Do you love working with computers and consider yourself an expert? If so, it’s never been a better time to open an expert computer repair shop. People have so many laptops, desktops, and other devices they need help with. If you’re someone who can supply the repairs and upgrades they need, you’re about to have a very lucrative business. To get started, here are some tips you should take to create and promote your computer repair shop.
Add Some Inventory
When you become an expert computer repair professional, you should show some examples of your work. A good way to do so is by increasing your computer inventory. You can show potential clients some computers that you have repaired and are available for sale. After all, some people may not bring old devices for repair. Instead, they may want to see what refurbished devices you have for sale. As you invest in computer inventory, consider whether you’ll focus on a particular type of computer brand or be a jack of all computer trades. When you know how to repair a gaming computer, you’ll have a business as there are many gamers out there. If you specialize in Apple computers can charge more money since those computers are more expensive.
You should also be as familiar as possible with the best computer networking service to use for the type of computers you’re repairing. A computer networking service is any type of program or server that people will use once their system is hooked up. It involves email, chat programs, software, and so on. You want to be able to answer customer questions and possibly help them get the system set up.
Find Property
Your computer repair service will need a place to host business. Therefore you’ll need a professional place to work from. Start shopping around for commercial property. You may see some by walking around certain areas in your city. If you see commercial spaces that have for sale signs you can always call the number to inquire about them. May also want to invest in a commercial real estate agent to help you. Consider the best area to work to have organic traffic. If you have an expert computer repair service near a college campus or driving business area, you’re more likely to have customers coming in. You may also find a storefront available in your local mall.
Invest in Cleaning
When you find the perfect property to host a computer repair business, you need to clean it up. Depending on the state of the property, you may have to invest money in trash cleanup, hauling, and renovation services. Whether you’ll be working on your own or with a full staff, you’ll need space for desks and to hold the computers and other equipment. So you may want to have some building shows or buy some to install. You’ll want your main desk if you can stand behind when handling customer transactions. You could also check the properties for any hazardous materials and make note of structural renovations.
Once your business space is set up, you’ll still need ongoing sanitation services. You should look into trash and recycling services that can come regularly. Depending on the size of your business, you may need professional office cleaners. They can clean your floors, especially carpets. They can keep your surfaces sanitized to prevent bacteria or viruses from spreading. In the wake of COVID-19, this is an essential way to protect you, your staff, and other customers.
Hire Employees
Be aware of the type of business you’ll be operating. Will your expert computer repair business be a sole proprietorship or will you have other employees to help you? If you know you’ll be relying on other workers, get the ball rolling on hiring as soon as possible. You may want to check people in your inner circle who also have expertise in computer repairs. Or maybe you’ll want people who don’t handle repairs but can handle other aspects of the business. For example, you may want people who can handle customer service.
You may decide to start as a sole proprietorship and expand as you get more clients. If there seems to be a high demand for your services you may not have any choice but to bring new people on. You can advertise before potential workers on sites like Linkedin, Indeed, or social media. If you’re near a college campus, consider hosting internships that could lead to full-time employment.
Have Security
Some businesses can be a bigger target for criminals than others. One such business is electronics. Therefore, it’s important to take measures to protect yourself and your equipment. Don’t make it easy for thieves to steal your items whether you’re in the store or it’s after hours. You may want to check out your local fence companies that can provide lock gates. If you have a standalone business, a gate can be the first line of defense. You can install a gated fence that has a code you must enter to get inside. If you have a storefront business, you may have a pull-down gate that you physically lock at the end of the day. Your local fence company has many options to protect an expert computer repair business from losing inventory and revenue.
Create Parking Space
When you have a professional business, you need a place to park. Even if you walk or bike to work, your potential customers may be driving. Protect people and your vehicles with professional paving services. With commercial asphalt paving, people will always have a safe place to park. If your existing space has cracks or potholes, professional pavers can take care of that. Asphalt paving can look beautiful and absorb heat in wintertime. As a result, your pavement can quickly melt snow and ice. This service can also even out levels. If you prefer seeing that pavement, you’ll have the material that will last much longer but will take longer to dry. If you want to include your company colors or logo on your pavement cement developers can do that.
