT support, gives them enough foundation to start up a business. Others who are the friend/neighborhood tech feel they have what it takes to start up a repair shop. Some are self taught, some are book educated. No matter what your background is, you have to be sure of a few things before you go into business for yourself. Here are a few tips to read before considering going on your own.


If you are new to ownership, these may also be somewhat handy! Not all computer repair technicians have the entrepreneur spirit. Not all can go full-time without doing that and their full-time jobs. Not all can be absolutely broke and having the times of their lives. I write for you a list of things that I had to learn on my own, with no books to guide me. There will be more additions as time goes by, but here is a good start for you newbies out there. Some are questions you should ask yourself and some are things you really need to consider before starting up.

• Are you working full-time somewhere and are starting up a side business? (As one who has been there, it’s tough to cut the money cord, you will never go on your own if you don’t!)
• Are you stopping all other employment opportunities to focus on your business in a full-time capacity? (due to getting let go, laid off or fired or just fed up? Good time to go on your own!!!)
• Are you prepared for this? Financially or emotionally? (If you have unemployment, then this is a great time to go on your own, if you have the money to go on your own, be careful how you spend money initially!)
• Do you have the entrepreneur spirit to do it all? (OMG, you have to have it or hire it out. I see so many wannabe’s who fail at the business end of things!)
• Are you an awesome at customer service? (You are now the everything of your company, keeping clients happy is the key to referrals, answer all calls and emails, and don’t ever leave anyone hanging)
• Are you going to work out of your house or lease a space? (I didn’t like clients at my house, so I opted for an office after a year of doing that)
• You plan on getting insurance right? (Do it, it’s so cheap and worth the peace of mind)
• What is your marketing plan? (Is it good enough to keep you busy while you have the 1-2 jobs going on?)
• Are you networked? What is your networking plan? (creating a good online or face to face networking plan is the key to getting clients)
• Do you have proper work orders for clients to fill out? (Please make one or buy Bryce’s to get going, this adds a professional image to your business!)
• Do you have a good website, domain, email? (Very important to prove you are not a craigslist scam or a neighborhood kid)
• Do you have good branding? (get a logo done asap to match your name of the business)

Now, the first 5 months I was on my own were very lonely and somewhat scary. I had no one else to work with me, I was totally alone almost every day and no clients either. I kept my head up though and did everything I could do to find things to do. Networking events, luncheons, talked to competitors to be referring partners and created numerous marketing and advertising plans. It was very daunting to be honest. Use Technibble members as your new co-workers, I have certainly enjoyed being a member so far, great group of helpful folks here.

Lisa Hendrickson, owner of Call that girl, 15 years experience of supporting client computer issues. New member to Technibble.com, but is very fond of writing to help others. Her articles will include topics of business, marketing, advertising, client support and social media. Be sure to read her posts and check out her blog at http://www.callthatgirl.biz

© Technibble - A Resource for Computer Technicians to start or improve their computer business
To get started with your own computer business, check out our Computer Business Kit. If you need a website for your computer repair services, check out the Tech Website Builder.
If you want to learn how to repair laptops, check out these narrated, high definition videos. These would pay for themselves in 1 repair job.

Considerations Before Starting A Computer Business

Before you start a part time business on the side, there are a few things you need to consider first.


Making The Jump
If all goes well and you believe that your new computer business is making enough money for you to live off, when you quit your main job you need to keep in mind that you may lose the benefits provided by your previous employer such as health insurance (in the USA anyway) and you now need to factor those into your cost of living if you still want to remain covered.

When you make the switch, your tax setup may also change. For example, in Australia our primary and secondary income are treated separately tax wise (secondary is taxed more) and you need to specify to your accountant or to the government which one is your primary income. This can greatly change how much tax you pay so be careful not to get caught out.

Conflicts of Interest
Before you start doing computer work part time, you need to make sure that there isn’t a “conflict of interest” in you doing so. I talk about conflicts of interest fairly extensively in this article. Basically, a conflict of interest is defined as “when an individual or organization is involved in multiple interests, one of which could possibly corrupt the motivation for an act in the other”. For example, you might be subconsciously sabotaging your current employers business to help your own.

Think about it like this: If you owned a computer repair shop, employed a young technician and then found out he’s starting his own business to compete with yours, what would be the first things going through your head? “Is he stealing my customers? will he copy my work processes? I trained this guy and now he is using my knowledge against me”.

