Making The Plunge

[reesk92]

before id start i would like to ask one thing

I know im not as old as the rest of you i may not have the same level of experience as you, but please treat what im going to say with the same respect and dignity you would another more experienced techs, thank you.


I finished college about 2 months ago I obtained a small plethora of qualifications in pc repair in the process.

ive been repairing PC's for about 5 years now all be it for family and friends of family ,

recently ive come to the harsh reality that my chances of employment at the current time are nil ,so ive come to a decision that the dreams i had once laid out for the future of repairing PC's as a self employed tech are going to have to come forward if i want to stay of the dole and earn money.

so I have decided that I am going to get out there and start up repairing PC's ,I know I will not be taken seriously for a while and business is never guaranteed but at least ill be active and not stuck inside.

so I have wrote this to ask for your help and knowledge and experience to help me with setting up and running I need guidance as I don't know what I need in terms of business ,what insurance do i need ,how do i handle billing,should i offer certain services and so fourth , what i guess im asking it what steps should i take to advance forward in this.

as you all know ive maid some really dumb threads in the past, ive shown a less than professional attitude at times and members have challenged me over this but am turning a new leaf and need all your help to educate me and guide me in this difficult process any help you could give me would be much appreciated i can also accept criticism as long as its constructive not just flaming me so please


help WHAT DO I DO TO START UP?

im sorry for the length but i felt it necessary to convey how i really feel about this choice.

 

[anonymous Mac Tech]

Hmmm. Humility, I was starting to assume that was gone from these forums, not to mention the computer repair business?

Congrats on finishing school. Did you attain a certificate, associate, bachelors?

Anyway, I commend you for finishing school and getting at least some experience with working on family, friends computers. That's seems to be alot more than some have done before thinking they were ready to open a business. But regardless, I know perhaps you haven't been able to gain employment as a tech. But still, I can't stress the importance of working under someone 1st. At least for a couple years because the experience you will earn is worth its weight in gold.

 

[MHCG]

all be it for family and friends of family

It's 'albeit'. Sorry, it irritates me when people try to use uncommon phrases or words, but don't know the proper spelling. Seriously though, I know this is the internet, but if you want to be taken seriously, you should work on your spelling, grammar and punctuation. You're a college graduate for christ's sake. If you don't know how a word is used, use a different word.

I'm assuming you live in the US....

Many community colleges have business development centers. You could try to contact a SCORE counselor, or go to your local Chamber of Commerce and ask for start up advice on the business side of it. You really need some basic business knowledge.

 

[Doctor Micro]

Got $49 for the Technibble Business Kit? Great place to start.

Check the business licensing laws and ordinances in your location, make up some flyers, get a big stack of business cards and pass them out like candy, let your friends and family know what you're doing and ask them to start spreading the word.

 

[hondablaster]

I have read these post before the first thing that probably will be said is go see an accountant.

I have been researching a little myself and in the state of California I need to go to the city and get a DBA that stands for "Doing Business As." Its called a Fictitious Business name. Then because its California I need to get my B.E.A.R. license that allows me to work on electronics and its a guarantee that I give my customer 5 things. Example.

* Post their registration certificate in plain view at their business;
* Provide a written estimate of the total repair cost to the consumer;
* Inform the consumer in writing when a diagnosis fee will be charged, and specify the amount of the diagnosis fee;
* Provide an itemized repair invoice, specifying all labor performed and parts installed after repairs are complete;
* Return all replaced parts in most instances; and
* Perform all repairs competently

Not sure but its something like above if your a California Resident you should look into that.

But as far as I know I would go to the City or County. (depending on your area) I cannot afford an accountant I have no $$$. If I was to fix PCs I would like to just be legal for as little $ as possible to get going. So i would take a my shot at the city first. An acquaintance of mine started a construction company. He said I need to go to the City!!!!. (California)

Im really excited for your post, and equally curious about the advices you will receive. Where are you AT!!!!

 

[reesk92]

Hmmm. Humility, I was starting to assume that was gone from these forums, not to mention the computer repair business?

Congrats on finishing school. Did you attain a certificate, associate, bachelors?

