New service idea to offer

[tankman1989]

I was just reading a thread about what others do for a "diagnostic" and it got me thinking that ther might be a market for a relatively inexpensive hardware/OS checkup that would be done before someone buys or sells a computer. Kind of like a certificate of health. IDK exactly what would be involved. you could also check to see if the serial number has been reported stolen.

I can hear the ad now: "Thinking of buying a used desktop, laptop or notepad (could just say computer)? Are you worried that the computer might not be in perfect working shape? Are you afraid that it might be stolen? This could happen to anyone and then you are stuck with a worthless piece of tech. Don't let this happen to you. Come in to XXXXX and we will do a full inspection of your item for the low price of $24.99 for Desktop, $19.99 laptop/notebook and $19.99 for a notepad. We will test the individual components and make sure it has a genuine operating system. We will also verify that the equipment has not been reported stolen and the software is not pirated."

I know a lot of people get stuck with crap equipment buying off Craigslist and Ebay. I bought a Ipod for some decent money, it looked great when I got it and it seemed to work fine. I later found that the batter lasted only an hour or so.

Now here is the thing. This service isn't really designed to make money, it is designed for you to at least break even if you advertise. This is a very good way to get your name out and to build a client/customer list and instill some confidence in your business. It will also build a business history and goodwill because you are protecting the customer/buyer.

Just as a note, you could offer a pre-sale certification where you check the item out, make a printout of the tests and the results and the owner can give this to the potential customer.

Depending upon how old the equipment is, there might be a used equipment warranty available. By acting as a middle man you could broker the deal and offer an extended warranty in case the buyer wants added protection and you would make GOOD money on the warranty (think 50% profit on them).

I could go on about this but I think you get the idea.

What are you r thoughts?

 

[bg.graf]

What are you r thoughts?

Thought 1: because this isn't a market standard it could be very difficult to get people to start doing this.

Thought 2: If you do this for cheap, you will be getting CHEAP return customers (if they aren't willing to go out and purchase a decent computer when they need one, you won't want to be the one they try to low-ball every time they need their machine fixed)

Thought 3: Sell yourself. Life, Love, and Business all have marketing in common. you market yourself, or a good, or a service. Market quality work that nobody does better than you, and there are ways you can do it for free. don't be paying to advertise something that doesn't/will not bring you great ROI.

Thought 4: Way to be thinking on your toes. I think the fact that you were brainstorming and came up with this is excellent. just go back to doing that again and find a need in the economy that will bring good ROI and fill it

Best of luck

 

[RichmondTech]

I think you would spend a lot of resources advertising that this service is available, only to get a less than desireable clientele.

You also mentioned that this service is less likely to generate a profit, in which I'd ask "Why even bother?"

Because the customer base is not in my target market and low margins, I'd pass on this idea.

 

[StringTech]

Like CarFax

I had this same idea because we do this at work. Students bring in their laptop and we run a PC Doctor System Test and print the report out.

It's like bringing a friend mechanic to inspect a potential used car purchase.
I also think that if you're selling a computer it'll be more professional to show that it's been tested and you can show the print out report.

I actually want to use the term "certified used computer". But how to make it acceptable or make people believe that "stamp" is my dilemma.

 

[Xander]

First thing I thought of was, "If they're thinking about buying a system, how are they going to get it to you until after they've already bought it?"

You could sell a service where you offer to take off all the demos and trialware that came with their brand new computer and get it as lean and mean as possible.

 

[tankman1989]

I had this same idea because we do this at work. Students bring in their laptop and we run a PC Doctor System Test and print the report out.

It's like bringing a friend mechanic to inspect a potential used car purchase.
I also think that if you're selling a computer it'll be more professional to show that it's been tested and you can show the print out report.

I actually want to use the term "certified used computer". But how to make it acceptable or make people believe that "stamp" is my dilemma.

I think you see what I was trying to say. Your analogies are exactly what I was thinking.

