Ok Jared, I'm not going to give you the "raise your rates" speech.lol If it was me and I did decide to raise them, I would still keep them cheaper than the competition simply because you don't have a brick and mortar storefront and you are basically only doing this part time until you graduate. I'd slowly raise them until you are at a fair market price per hour by the time you are ready to go full time.
My advice is going to be directed towards your age issues. Before your write off anything I'm about to say, let me preface it with the fact that I'm 31 and started my first small business when I was 19 or 20. It was not tech related but actually a real estate company selling land and farms. I'm telling you all of this because I've been where you are.....young, hard working and business minded but being paid by people well over twice your age who will often come into the business relationship thinking you are "just a kid". I think the tech business will be a little more forgiving since most older people think all "kids" are computer experts. However, this advice is still applicable. Nothing I say is meant to be an insult, but instead encouraging, because I have been in a similar situation.
First off the advice of charging more isn't bad. Charging a rate that is closer to the going rate for computer repair service immediately makes you come across as a little more professional than "just some high school kid". It says to people "hey I know what computer repair costs and I'm in the business".
Dress nicely. I don't know where you are from or what the norm is there. I'm in a rural East Texas town, we aren't the big city. If I showed up slacks and/or had a tie on I'd get laughed at. So wear what is appropriate. For me that is starched jeans, boots, a nice belt and an ironed shirt tucked in. Polo golf type shirts in the summer, long sleeve button up in the winter. I think this is the first thing that will set you apart from other guys your age and make you appear more mature.
Courtesy, manners and politeness. Manners were drilled into me from the time I could talk and they have made me more successful than anything else. Yes ma'am, no sir, thank you, you are welcome. I know that might seem silly but even today I get comments on how nice and respectful I am. Again, this sets you apart.
Be on time. If you say you'll be there are 4 pm, be there are 3:58 pm. If you are going to be 5 minutes late, call ahead and let them know.
Be confident in what you do, admit it if you don't know something (but you'll find the answer) but do NOT be cocky or a now-it-all. No one likes this, it gets you no where.
If people ask where you learned everything you know about computers, did you take classes etc., tell them that you've spend hours reading and learning online and then actually applying the knowledge by getting experience working on computers. If it started as a hobby or you were the family/friend go-to guy for computer repair, tell them that. Tell them you started taking it serious and studying up. What this does is make your knowledge more valuable. You weren't just born with this knowledge and you don't know everything about repairing computers just because you "grew up with them." Some of those things might play a role in it, but you have to read TN, search Google, tinker, try things etc to find out how to fix certain things. You have to learn the in's and out's of all the MS operating systems, you don't just have that knowledge. My point in all that is, you have valuable knowledge that isn't always easy to come by. You aren't just digging a ditch with a shovel, you are using your brain to solve problems.
Be honest and be a man of your word. If you tell someone something do it. If you make a promise keep it. If there are unforeseeable circumstances, explain them, people would rather hear the truth that a silly lie/excuse.
Don't be afraid to ask for help or advice, especially business advice. Obviously, you've got that one covered!
Money management. Built up a business account with a large reserve. You never know when you might hit hard times and need to cash to squeak you by. You might have to buy some new office equipment or computer(s) at the spur of the moment. You need to be able to purchase computers/parts for customers and hold the invoice until they pay. Never buy anything on credit unless you can pay the bill when it's due. You can't afford the interest. Simply put, do NOT go into credit card debt. Period.
Pay your taxes. I hate it as much or more than anyone. I disagree with about 99% of what our federal government is doing right now. I'm not happy with the ridiculous spending no matter what party or person is in office. But trying to cheat the gov. is not a good idea. Fight for lower taxes and vote for people who at least promise to lower them, but don't try to skirt the system.
Keep good records (Quicken/Quickbooks) and hire a good accountant. You might not need one now, but when the time comes that you are running full time, I advise paying a professional to help you with your taxes. Some will disagree and that is ok. But either way, just make sure you don't take deductions you shouldn't and be sure you don't miss a single deduction that you can rightfully take.
Lastly, if someone treats you poorly because you are young, just smile, be nice and take their money. If they really treat you bad, kindly let them take their business somewhere else. However, deep down you have to kind of laugh because they came to you for help, they are paying for it and they are the ones who are embarrassed because someone half their age knows 10x as much as they do on the subject.
Sir, I respect you. We need more young people who are fulfilling the American Dream and working hard to make it in life. You aren't looking for a hand out but making your own way and willing to work hard to do it. Good for you Jared. I have a feeling you will go far in life. I'm a betting man but I only bet on things I think are a sure thing. If I could bet on you I would.