You need to make sure that your part time business doesn’t conflict with your current employer. If it does, the right thing to do is to quit completely and start your own business full time.

Non-Compete Agreements
Another consideration worth looking at is whether you are on some sort of a non-compete agreement. If you signed a contract with your current employer you should check it for some sort of a non-compete agreement. You may find that you are not allowed to start your own computer repair business within a certain time frame, even if you have quit the job completely.

9 to 5? Not a Problem
I have heard many computer technicians say that the problem they have is that they still have a 9-5 job so they can only get on-site after hours. They need to keep in mind that most residential clients work 9-5 as well.
Instead of your work hours being a disadvantage, turn it into an advantage by making it a selling point. I remember there was a technician on the Technibble forums a few years back who had this problem and turned it into a selling point by making their business slogan “We work when your not” (or something to that effect).

If you can only work after hours, I recommend that you don’t take on business clients because most businesses are open 9-5 and you may be needed to come in during those hours (especially in an emergency). Also, many new computer repair businesses don’t have the appropriate insurance to do computer repair for businesses. So you shouldn’t touch a business computer until you have adequate insurance in place. If you make a big mistake such as losing their data, they can sue you into oblivion for loss of business and opportunity.

Starting a computer business part time is how I started and it is the method that carries the least risk. Hopefully, you will encounter that magic moment when you realize that your side business is making more than your main job or your main job is hampering the growth of the side business. Then it is time to make the switch.

© Technibble - A Resource for Computer Technicians to start or improve their computer business
To get started with your own computer business, check out our Computer Business Kit. If you need a website for your computer repair services, check out the Tech Website Builder.
If you want to learn how to repair laptops, check out these narrated, high definition videos. These would pay for themselves in 1 repair job.

Considerations For Starting Your Own Part Time Computer Business

The computer repair business can be one of feast and famine. There will be some months you will have so much work you can hardly keep up. The next month could be very quiet. Save during the busy times to make up for the slow times.

Don’t be afraid to tell a client that you don’t know the answer to something. Instead, say “I dont know the answer to that currently, but I can find out”. Don’t ever lie.

Don’t ever install or sell pirate software. Aside from the obvious moral reasons, it only takes one disgruntled customer or competitor to report you. Besides, there are plenty of good freeware alternatives for most software now days.

Always return phone calls as soon as possible. If you wait too long you may miss the job.

Be careful asking friends and family for their opinion on your business (such as the business itself, logos, flyers, business cards, your new store sign etc..) They are unlikely to tell you if something is bad. Instead, ask them what their favorite is.

Be careful when entering partnerships. Be sure to outline what each person’s roles and responsibilities are BEFORE you go into business, otherwise it can get ugly.

If the time comes where you have to fire an employee, always try to be as broad as possible. The employee will want to know the exact reason that got them fired, but don’t give in. Tell them that “its not working out, they aren’t a good fit for the company etc..“. Why shouldn’t you tell them? Because they can think of 100 things that’s worthy of getting them fired that you don’t know about. However, if you tell them the single action that got them fired, its probably one of the smaller fire-able offences they have committed.

If you are running late for a computer repair job (as in, more than 5 minutes), give your client a call that you are going to be a little late. Most of the time they don’t care. However, they will get upset if they are kept waiting around. “A quick phone call saves all”.

Client data is one of the most important things to us technicians. Always assume the client’s data is irreplaceable and treat it accordingly.

Get paid as soon as possible. Get cash from residential clients and get checks from business clients. Once you have a check from a business client, try to deposit it that day. Financial issues can happen to good people whom you know and trust, so don’t leave yourself open.

Don’t undervalue your work. Sure, you find it easy and you love it so much that you’ll almost do it for free. Keep in mind you are doing something many other people can’t do, so charge accordingly. Its no different to dentists, electricians etc..

Get to know your residential clients and become a friend. It takes you from “just another tradesman” to someone they would call again and again.

When working for businesses, they usually just want you to go in, fix it and leave. Their employees are already behind on work because the computer was down, so get it fixed and get out of there fast.

Don’t be afraid to turn down a job. It’s better to just say no and lose that little bit of money than to make a large mistake that will cost a lot of money.

Don’t have the lowest prices in town. Clients want the job done right and they often expect the cheapest technician in town to do shoddy work.

Don’t look like you do computer repairs for a hobby. Instead, look like a professional computer technician with a nice pair of dress pants and a collared shirt.

