Getting certifications simply for advertisement purposes?

[Mr. Ingram's Computer Repair & Shoppe]

I JUST passed the Microsoft Certified Refurbisher test, now waiting 14 days to get the good word.

So I am curious, what other certificates are worth getting?

by simply advertising you are certified show an increase in customers?

 

[Markverhyden]

Depends on your target market. In my experience 99.9% of consumers have no idea or experience with IT certs. They only care that the vendor has great ratings and gets things done in a reasonable time frame at reasonable expense.

For SOHO it's similar, in terms of not caring, but you will find more business owners who might ask about certs. Especially if it's something that is server or network related.

 

[Mr. Ingram's Computer Repair & Shoppe]

Depends on your target market. In my experience 99.9% of consumers have no idea or experience with IT certs. They only care that the vendor has great ratings and gets things done in a reasonable time frame at reasonable expense.

For SOHO it's similar, in terms of not caring, but you will find more business owners who might ask about certs. Especially if it's something that is server or network related.

In one of the two small towns one of my stores is in, the only other brick-mortar competitor advertises the crap out of their dell certification, and CompTIA. So I wasn't sure if there were any stupid little certs that was like "HP laptop" certified that non-techies would be like "oh, he must be good"

 

[trevm999]

It's probably near the bottom of the list of things consumers consider when choosing a tech. However I'm sure CompTIA certifications have pretty much no impact on consumer's decisions. It has to be names they already recognize, and it sounds like a Microsoft certification is more than your looking for.

HP has tons of little certificates....I have a HP PC University Certificate, but I wouldn't be caught dead advertising it. Real HP certifications are probably only available to warranty centres, because that's why they exist. I'm sure there are other ways you can set yourself up to look more professional than your competitor.

 

[BlackLabTechs]

My take on certifications is same as everyone else above. Most people don't know what they mean or represent so I haven't pursued them. Certs I will pursue are those for vendor programs or higher re-seller status that requires certs.

If a potential client asks me for a list of my certifications, I'll hand them a list of current clients with contact info and say here you go!

 

[Y.F.N.C.G.]

If your pursue certifications, it should be for your own learning and growth. There are better, and cheaper, was to advertise.

 

[TurricanII]

I enjoyed getting the certs and once or twice it has been handy to have some sort of authority when auditing IT systems but must business clients don't care.

It has equally been good to say that our business is independent and not obligated to push Michrosoft/HP etc

Also, when other firms lie about being gold certified on their vehicles and website, and you report them to Microsoft, nothing will happen.