Do you guys have repair shops?

[SPTech]

I ask becuase im thinking of opening a up a shop so I can get customers bringing the systems/laptops to me rather than going out 'on call'. I know I will need to go out and do the usual maintainance contract work. So hopefully I can get custom through the door.

If you have a shop what type of stock do you keep? Im thinking of putting the usual PC LCD monitors, cases, computer systems and general computer components. Im also thinking of stocking specialist computer components (gaming components). The main aspect of the shop would be to take advantage of the space. I know retail is going to be tough with online prices etc... so may just give it ago and see how it goes.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

SP

 

[14049752]

I have a shop, but we don't sell retail at all. The only parts we sell are as part of the repair.

My thinking is that there are plenty of places that want to sell equipment, and they'll sell it at a loss if they have to. Let them make their five cents selling an LCD monitor and a printer, I don't want to deal with that.

 

[schwags]

I do not have a shop. I have a workspace with a few bench stations set up in my basement. Understand though that I also have another full-time job. Computer repair is just a part time gig for me. I do plan on eventually going to full time and having a storefront, but it is such a huge expense that I just can't justify it until I have a lot more business.
When I do get a storefront, I plan on carrying the kind of things that the enthusiast needs with short notice. That would include adapters, tools, drives and other odds and ends that people can get online, but are willing to spend 10% more and get now. Keep in mind that the store really isn't the money maker, the service side of the business is. There just is no way that real stores can compete with online places like newegg or tiger.

 

[RonWood]

I do not have a shop. I have a workspace with a few bench stations set up in my basement. Understand though that I also have another full-time job. Computer repair is just a part time gig for me. I do plan on eventually going to full time and having a storefront, but it is such a huge expense that I just can't justify it until I have a lot more business.
When I do get a storefront, I plan on carrying the kind of things that the enthusiast needs with short notice. That would include adapters, tools, drives and other odds and ends that people can get online, but are willing to spend 10% more and get now. Keep in mind that the store really isn't the money maker, the service side of the business is. There just is no way that real stores can compete with online places like newegg or tiger.

The key to a retail shop is to NOT compete with BestBuy and Online stores. At our shop we know that our knowledge and service out weighs the price difference.

Its the same reason why I go to a local coffee shop for my coffee instead of just making it myself, I like their friendly service and it helps support the community.

I would advise the original poster to not keep high-end video cards in stock, as the prices change so much you will lose much value when trying to sell it(sometimes).

When opening a shop you need to keep in mind that for probably 4 years you will not make any profit. Just covering expenses and salary will be your main focus. Also keep in mind that if you chose a great location and traffic picks up you will have to burn some long hours unless you plan on hiring help.

Good luck with it.

 

[JR7777]

SPCompufix:

Skip the retail.

Yes. It is nice to have some sort of office space, especially if you are working from home. Since I now have office space, I love having customers bring their stuff to me. I used to be on the road about 80% of the week. Now, with some sort of office outside of my home, it is more like 10% if that.

Don't waste your money carrying a lot of stock. It's just an invitation to pour money down the drain.

And don't waste money on "retail" space either. This will allow you to find space at a lower rate than you could get for conventional retail space.

Hope this makes sense.

JR

 

[SPTech]

Excellent, thanks for the response here, it is greatly appreciated. I do agree with you when you mention high level of service and knowledge. I know that my level of knowledege is better than most techs around my area so this will be key. The traffic isnt such a big problem there is a main road that goes straight past the premises so the flow is nice I just want it to look proffesional and make people want to come in and say hi.

Its only now when I start to crunch all the numbers up for shop fittings, insurance, electric, gas, broadband etc... its starts to become a bit scary.

Thanks for the help so far. I've been reading the forums for some time now so though I best get some posts up as I needed some help and inspiration!

Cheers all,

SP

 

[ProTech Support]

I ask becuase im thinking of opening a up a shop so I can get customers bringing the systems/laptops to me rather than going out 'on call'. I know I will need to go out and do the usual maintainance contract work. So hopefully I can get custom through the door.

If you have a shop what type of stock do you keep? Im thinking of putting the usual PC LCD monitors, cases, computer systems and general computer components. Im also thinking of stocking specialist computer components (gaming components). The main aspect of the shop would be to take advantage of the space. I know retail is going to be tough with online prices etc... so may just give it ago and see how it goes.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

SP

Like yourself I have been doing on-site work for the past 5 years. I also decided it was time to kick things up a notch and go with a retail store. We just opened our first store in November, and luckily things are going great. With that being said I really want to give you some insight that I didn't have before you make your choice........


Before you even think of doing this you need to ask yourself a few questions. The first thing is how committed to this are you, because if you're not 100% I wouldn't even think about it. You are going to have to put so much time into this thing you can kiss your life goodbye...I am not saying this as a bad thing because sure it may pay off, but you will definitely need to make a lot of sacrifices on your part...For example my store is open 6 days a week, but I find myself there all the time between paperwork , catching up on things, meeting clients in emergencies etc.....add that to the fact that I work full time and you can imagine how crazy things get........

Secondly, how much do you have to put towards this (money wise). I STRESS to you the importance of knowing what kind of expenses you are going to have. Having a retail store is a whole other ballgame compared to running it out of your house. For example you need to consider things like: Rent, Phone, Internet, Electric, Insurance, Signs, Furniture, Advertisments, an Accountant (Don't even consider doing this without one!). Also note your phone may be $40.00 a month, but most places charge you installation and setup fee's. That can go for your phone, electric, internet etc....

Finally stock, my word of advice to you is - just don't do it. I tell my customers all the time , although it is not in stock we can get it for you at much lower prices then local competitors, it will just take a couple of days. They are fine waiting 3 days and saving $50....if you don't have $20,000 worth of starter investment don't burden yourself with stock because chances are good it is just going to sit there anyway. The only things I do stock is necessities such as cables, a couple of different hard drives, a couple of dvd burners etc...

 

[usacvlr]

Not sure why some have said you have to kiss your life goodbye.

I'm open 10am through 4PM monday through Friday and do no onsite work and get all the work I need from walk ins and mail order repairs.