As for the "not making money" on the service, that is often the case for a lot of companies, they offer products or services that they make zero on and some even loose money on them just to build their customer base, get people to walk through the store in hopes that they will buy something else in addition. Also, if you don't advertise this, you will obviously make money on the service. If you post a sign advertising the serrvice you might get people asking

Another idea is offering to sell used equipment on consignment. You clean up the machine and "verify" it, possibly offer a 14-30 day warranty (depending upon condition and hardware) and give a % of the sale to the owner. Just a thought.

 

[Carl]

A nice Idea - creative etc.- -
As pointed out above there are a few problems.
1) Your suggested "Price" is WAY Too Low. If your not making $100+ (or close to it) on everything you touch - its not worth while.
2) it labels you as a "Pizza Tech." NOT a Pro.
3) The "Quality" of the customer you attract is "Not desirable" they are bargain hunters, and freeloaders, cheap and will be little more than a problem.
4) Yes, You would build a Client Base (see #3)
5) The only place "Loss Leaders" work is at McDonalds - (see #3) They aren't interested in anything other than getting the freebie. (Or very rarely so)
6) If your located in somebody else's place the traffic you bring in are lowlife who aren't going to do much for him except oogle his stuff and take up his time - if he can get near them.

my .02c:
Pass on it.
Yes, Volume is important. In the Service industry, Quality is More important.
Think you'd be better off going "Mobile Tech." or "Home Based" instead of taking the back room in somebody else s place.

 

[tankman1989]

A nice Idea - creative etc.- -
As pointed out above there are a few problems.
1) Your suggested "Price" is WAY Too Low. If your not making $100+ (or close to it) on everything you touch - its not worth while.
2) it labels you as a "Pizza Tech." NOT a Pro.
3) The "Quality" of the customer you attract is "Not desirable" they are bargain hunters, and freeloaders, cheap and will be little more than a problem.
4) Yes, You would build a Client Base (see #3)
5) The only place "Loss Leaders" work is at McDonalds - (see #3) They aren't interested in anything other than getting the freebie. (Or very rarely so)
6) If your located in somebody else's place the traffic you bring in are lowlife who aren't going to do much for him except oogle his stuff and take up his time - if he can get near them.

my .02c:
Pass on it.
Yes, Volume is important. In the Service industry, Quality is More important.
Think you'd be better off going "Mobile Tech." or "Home Based" instead of taking the back room in somebody else s place.

I don't see these people as "bargain hunters" I actually see them as forward thinking individuals who are interested in getting what they pay for. Let's say dad wants to get his son/daughter a laptop for them to take to college. He knows he can get a used one, great specs much lower priced than buying a new one only he wants to make sure what he is buying is worthwhile. He contacts the seller and says "lets take it to XXXXX shop to get it evaluated" or the seller says "well, if you aren't sue about it we can get an overall diagnostic of it at XXXXX". Maybe both come into the shop for he $25 service (that takes 20 mins of actual clicking/typing, the rest is it just running). While the buyer is in the store he decided that he will buy some USB drives, a new keyboard and maybe a new netbook.

There are many reasons that this is a good idea. I'm not going to list the obvious and if you can't see the value of it then that's your problem. It is a very common proactice to offer services or merchandise for zero profit just to get people familiar with the company and hope they buy more and come back later. It's all about the long term business and not the immediate instant return.

 

[kevinjhaag]

I don't see these people as "bargain hunters" I actually see them as forward thinking individuals who are interested in getting what they pay for. Let's say dad wants to get his son/daughter a laptop for them to take to college. He knows he can get a used one, great specs much lower priced than buying a new one only he wants to make sure what he is buying is worthwhile. He contacts the seller and says "lets take it to XXXXX shop to get it evaluated" or the seller says "well, if you aren't sue about it we can get an overall diagnostic of it at XXXXX". Maybe both come into the shop for he $25 service (that takes 20 mins of actual clicking/typing, the rest is it just running). While the buyer is in the store he decided that he will buy some USB drives, a new keyboard and maybe a new netbook.

