Anyone running a successful Mobile repair business?

[aggieg33k]

I started up back in 2009 with my computer repair business, but it has always been secondary income to my online business, until earlier this year. I have had both good and bad weeks, but more of the bad than I would like. I have a very limited budget in terms of advertisement, but am seeking some of the best ideas to bring in business. I have been throwing around the idea of offering monthly maintenance packages to small businesses to help bring in some recurring revenue. I currently offer a monthly package to my customers; however, I only have a few on board (they seem to like it though.)

If you are interested in discussing the mobile business with me/other users, and advertising/marketing ideas I would like to get a skype or IM going.

skype: dfwnerdherd

 

[Rosco]

I started up back in 2009 with my computer repair business, but it has always been secondary income to my online business, until earlier this year. I have had both good and bad weeks, but more of the bad than I would like. I have a very limited budget in terms of advertisement, but am seeking some of the best ideas to bring in business. I have been throwing around the idea of offering monthly maintenance packages to small businesses to help bring in some recurring revenue. I currently offer a monthly package to my customers; however, I only have a few on board (they seem to like it though.)

If you are interested in discussing the mobile business with me/other users, and advertising/marketing ideas I would like to get a skype or IM going.

skype: dfwnerdherd

To add to what we talked about:

started in Oct 2008. There are still some bad times dont get me wrong but i have steadily increased my business. I started on a bootstrap budget too. Car magnets are great inexpensive way to get your name out there. Just keep at it and it will fall into place.

 

[mr m]

I started my biz about 6 years ago. I've tried all types of advertising. The best form of advertising is free...referals. Make every service call count. Do the right thing by your clients and they will be a priceless form of advertising. I have wasted so much money on newspaper ads, the Pennysaver and direct mail but the trick is to keep your name out there in the publics eye.

Service contracts are a good idea for some. That monthly income is nice. They just don't fit my biz model.

I'm in the Yellowbook. Not many calls, expensive but it adds to your legitimacy. The younguns Google you, the oldsters still use the phone book.

I also have a magnetic sign on my tailgate. Not 1 call from it in a year but like Bob said you must keep your name out there.

A lot of my self-employed, home-based clients have told me it took them 5-10 years to start becoming really profitable. I'm still waiting!

 

[altrenda]

If you are interested in discussing the mobile business with me/other users, and advertising/marketing ideas I would like to get a skype or IM going.

I'm interested, but why not in the forum for all to see?

Here are some things to think about or discuss.
Is this still a sideline to your on line business or your main focus? Few of us are really good at one thing, let alone 2 or 3.

What is your target market? Who do you want your customers to be? The type of marketing you do depends on who you are trying to reach.

Passive ads are good for name recognition, but we have been more successful going out and finding clients in our target, basically selecting them instead of the other way around. Time consuming, but we all have several hours a day or week we can put to what sales people call Prospecting. Unless you are so busy that you don't have the time, but I don't know too many people like that.

Also, don't worry about competition as much as who your customers are. Most people or businesses don't have a "computer guy" so you need to find those people and let them know that you can help them.

Monthly contracts are great, but it's a hard sell to a new customer, especially small ones. I wasted time trying this and found it was a much easier deal after I had established a relationship.

 

[geeknz]

I've had my mobile business for almost three years now.

It started with about $200 in my back pocket to invest.
It only took 2-3 months before I could start properly living off the income from the business.

I've said it in other threads and I'll say it again here... invest in learning direct marketing. Learn how to write compelling ads that people respond to. It is like chopping a tree down with a sharp axe rather than a blunt one.... far more effective for the same amount of expended energy.

Google Dan Kennedy, Perry Marshall and devour their material. If you're keen enough you'll make a lot of money from what they teach.

I'm now turning over six figures in fees alone - and then there is stock and hardware on top of that.