Questions for someone starting out.

[jtokarchuk]

Hi there, I had a few questions for you guys as I am interested in starting out a home business.

I have most of the tools needed, but I'm a bit fuzzy on the business side of things.

- How much did you spend on Advertising initially? Do any of you have an old flyer I could take a look at?

- Would customers be put-off if I arrived to site on a bicycle? (I am not a child I am 21. Foot broken in such a way I cannot legally obtain a drivers.)

- What did you initially charge for your services? I know its area-dependent but I would just like to see a few numbers anyway.


Thanks a lot for the help.

 

[14049752]

I spent a minimal amount on advertising initially. I used things like Craigslist (free), fliers (super cheap) and passed out packets about what my company offers to local businesses. After a while, I started mailing letters which cost a bit more but did earn me some of my best customers.

I would be put off if you arrived on a bicycle. Not that I have anything against people that ride bicycles as a means of transportation, but I'd be asking myself how prepared you actually are to fix my computer. Do you have a good supply of parts and tools with you? What if you need to take the system back to a shop/home office? How prompt can you be?

I started off charging $90/hr for business service and $75/hr for residential service. I charge a flat rate of $110 for any system that's brought into my shop. I haven't raised any of my prices in the past two years.

 

[nonchalant]

My tip is: Spend as little as possible initially on advertising (flyers are the best way)

Once the income starts coming in reinvest some of it in more advertising. Rinse & repeat.

 

[abe]

I wouldn't care how you arrived as long as you know what your doing, and if you gotta take the computer to your office then that's your problem I'm sure you'll find a way to do it, specially since everyone is buying laptops.

 

[seedubya]

You could spin the bike as "The Green Alternative". Or you could use a scooter or moped. Lots of techs use them it cities.

 

[jtokarchuk]

Thanks a lot, Can't get a scooter either as it requires a legal drivers to go up a class I believe. (MB, Canada)

I will figure something out to bring them home. Laptops are a sinch.

Perhaps a basket and a bell, some tassles?

 

[bagellad]

well just make sure the training wheels are off... But seriously how about one of those carts I see women moving their kids around in?

 

[Jory]

The only way I see a bicycle working out is if you live in a very urban area like Manhattan where it might actually be an advantage, but you're still going to have the problem of not being able to carry a lot of stuff with you.

At this point I'd be looking for anything I could legally drive with a motor in it. If you can ride a bicycle I don't see why you're foot isn't good enough to operate a motorcycle, scooter, moped, etc. I know you said the scooters require a license that you can't get, but what are the chances of you getting pulled over on a scooter? I'm not usually one for advocating law breaking, but in this day and age how are you supposed to make a living without being able to drive?

I don't care if I had to show up on a tricked-out riding lawnmower. I'd have to find a way to get me to and from places in a speedy manner while allowing me to carry tools, parts, and possibly a computer.

 

[Andyuk2007]

I arrive to call outs on my bike if the customer asks i just say something like "well i like the exercise" or "I like to use my bike where i can to save using a car"

It also keeps me from developing a spare tire round my middle

 

[Wheelie]

... I don't care if I had to show up on a tricked-out riding lawnmower ...

 

[jtokarchuk]

LOL that is an excellent picture. Thanks for the tips. I live in a city (If you can call it that(?) with about 20,000 people.

I could craft myself a wagon maybe, and I mean I could cover with the "With todays gas prices..." spin as well.

But as to the carrying capacity, I carry a lot heavier weights when I'm biking around our lake here for exercise.

Still, would anyone be willing to share a flyer so I could see something that you guys have done? We have two tiny little computer shops in town, one charges a flat rate for each category (virus/spyware, formatting, diagnostics, etc), the other just charges whatever they like I think they don't tell anyone their prices. I have never seen advertisement from them except on their door/billboard. so I don't have a lot to judge from.

Thanks again for all your help.

 

[Graystar]

here is an interesting alternative

Look at the Schwinn Meridian
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5679542&sourceid=1500000000000003260420&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=5679542

I could see me getting one of these! (gawd knows my wife would like to see me riding one of these!)


Mod up a locking box on the back and away you go!


Graystar

 

[pusz4frog]

Starting out

The best place to start out is with a business plan. There are lots of sites that can give you help or even provide an outline to get started. This will help you to determine many factors, which will lead you to how much you will need for startup capital, including advertising.

Best wishes to you.