There are many reasons that this is a good idea. I'm not going to list the obvious and if you can't see the value of it then that's your problem. It is a very common proactice to offer services or merchandise for zero profit just to get people familiar with the company and hope they buy more and come back later. It's all about the long term business and not the immediate instant return.

I agree with ya, Tankman. Nobody buys anything used just because of specs and looks; it has to be fully functional too. And I treat every customer equally no matter what. Nobody is a low life... other than prisoners.

 

[hightechrex]

hmm

Sometimes the older folks on this website have a hard time grasping newer concepts. It's ok really. Different strokes for different folks. With that being said i think its a great idea, but i think you can work on its implementation a bit.

Make it free and package it with some of your other services. Let's face it your not going to get alot of people doing this. Many people don't even read the manuals thoroughly or read online reviews. You'd be better of making it free and people will take notice of it and appreciate it. I actually like the idea; i just might take it

 

[RichmondTech]

It is a very common proactice to offer services or merchandise for zero profit just to get people familiar with the company and hope they buy more and come back later. It's all about the long term business and not the immediate instant return.

You're absolutely right; loss leaders are great to get people in your location. And let's rattle off a few businesses that offer loss leaders: Staples, McDonalds, Best Buy. I wonder what these companies have in common? Could it be that they have money in the bank where they can afford to offer those kinds of promotions?

CarFax has been around since 1984 and they are the only company I can think of that does what they do, but I'm sure only a small percentage of used cars sold each year have a CarFax report to go with them. And that's with over 25 years of being in business and who knows how much spent in advertising. I've purchased plenty of used cars and never purchased the report and probably never will. How much will you have to spend to get people to have that example conversation over a laptop sale?

I admire your passion for this idea, but as a small business you'll quickly find out that if you don't have an immediate instant return than you won't have the long term business.

 

[tankman1989]

You're absolutely right; loss leaders are great to get people in your location. And let's rattle off a few businesses that offer loss leaders: Staples, McDonalds, Best Buy. I wonder what these companies have in common? Could it be that they have money in the bank where they can afford to offer those kinds of promotions?

CarFax has been around since 1984 and they are the only company I can think of that does what they do, but I'm sure only a small percentage of used cars sold each year have a CarFax report to go with them. And that's with over 25 years of being in business and who knows how much spent in advertising. I've purchased plenty of used cars and never purchased the report and probably never will. How much will you have to spend to get people to have that example conversation over a laptop sale?

I admire your passion for this idea, but as a small business you'll quickly find out that if you don't have an immediate instant return than you won't have the long term business.

I see where you are coming from and it has a lot of merit to you. My idea might work for the right business, especially if they have a large customer base, a blog following, newsletter, etc in which they could describe the service without spending a lot of money.

As someone said a few posts above, to treat all customers the same and no like "low lifes". This is a must in business. I can comfortably say that some of my best customers and often easiest to deal with in every aspect are the people most of you are turning your noses up at. "These people" often do not question the price or act like something is owed to them where as some other people think they should get all kinds of services for free and product sold at a loss. There is a saying that "people with money have it because they don't spend it" which can make dealing with stingy wealthy people very frustrating, especially when they are paying for their own ignorance like "the sound doesn't work" and they have you do an onsite for a min of $100 and it was muted or the speakers were plugged into the wrong jack.

 

[kevinjhaag]

As someone said a few posts above, to treat all customers the same and no like "low lifes". This is a must in business. I can comfortably say that some of my best customers and often easiest to deal with in every aspect are the people most of you are turning your noses up at. "These people" often do not question the price or act like something is owed to them where as some other people think they should get all kinds of services for free and product sold at a loss. There is a saying that "people with money have it because they don't spend it" which can make dealing with stingy wealthy people very frustrating, especially when they are paying for their own ignorance like "the sound doesn't work" and they have you do an onsite for a min of $100 and it was muted or the speakers were plugged into the wrong jack.

Exactly... Thats what I'm trying to say too. Some of my best customers are low income earners when it comes to residential. They help pay my bills and so they treated just like anyone else.