(LifeWire) - Overview of this Business
One quick way to start computer repair work from home businesses is by hunting down spyware lodged in customers' PCs. That alone can produce a volume of computer repair customers, because many folks have neither the time nor the inclination to do it themselves. The average going rate is $100 an hour for computer repairs.
While companies often require their computer techs to have a college degree in computer science, a self-employed computer repair person's customers often just want someone who can fix, clean or replace their hardware and software on time, on budget, with a smile. However, you'll have to stay up to speed with both new hardware and software as it comes out. Some computer repair pros recommend regular visits to websites such as CNet.com and ZDNet.com.
Growing your computer repair enterprise into a full-time work from home business requires effort; many beginners start out on a part-time basis. Attracting customers is a challenge, too, whether it's cold calls to potential clients, touting your computer repair services at tech fairs or handing out flyers to small businesses and residences. One-person computer repair work from home businesses should expect more success marketing to individual computer owners rather than to businesses. Residential clients pay less, but they may be less hesitant to hire someone not affiliated with a company because they just want their computer problems solved quickly and competently.
Pros of Computer Repair Work from Home Businesses- Relatively low overhead that includes free or low-cost software with diagnostic capability.
- The growth of technology creates an even greater pool of the technologically inept -- your potential computer repair customers!
- The computer repair industry is expected to grow by 18% through 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook, meaning thse work from home businesses have growth potential.
- You can truly work on your own time -- as long as you meet customer deadlines. However, if you are going to make computer repairs at the customer's home, you'll have to adjust your schedule to your customers.
- Competition from big outfits such as Best Buy's Geek Squad is stiff.
- Elaborate computer repair will require more extensive tools, hardware, software and supplies, but complicated work can be subcontracted out.
- The job requires frequent marketing, but you can build a strong word-of-mouth following for these work from home businesses over time.
- A business name and license
- A work space big enough to store clients' computers while they're being repaired
- Insurance from $300 on up through your local government office
- A full investigation of your computer repair competition -- their rates, services, capabilities
- Online presence, flyers, a focused direct mail campaign, and good networking skills
- Solid relationships with vendors who provide fairly priced software and parts
Computer Repair Work from Home Businesses: Real-Life Example
Shawn M. Crull runs a computer repair business out of his home in Vancouver, Wash., making house calls at a rate of $90 per hour -- without charging his customers for travel time, he says at 4byte4.com.
