How to make Money selling/repairing TABLETS?

[LordX]

Hey guys - as we all know more and more people are buying tablets.

I have yet to migrate to selling or repairing tablets. I have not really used them as my personal computer systems are insanely more than I need.

When I sell laptops and custom PCs I know exactly what to recommend and what constitutes power etc. This allows me to sell mid range and higher laptops and make a profit doing it (as well as being able to upgrade new laptops with SSD drives for increased speed - and this makes it MY product with a personal customization that the user cant buy in the store).

So the first question would be - what makes 1 tablet better than another aside from storage? Is there an article or source that would be a good place to start?

Second - once I learn which tablets are good, how can I make money selling them? Is there any tweak (like an SSD for a laptop) that I can do to 'customize' a tablet and make it my own product? If I can't tweak them, then making money is harder since the customer can simply look up the tablet and ask - why is it 299 from best buy, and 399 from you?

Third - REPAIR - I get calls to see if I repair broken screens, and loose/non-charging ports on kindles and others at least once or twice a month - and I hate turning away potential business.

Is it feasible to make a profit repairing these items? Are parts easy to find, and most importantly - are they quick/easy to service? Is the charging port soldered on, or is it replaceable? Are screens/glass serviceable in an hour or do they take forever?

I can't charge a customer $$$ for a tablet that cost them only $200.

Any tips and suggestions are greatly appreciated!

 

[NYJimbo]

My 2 cents. Its going to depend on your location.

Here on Long Island there are 10 times more phone/tablet repair shops than computer repair shops. ALL of them are in a constant price war and all of them promise same day if not same HOUR repair. Most are "family" run shops, which means mom, dad, kids, uncles, aunts, all work for next to nothing.

If you are in an area where the above doesn't exist then offering these services might be a good idea, but here, anyone starting this service new ends up going out of business soon.

 

[LordX]

I am in the Syracuse area.

There are some shops like that - often the cell phone shops that want to branch into tablet and computer repair. I find that annoying and tacky.

 

[altrenda]

I agree with NYJimbo.
2 things
1 It's easier and less expensive to set up and start replacing Mobile device screens than fixing computers.

2 there is less money in it unless you do a high volume and can do it cheaply.

 

[zimtech]

Don't have to turn them away

Find someone you trust that can fix them and re-direct them that business. Or find a way to service these people. If they keep coming to you and your not helping them your losing out just as you suspect. Even if you don't fix them they will keep talking about you. Even if you don't make any money fixing them by feeding the work to someone else, they might be able to do the same for you if they don't work on what you work on.

Does anyone on this forum work on tablets ship to them?
Any one had experience with tablet repair outsourcing that LordX could use?

 

[CLC]

I basically just stick to iRepairs, the reason being they have most of the market and they are expensive enough people are willing to pay the repair bill. Also almost every part can be repaired without the need of solder. The only other phone I would care to repair is the samsung galaxy. If you can't fix it for around 1/3 of the total price it's almost not worth it to the customer.

Now lets say you get a kindle fire in for repair, you have to completely disassemble it, resolder the power jack, then reassemble it. What do you charge? If you look at the basic kindle fire hd it runs around $120, what do you think the customer is willing to pay to get this fixed? I say stick to the high end stuff and find a shop that does good work and send them the others if they are willing to do them.

 

[rockhoptec]

Find someone you trust that can fix them and re-direct them that business. Or find a way to service these people. If they keep coming to you and your not helping them your losing out just as you suspect. Even if you don't fix them they will keep talking about you. Even if you don't make any money fixing them by feeding the work to someone else, they might be able to do the same for you if they don't work on what you work on.

Does anyone on this forum work on tablets ship to them?
Any one had experience with tablet repair outsourcing that LordX could use?

Zimtech and LordX,
We fix all types of tablets and smartphones, we deal mostly with having mailed to us, fixing them and mailing them back. We have a dedicated technician who handles this. He really only deals with tablets and smartphone repairs. Our prices are very reasonable and turn around time is usually 24-48 hours. We see a ton of kindles with the usb port failure, we get them shipped in from all over.
LordX we are located south of Rochester, so we are close to you. If you or anyone else is interested PM me or you can check out our website for more information.

 

[LordX]

CLC - Any Guides to Irepair?

I have a customer right now with the glass on his i-pad shattered.

 

[cmonova]

https://www.ifixit.com/Device/iPhone

 

[CLC]

https://www.ifixit.com/Device/iPhone

Look at ifixit and also watch the videos, dont just look at the pictures. If this is your first one then order extra parts just in case. They get really easy after a while but the first one can be a real pain. If the iPad is a 2-3-4 you should order a plastic gasket , volume/power control flex cable, and a new wifi antenna. Those are the main parts that can get messed up while taking it apart and they are cheap. Also try to reuse the power button because the aftermarket ones are crap.

If you are in the states take a look at this place, they may not be the cheapest but they ship the same day and are really good about returns.

https://www.wholesalegadgetparts.com