New business questions

[Doc+Com]

Hello to all, I've been toying with the idea of setting up my own computer repair business in Southern Indiana for a few years now but due to other engagements, I've put it off for one reason or another. Recently, the landlord of a building my wife rents for her business made us an offer to rent part of the vacant lot next door to hers and I'm going to press ahead with my plans. I've been repairing PC's and laptops for more than 10 years and recently took the Comptia A+ exam...just to show some credibility to the people that walk in. It doesn't really mean a thing I know, but it was good for me to know that I am still up to date.
I have most of the important details nailed, i.e. insurance, POS/Acc software, business name, website, advertising (always open to more ideas though!) tools etc. but a few things are still missing

I have a few questions I'd like to put to the people that have gone through the experience that I'm about to, in the hope that they will share some practical advice on these points.

1. I've already drawn my workspace in sketchup and layed out the workshop area with the benches and shelving I already have and I've designed the front desk/reception area layout, which is small (12' x 12'). Any good suggestions for the decoration of the reception area...particularly the walls? Its a small detail, I know but empty walls look....well...empty! Where do I get PC related posters/pictures etc?

2. What do you advise regarding selling components and keeping stock?
I'm not really referring to major PC components..although I will have a few of the more common failure items, I'm referring to cables, batteries, maybe some software (AV & OS), just common small items that may draw walk-ins.
Should I stock these? Is it good to approach company's to ask for stock on consignment? What are good sellers?

I've got a few other things to ask but I'll stop before this post gets too big and ask later. Thanks to everyone on this forum, the information here is priceless and I've been a regular 'lurker' for a couple of years but hope to soon to be adding my experiences here on TN.

 

[Kitten Kong]

Where do I get PC related posters/pictures etc?

There is a thread on TN somewhere, which lists a lot of email addresses for all the major manufacturers. What you can do, is contact them, and ask for any marketing materials. I.e posters, mouse pads, pens etc.

You will be surprised as to how many manu's do supply the items, and in what quantity you get.

2. What do you advise regarding selling components and keeping stock?
I'm not really referring to major PC components..although I will have a few of the more common failure items, I'm referring to cables, batteries, maybe some software (AV & OS), just common small items that may draw walk-ins.
Should I stock these? Is it good to approach company's to ask for stock on consignment? What are good sellers?

Again there are quite a number of threads on TN, re stockable items. My own personal opinion, is a couple of sticks of each ram, ie ddr,2,3, sodimms etc. Hard drives (both Sata and Pata), couple of graphics cards, and PSU's.

As your opening a store, then you can sell other items, such as compatible printer inks, USB leads, USB pens, cd's dvd's etc.

 

[PCX]

I personally think that posters and such are really tacky and old school. I personally would go for a nice paint job and make it look professional.

As for what to stock, stock items that you will need regularly like hard drives (98% of those hard drive will be 2.5 sata 320gb+), DDR2 / DDR3 Memory, and maybe a couple PSUs. DO NOT stock things for custom builders unless there is a huge market for it. What I have noticed is that most people who want custom systems already know enough to build their own. Retail items that I regularly stock are batteries (although I order most), chargers, USB Mice, cooling pads, Kaspersky Internet Security (I only sell what works, I refuse to sell my customers crap) and anything else that you feel you can make a decent profit on.

 

[RichmondTech]

Hello to all, I've been toying with the idea of setting up my own computer repair business in Southern Indiana for a few years now but due to other engagements, I've put it off for one reason or another. Recently, the landlord of a building my wife rents for her business made us an offer to rent part of the vacant lot next door to hers and I'm going to press ahead with my plans.

I think if the main reason you're going to finally get into the game is because you're getting decent rent on a space you really need to rethink your commitment.

 

[Doc+Com]

Many thanks for your input guys, I'll see what I can find in the TN archives regarding the websites for manufacturers. I already have a small stock of the regular failing components as well as 'test' components although I will need to broaden the spectum a bit by addig some laptop HD's and SODIMMs.

The main reason for starting my new business was not the cost of the lease, its something I've wanted to do for a long time and certain moons have aligned to give me the oppurtinity which I'm taking with both hands. Like I said in my original post, I've repaired PC's as well as printers (when they were worth repairing), monitors, laptops etc for more than 10 years, working from my home and have always felt that I can offer by having a premises to work from. I wouldn't say that the lease wasn't a factor...because it is a smoking deal, but not the main one.

I've got more advise to ask but I'll hold of until the morning. Thanks again guys.