Fixing computers / earning extra cash

[doyle369]

I am going to advertise in shop windows

but I dont know what to write, I will be reformating the computers alot, as that can sort out slow computers

maybe start with

'computer running slow...'

Im a student aswel, so I will prob want to say that


any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[Vaheed Akhtar]

Hitting the old 'slow computer' nerve is a good start - as allot of people suffer from this problem. Not realising their computers are overran by little bugs from all them dirty websites that they've secretly been looking at and the online games that feed your PC little vermin's whilst your children play pretty games. LOL! (not to mention all the dodgy downloading )

 

[sri_130]

I am going to advertise in shop windows

but I dont know what to write, I will be reformating the computers alot, as that can sort out slow computers

maybe start with

'computer running slow...'

Im a student aswel, so I will prob want to say that


any suggestions?

Thanks

A bit of info (from someone who's been there done that - and then sold it!)

Create a simple, but informative website about your services, what you can offer, rates, special details (free callouts?) and any experience. Doesn't have to be crazy amounts, just something that explains what you do.
Then you can list your website with your advert in the shop window and state "for further info visit me at...www I will sort your computer .co.uk"

Your shop window advert can then be a bit more blunt.. good suggestion already is "Slow Computer? Not after I've helped" or something attention grabbing that states the problem and then the friendly resolution.

I had a business that visited peoples homes (within a free call out radius) and then charged per hour. 90% of the time it was a rebuild that help cure it. But recommendations grew and grew and despite me doing it 'on the side' - but registered as a business, my 2nd year turn over was £65k!
Albeit, the majority of that was "thanks for fixing my pc, can you get me a new one..." and off it went.

Good luck to you though,

 

[FM1000]

A bit of info (from someone who's been there done that - and then sold it!)

Create a simple, but informative website about your services, what you can offer, rates, special details (free callouts?) and any experience. Doesn't have to be crazy amounts, just something that explains what you do.
Then you can list your website with your advert in the shop window and state "for further info visit me at...www I will sort your computer .co.uk"

Your shop window advert can then be a bit more blunt.. good suggestion already is "Slow Computer? Not after I've helped" or something attention grabbing that states the problem and then the friendly resolution.

I had a business that visited peoples homes (within a free call out radius) and then charged per hour. 90% of the time it was a rebuild that help cure it. But recommendations grew and grew and despite me doing it 'on the side' - but registered as a business, my 2nd year turn over was £65k!
Albeit, the majority of that was "thanks for fixing my pc, can you get me a new one..." and off it went.

Good luck to you though,

Just out of interest how much did you charge per hour? I was thinking of this a few years back but did something else in the end.

 

[sri_130]

Just out of interest how much did you charge per hour? I was thinking of this a few years back but did something else in the end.

£35 per hour mate, based out of Harrogate.

 

[mit74]

Start by offering free servicing of computers and try to sell some security software while you're there. You'll be surprised how many people don't even have basic AVs on their computers. If they like you they'll always call back needed other stuff done. Your first year is all about building customer base rather than making money. Do not take out expensive advertising especially one's that tie you into annual contracts like BT or yellow pages. By far the best advertising method for you is leaflet drops and small community booklets targetting silver surfers.

A bit off topic but be careful of advertising/customs phone calls as they're nearly always scammers and target brand new companies. Don't give out details over the phone even if they say they're government run etc.

 

[What If]

But recommendations grew and grew and despite me doing it 'on the side' - but registered as a business, my 2nd year turn over was £65k!

Well done achieving that turnover, especially if it was an additional job (you must have been knackered!) How long ago was this? I imagine this to be a very saturated market at present, it certainly is where I live!

 

[sri_130]

Well done achieving that turnover, especially if it was an additional job (you must have been knackered!) How long ago was this? I imagine this to be a very saturated market at present, it certainly is where I live!

my husband uses this account, so I'll ask him to reply tonight!

 

[RBS]

£35 per hour mate, based out of Harrogate.

Which year? Do you think you could get that in 2010? Its so easy to find answers on internet now - google, forums etc.

 

[doyle369]

Any ideras what I can say on my advert

thinking of just advertising in shop windows etc

 

[sri_130]

Well done achieving that turnover, especially if it was an additional job (you must have been knackered!) How long ago was this? I imagine this to be a very saturated market at present, it certainly is where I live!

Started in 2006 and sold it in 2008. And yes I was knackered! even with a business partner helping out.

It was a saturated market, but we were honest and reliable, so word just grew through recommendations.

in the end we ended up retailed Dell computers, mainly through EBay, buying in bulk and selling them as singles. To be honest, with 65k turnover the profit was only 12k, but it was a superb supplement to my steady income! ended up investing that money in another business (wife's salon). So it was all for a good cause!

 

[sri_130]

Which year? Do you think you could get that in 2010? Its so easy to find answers on internet now - google, forums etc.

2006 - 2008 pal.

No I don't think I could acheive that now. the internet, forums and 'computeach' et al.

I guess business is all about timing. I've had my time with it, made some money and moved on to the next thing. it was a great learning experience and Im glad i did it.

 

[RBS]

To be honest, with 65k turnover the profit was only 12k

How come just 12k? Did you mean selling computers or repairs? For repairs sounds way too low for profit.

 

[sri_130]

How come just 12k? Did you mean selling computers or repairs? For repairs sounds way too low for profit.

That was selling the PC's in year 2. year 1 was mainly repairs, which (from memory) turnover was only 18k with a net profit of 10k (as it was mainly labour, with the odd parts + new pc).

in year 2, we had cars and all sorts as expenses, so i guess the profit figure wasn't totally justified! It was a couple of years ago though! memory is not what it was.

 

[Unreal]

fixing pc's/laptop can be a dream or a nightmare. You can make lots of money just depends on your luck what you get and most of the time its a virus. The good thing about it is they are so many so called professional pc techs out there who dont have a clue or take 10 weeks to remove spyware from your pc. If i had a pc issue i couldnt fix there is no way I would take it to pc world i would be afriad of getting in back in 1 state and being charged hundreds of pounds. Go for it low start up costs and if you give a quick service customer will come running back to you offer them a voucher or 10% off next time.

 

[nickjlucey]

I wouldn't mention that you are a student, don't lie about it, just don't advertise it. This might put people off. Students don't have that good a rep.

Advertising in shop windows is the right sort of idea, your market is those who aren't too familiar with technology, so keeping your advertising ofline is a good bet.

 

[JohnW1]

No I don't think I could acheive that now. the internet, forums and 'computeach' et al.

TBH it might still be viable - the people who have problems are still the same ones that don't have AV, don't know about defragging, etc. Even with the forums, if they don't konw the questions to ask, they will never get the answer.

 

[Unreal]

yes there youtube and google but if they cant power up there pc then what good are they. Majority of people are boot up errors which require a bios tweak bb. With os and new software getting more advanced people like us will be required those who dont have a clue what a bios is will be left behind and lose lots of time and effort with their computer/laptop.

Also, most of the stuff on forums and youtube sometimes doesnt work it requires someone experienced been there done that before plus fixing 1 thing can result in another even fatal error.

Dont mean to be rude against pc novists but the dumbness of some of them is unreal. I often see that the power cord or telephone filter is not plugged in right and they complain there pc or internet is not working! basic but money in my pocket thank you.

 

[ava_camen]

i prefer being straight to the point.. need your computers repaired? contact me at ***