Don’t “talk geek” to your clients. Instead, try and say it in laymen’s terms. Eg. “defragging is like having paper scattered all over your office but and then putting it back in alphabetical order so you can find it quicker”.

Dont give out too much free technical help on the phone unless the person calling is known to be a good previous client. You will get many phone calls from people who want technical help but have no intention of ever paying you for it. Don’t give away the farm.

Get business insurance. If someone trips and hurts themselves on your premesis they can sue you into oblivion. They dont even have to have an accident inside your house, it can even be on your driveway.

Always ask new clients where they heard about you. This allows you to determine what advertising of yours is working and what isn’t.

I would love to hear your bite sized advice. Drop us a comment.

© Technibble - A Resource for Computer Technicians to start or improve their computer business
To get started with your own computer business, check out our Computer Business Kit. If you need a website for your computer repair services, check out the Tech Website Builder.
If you want to learn how to repair laptops, check out these narrated, high definition videos. These would pay for themselves in 1 repair job.

20 Pieces of Bite-Sized Advice

Keep a Client Database
For a business of just about any size, one of the most valuable items (aside from its reputation) is its client database. You should keep good records of your clients from your very first day and gather as much information as you can.
You can make it easy on yourself by using a customer relationship product like CommitCRM. Not only will this store all of your clients contact information, but it ties in with other important information such as jobs you have done for them in the past, how much they were charged, when they paid you and more. This complete record is attractive to a potential buyer because it gives them a look into your past relationships with the clients they are soon going to be serving.

The Business Phone Number
Another important item to a potential buyer is the phone number the business uses. Since this phone number is all over the advertising material that you have given to your past clients, that is the number they are going to call when they need their computer fixed. Obviously, the new buyer is going to want that. It is often a good idea to either get a specialized number for your business (like a 0800, 1300, 1800 number) or a dedicated land line or mobile phone as it is a major hassle changing numbers when your friends and family are used to calling you on your joint personal/business number.

The Business Name
The way you name your business is also an important factor. If you plan on selling your business one day it is a good idea to name it a brand name rather than after yourself. For example, “Joes Computer Repair” wouldn’t be much of a “Joes Computer Repair” without the actual Joe.

Client Diversity
Another important factor to a potential buyer is the diversity of your clients. If you have a single client that generates a large percentage of your work, it can be dangerous to you and the potential buyer. Let’s say your business generates $100,000 per year which makes it worth $200,000. You also have (or had) a big client that generates 50% of your income. One day this big client either finds someone better or just doesn’t like you or the new owner. Suddenly, the value of your business drops massively since your turnover is now only half what it was.

Procedures and Systems
Have you ever noticed that all McDonald’s restaurants operate the same regardless of who the franchisee is?
When a franchisee is buying a McDonalds franchise, they aren’t just buying the use of the McDonalds name. They are also purchasing the procedures and systems that made McDonalds successful. I am sure you can agree that there are better burger places than McDonalds, but what people like about McDonalds is its speed and predictability. It is like that because they have a refined system that they have perfected over the last 50 years and can replicate and any McDonalds restaurant.
You should document your own procedures and systems as the new buyer will want to replicate what made you successful. Also, by having this documentation, it makes it easier to train new employees since its all written down for them to read.

Keep Good Financial Records
Last but not least, keep good financial records. You should be doing this anyway but having a good record of your past finances is attractive to potential buyers. This can show them when the seasonal peaks and troughs are going to occur and whether the business itself is growing or dying.

Obviously, profitability is one of the most important things that will increase the value of your business. However, if the above factors are done right it will result in a much fatter wallet when you go to sell your business.

© Technibble - A Resource for Computer Technicians to start or improve their computer business
To get started with your own computer business, check out our Computer Business Kit. If you need a website for your computer repair services, check out the Tech Website Builder.
If you want to learn how to repair laptops, check out these narrated, high definition videos. These would pay for themselves in 1 repair job.

Selling Your Business: How to Increase Its Value Right Now

1. It is a good idea to get experience while working from someone else before you start your business.

2. It is a good idea to build up your client base after hours, until it reaches a point where your day job is affecting your computer repair business. That way, it’s a soft slide into the shallow end rather than a jump into the deep end.

Stand alone, each of these lines are good advice. However, they not good advice if you were to do both of these at the same time. Let me explain.


This topic came up when a member on our forums mentioned that he currently works as a technician for another computer business, while starting up his own computer business on the side. He was trying to do the right thing by keeping his clients and his employer’s clients completely separate, so he wasn’t poaching any clients from his boss. So there shouldn’t be a problem right?