Anyway, I commend you for finishing school and getting at least some experience with working on family, friends computers. That's seems to be alot more than some have done before thinking they were ready to open a business. But regardless, I know perhaps you haven't been able to gain employment as a tech. But still, I can't stress the importance of working under someone 1st. At least for a couple years because the experience you will earn is worth its weight in gold.

thank you i gained certificates under the qualification of bcs level 2 repair and maintaining pc's

i have asked around about the working but no one will take anyone on

shops wont pay you cause there going broke
techs wont hire you because they don't like the competiton

the college courses are what i chose instead

but for now im out of college and if our government axe the free college service then i wont be able to afford next years fees so im having to do this my plans are start small just to get clients to recognize my skills the go up from there im not going straight into the deep end.

 

[reesk92]

to doctor micro yes that kit is the TOP most priority for me and i will be purchasing it soon

to Honda blaster absolutely my parents are putting me in touch with there accountant i will end up paying $130 a year and hell take care of everything for me so long as i retain receipts of purchase and document every money transaction ill be fine

 

[hondablaster]

What part of the world are you located.

 

[reesk92]

What part of the world are you located.

united kingdom my friend

we have different law and such over here

 

[hondablaster]

united kingdom my friend

we have different law and such over here

Bummer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[computergeek1]

united kingdom my friend

we have different law and such over here

Were in the U.K, i am from the UK as well.

 

[anonymous Mac Tech]

i have asked around about the working but no one will take anyone on

It took alot more than asking around to get my first tech position, including a couple years of phone tech support. But even as much as I hated phone support I wouldn't trade that experience I earned from it.

shops wont pay you cause there going broke
techs wont hire you because they don't like the competiton

If that's the case, is it a wise decision to go into business? If these guys already are established and are hurting, what do you have to bring to the table that they do not?

 

[reesk92]

lol whys that a bummer hondablaster

and cool computer geek what part im from west mids more specifically dudley near wolverhampton and birmingham

 

[reesk92]

It took alot more than asking around to get my first tech position, including a couple years of phone tech support. But even as much as I hated phone support I wouldn't trade that experience I earned from it.



If that's the case, is it a wise decision to go into business? If these guys already are established and are hurting, what do you have to bring to the table that they do not?

hmm you have a point but most of the techs ive spoken too dont have the most thrilling premises and personally id be scared to give them buisness ibecause they seem to be a bit dodgy (it just dawned on me why did i go there )ve been offered 2 places with 2 different tech 1 i need a car so thats on hold the other is just setting up his second shop and wants me as a tech so ill still have options

 

[MHCG]

If that's the case, is it a wise decision to go into business? If these guys already are established and are hurting, what do you have to bring to the table that they do not?

This is a common mistake entrepreneurs make. They see all the other businesses going out of business and think of it as an opportunity, but it should be a warning. The market is either oversaturated with that particular product or there was something wrong with the person's business model.

 

[computergeek1]

lol whys that a bummer hondablaster

and cool computer geek what part im from west mids more specifically dudley near wolverhampton and birmingham

I am from Stratford on avon, not that far from you.

 

[anonymous Mac Tech]

It's 'albeit'. Sorry, it irritates me when people try to use uncommon phrases or words, but don't know the proper spelling. Seriously though, I know this is the internet, but if you want to be taken seriously, you should work on your spelling, grammar and punctuation. You're a college graduate for christ's sake. If you don't know how a word is used, use a different word.

I see what you mean.

hmm you have a point but most of the techs ive spoken too dont have the most thrilling premises and personally id be scared to give them buisness ibecause they seem to be a bit dodgy (it just dawned on me why did i go there )ve been offered 2 places with 2 different tech 1 i need a car so thats on hold the other is just setting up his second shop and wants me as a tech so ill still have options

No offense, but you are seriously slaughtering any point you are trying to make by improper spelling/punctuation. You've got to look at this thread like a job interview. You are addressing professionals. If I was scanning your application for employment right now I would think if you cant string together a sentence, how can I trust you with complex equipment and my customers.

 

[reesk92]

I am from Stratford on avon, not that far from you.

well if you are in need of any help i will gladley make the comute to help you out hell if it gives me experience ill do it for juts enough to cover travel expenses

 

[reesk92]

I see what you mean.



No offense, but you are seriously slaughtering any point you are trying to make by improper spelling/punctuation. You've got to look at this thread like a job interview. You are addressing professionals. If I was scanning your application for employment right now I would think if you cant string together a sentence, how can I trust you with complex equipment and my customers.

Thank you I realise that even if I am only talking on-line I should still give you the same courtesy that I give my essays in college.

 

[reesk92]

I would like to back Honda last comment up with more info on my background in computers, would anyone feel that they could better help me if they knew more about my experience.