Your building may include a garage. A commercial garage has unique considerations, as you’ll have more parking spaces than a residential one. Your garage door will be going up and down more frequently than a residential one. Therefore, you may need access to commercial garage door repair services. Your expert computer repair business will be ready to take on new customers when you have a protected and professional garage. Plus, it’ll be available for you and your expanding workforce.
Keep Things Cool
Your expert computer repair business needs regulated temperatures to protect your equipment. If you live in an arid climate or are preparing for summer, make sure you call a professional AC service. Your HVAC professional will install a professional unit. You can also rely on their service for regular inspections and repairs. According to Bob Vila, you should have an AC inspection at least once a year. However, you may need more frequent inspections if your business is in an area that has a lot of dust or contamination. Keeping your HVAC system running properly can also ensure you and your employees don’t get sick. After all, if the filter or duct network has built up dust or contaminants, they can spread that debris, allergens, and even mold around the air. That cool air isn’t just essential for your computer equipment, but for anyone working during the hot months. According to the CDC, over 11,000 Americans have died from heat room illnesses. Make sure you and your employees don’t suffer such a fate by keeping the temperature steady. A proper HVAC unit will keep your store heated as much as cooled in the winter months.
Protect Your Structure
Having an expert computer repair business also means protecting your property structure. Start things off by investing in a solid commercial roof. Unless you have proof that the roof is new, you should install a new one. That way, you can rest assured you have a protective cover over your building. If you live in an area with rapid storms or extreme heat, your roof would be even more vulnerable than others. It’s a good idea to invest in a solid material such as metal or slate. According to Bob Vila, metal and slate roofing can last 40 to 70 years. In addition, a metal roof requires low maintenance, has a Class A fire rating, and can withstand winds as high as 140 mph. Plus, a strong commercial roof adds value to your property. That’s something to consider if you decide to sell the building one day or expand your business with an equity loan.
Any building can be susceptible to vermin. Have proper rodent, termite, ant, and cockroach control to keep your building sanitary and prevent damage. It’s no secret that rodents have sharp teeth that can cut through electrical wiring or drywall. They can wreak havoc on your electrical equipment and cost you thousands of dollars in replacement. Cockroaches also spread disease while looking for food and water resources. Therefore, make sure you and your employees properly dispose of any materials left over from your lunch breaks. Then, there are termites, which can destroy a building in as little as 3 years, according to the CDC.
Prepare for Emergencies
You may be proud of how your computer repair business looks. Regardless of how well things are going, stay prepared for emergencies. What if your business flooded or dealt with a fire? Your local commercial property water remediation company can assist you in cleaning up that space and restoring it as much as possible to its original look. You should also have proper fire and carbon monoxide alarms. You and your staff should be aware of the best way to evacuate the building during a fire or other life-threatening event. Practice regular fire drills and have maps of the building or general area. Contact your local fire inspector to test your alarms and ensure everything is in compliance.
Get Signage
Good signage can help make or break a new business. According to Statistica, as many as 60% of surveyed customers said they entered a business for the first time due to the signage. You want people to know where your business is, and a good sign can do that. A good thing about a sign is you only pay for it one time. TV spots, magazine ads, and radio spots require ongoing advertising fees. However, your sign only requires payment when you have it made. Once you hang it above your store door, it’s yours to keep until you decide to take it down. If your sign has damage, you can also have it repaired or enhanced. Signs come in a range of sizes and colors. When you want a sign that can last decades, get a metal one. If you want your sign to be seen for miles and at night, get one that uses LED lights.
Market Your Services
Last but not least, do regular marketing for your computer repair services. While your sign is your street advertising, you can pick things up a notch with social media. You can run ads on YouTube videos. Buy radio ads or podcast ads. You can place banners around the city and on billboards. Hire sign twirlers who are always good at grabbing attention. The sky’s the limit when it comes to effective marketing. You can have an effective LinkedIn profile that lets you connect with other relevant businesses. Use Instagram to highlight photos of computer repairs. You may even want to post a video of a computer repair in action on YouTube or TikTok.
Opening a new business is an exciting time for any entrepreneur. You finally can put your expert computer repair skills to work doing something you love. Use the above tips to ensure your business opens successfully and can remain intact. Good luck with your new business adventures in 2024.