This is what you would call a “conflict of interest” which is defined as “when an individual or organization is involved in multiple interests, one of which could possibly corrupt the motivation for an act in the other”.

While I highly doubt this forum member would do anything to harm his boss since he already has taken the moral high ground in keeping the clients separate; the potential is always there, even if it’s an unconscious decision.

There are also “insider secrets” that this person could unconsciously. For example, let’s say that his boss had developed a system where they could always fix computers in a very short about of time (shorter than most) and was always cheaper than everyone else. This gives his boss a competitive advantage over everyone else in the town and since this technician had to made use this system while he was working for his boss, he is obviously going to remember it. Once this technician goes out on his own, I doubt he is going to purposely use a slower and less efficient method to fix computers when he already knows a better way.

Now that there is a competing technician in town that going to do the exact same thing, the boss just lost his competitive advantage. This is why working for someone else as a technician and running your own business on the side is a conflict of interest.

This technician would also need to take a look at his work contract to make sure there is no non-compete clause in there which prevents him from starting up at all. In order for this technician to do the right thing by his boss, it would be better for him to quit his job completely before he starts his business to avoid the conflict of interest – and if his work contract allows it.

So, while working for someone else to gain experience and building up your business on the side are good advice separately, they are not good advice when put together.

© Technibble - A Resource for Computer Technicians to start or improve their computer business
To get started with your own computer business, check out our Computer Business Kit. If you need a website for your computer repair services, check out the Tech Website Builder.
If you want to learn how to repair laptops, check out these narrated, high definition videos. These would pay for themselves in 1 repair job.

Before You Go Out On Your Own – Conflicts of Interest

So, how can you compete with the big box stores?


If you want to complete against those $400 computers that the big box stores sell; you can’t compete in regards to cost, or at least you shouldn’t. While I am sure you could scrape together some cheap parts to possibly match them in price, it won’t be worth your while in the end because it will probably come back for warranty work because you used cheap parts.

If a client mentions one of these low priced systems to you, you can either educate them about the improved speed and reliability of a higher priced system or if they still want to go with the low priced big box system, you can offer to set it up for them after they buy it because it is likely they will have a printer or a wireless network that it needs to be set up with.

Technical services are just about always the best way to compete with the big box stores. While you may not have the purchasing power of some of the big boys to buy parts and therefore cant mark it up enough to make it worth your while; the big boys often take days to get some of the simplest computer repair jobs done and many of the technicians working at these places are very young and inexperienced resulting in mistakes being made.

Most of the employees at big box stores are also unable to bend the rules even when the situation needs it citing “corporate policy”. There is no quicker way to annoy a customer if an employee cites a stupid policy or one that doesn’t apply to the situation. You know your own costs, you know how much this client is worth to you and therefore you can make decisions like working on computers for free to keep the client happy if you have to.

The prices for technical services at big box stores are also much more than your average “mom-and-pop” store. A certain big box store in the US charges $199.99 for in-house virus removal or a whopping $299.99 to do it onsite. It’s not hard for you to pay for your overheads like insurance and advertising and still beat those prices.

© Technibble - A Resource for Computer Technicians to start or improve their computer business
To get started with your own computer business, check out our Computer Business Kit. If you need a website for your computer repair services, check out the Tech Website Builder.
If you want to learn how to repair laptops, check out these narrated, high definition videos. These would pay for themselves in 1 repair job.

How To Compete With Bigbox Stores

Many technicians that are just starting out would love to accept credit cards, but the idea of accepting them right from the start is daunting. While starting up my personal business, I ended up deciding to take credit cards right from the start, but I learned a lot along the way.


Your Business Needs
First, you need to think about your exact needs for accepting credit cards. Are you more of an on-site company or working out of a shop – or both? Here’s a quick run down of your options along with Pro’s and Con’s:

• Computer Based – Most smaller businesses use one of two products to create customer transactions and invoices: Quickbooks or PeachTree accounting. Fortunately, both offer credit card transactions directly inside the programs. The pro is that you don’t have to do anything else, just enter the details and your done. The con is that if that shop computer crashes, gets stolen, etc – you’re out of your credit card processing until your machine is replaced or fixed.
• Mobile Computer/Phone Based – Mobile based credit card systems, like what Merchant.com offers, are simple to setup and simple to deal with on the road. You just fire up your mobile laptop or phone, go to a webpage and enter the details. The pro for this is method is it’s cheap and works almost anywhere. The con comes in when you’ve just removed a virus from a customer computer and they’re hesitant about submitting information across the web.
• In Shop, Phone Line Based – In shop solutions are almost always a swipe machine of some caliber. These work either off of a secondary phone line or your internet connection. The pro is that these options are what most shops utilize and they offer a quick option for transactions that consumers are use to seeing. The con is that you are physically tied to your shop. Any remote credit card processing has to be done over the phone by calling the shop.
• Mobile, Cellular Based – Mobile solutions are typically swipe machines that work off of batteries and use a cellular connection instead of a phone line. The pro is that this solution will work in a shop or customer site. There are two cons to this option: your batteries can run out and you could be in a location that doesn’t get a proper signal (some machines offer phone line and network attachments as well.)
• Google/Paypal Based – This option is free, except the low transaction fees that you or the customer pays. The pro is, this is a well-known and generally accepted method of payment. The con is, this doesn’t look professional, at all.

Fees
I can’t talk about credit cards without talking about fees. I can’t be specific on fees and percentages since they vary by area, bank and business. This is where most people get scared. The fees are attached to specific card types and networks:

• In network – These are cards that have agreements with your bank. Typically, this is Visa and Mastercard, but can include others such as American Express and even Diners Club. Typically, these fees are the same across the board, but the actual credit card companies usually charge more fees on top of your bank.
• Out of Network – These are other cards that you’ve typically never heard of. They’re few and far between, but they are out there. These cards are charged more per transaction.
• Consumer Credit Cards – Consumer cards are self-explanatory. These are your typical cards that everyone carries around. Typically, it does not include debit-based credit cards.
• Business Credit Cards – These are the credit cards that your typical business owner carries around. These always have a company name on them. These cost more per transaction as well. Talk with your bank, because if you transact more business cards than personal cards, you may qualify for “wholesale” pricing on your transactions.
• Debit Based Cards – Debit transactions are not included with a typical machine, unless you request it. These typically cost more per transaction as well. If you choose this option, your machine must be programmed for them as well, which can cost more.
• Also, your fees are based on your average transaction amount. Someone that charges an average of $19.99 will pay a larger percentage rate than someone that charges an average of $199.99.

Hardware Fees
While I listed the pros and cons of machines, there’s actually a little more to consider. Leasing vs buying the machine as well as programming fees.

Leasing will offer you a lower price to start with, but much higher over the long run. A typical lease with a bank is 4 years. Multiply the price they give you by 48 and that’s the price you pay for the hardware over the lifetime of the lease. Leasing helps when your machines get abused on a normal basis. Your bank will be more likely to replace it if you lease. If you buy your machine, you can normally save over half the price of the lease! But, you need to be careful because if you break it, it’s already yours…

Buying gives you a cheaper price, in the long run, and you own the hardware. But, again, if you break it, oh well. This also allows you to put your logo on the terminal, when a lease option may not allow that. I would recomend that you buy any machine through your bank. Machines purchased from other parties may include pre-braned machines with another business or something has physically been done to the machine that can ruin your business (ie: an extra hidden SIM to phone ‘home’). Purchasing your machine from your bank will also allow you to save money since a pre-purchased machine will require fees for programming (as long as it meets the security requirements for your bank.) If you purchase the machine directly from your bank, you also save on shipping times – pre-purchased options could cost you 3-4 weeks in shipping things back and forth.

Ultimately, if you’re worried about credit card processing, the best thing you can do is do your homework on your bank’s website or speaking with them directly. You’re not going to get hurt just talking to the sales department. I personally spent about an hour on the phone with my bank and got my overall price dropped by more than $500 for my machine and my rates dropped a lot off the normal price due to my situation. The more the rep on the phone knows about you, the better things will go.

© Technibble - A Resource for Computer Technicians to start or improve their computer business
To get started with your own computer business, check out our Computer Business Kit. If you need a website for your computer repair services, check out the Tech Website Builder.
If you want to learn how to repair laptops, check out these narrated, high definition videos. These would pay for themselves in 1 repair job.

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© Technibble - A Resource for Computer Technicians to start or improve their computer business
To get started with your own computer business, check out our Computer Business Kit. If you need a website for your computer repair services, check out the Tech Website Builder.
If you want to learn how to repair laptops, check out these narrated, high definition videos. These would pay for themselves in 1 repair job.

Your Best Piece of Advice For a New Computer Business