How to Start a Home Based Computer Repair Business

Get Paid to Fix Computers From Home

man repairing computer

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Malware, viruses, the dreaded blue screen of death—these threats and more plague computer owners who know enough to use their devices, but not enough to be able to fix them when something goes wrong. If you have knowledge and experience in keeping computers up and running, you can start a computer repair business quickly and affordably. But growing your computer repair enterprise into full-time work still requires effort, and many beginners start out on a part-time basis.

What You’ll Need to Start Fixing Computers From Home 

Repair service companies often require that their techs have college degrees in computer science, but someone who wants to fix computers from home can launch a business with knowledge and experience in cleaning, repairing, or replacing hardware and software. Here are the steps to getting started.

  • Decide what and how you'll offer your computer repair service. Will you include computer setup along with repair services? Will you go to clients' homes? 
  • Set up a workspace that has the tools and equipment you need to work efficiently. 
  • Write a business plan and marketing plan, outlining all the details of your business and how you'll attract customers. 
  • Decide on your business structure and a business name. Once you have those, you can obtain your business license, if required in your area. You'll also want to open a business bank account.
  • Obtain business insurance.
  • Buy or create marketing materials such as business cards, flyers, and brochures.
  • Research and build solid relationships with software and hardware vendors for affordable resources needed in providing your service.
  • Keep up-to-date on trends in hardware, software, new threats, and other issues related to computer maintenance.

Advantages of a Computer Repair Home Business

If you have the know-how, there are many pros to starting a computer repair business.

It's a stable, in-demand service. Personal computers aren’t going anywhere. People of all ages and experience levels have computers they rely on for entertainment, banking, connecting with others, and more. Unfortunately, there is also a constant threat of viruses and other issues, especially for those who use their computer to go online. This creates a steady pool of clients.

You can create a flexible schedule for yourself and work the hours that work for you. While you'll have to adapt your schedule to meet customers' needs if you're making computer repairs at their homes, nothing stops you from rolling up your shirtsleeves at 3:00 a.m. if this is when you hit your stride. You can also start by working part-time as you build your business. Fixing computers can be started around a traditional job or other obligations.

In addition, your overhead should be negligible, particularly if you’re working out of your home. But you’ll want to make sure you have free or low-cost software with the diagnostic capability and that you’re insured or bonded against mishaps.

Disadvantages of a Computer Repair Home Business

While there are many advantages to starting a home-based computer repair service, there are a few downsides, too. Attracting customers can be a challenge in the beginning, whether you’re cold-calling potential clients, touting your computer repair skills at tech fairs, or handing out flyers at small businesses and residences.

The competition from big outfits like Best Buy’s Geek Squad can be stiff, particularly at first. The job requires frequent and ongoing marketing, but you can build a strong word-of-mouth following over time.

Expect more success if you market to individual computer owners instead of businesses. They may not pay as much, but they’re usually less hesitant to hire someone who isn’t affiliated with a company since they just want their computer problems solved quickly and competently.

More elaborate and complicated repairs will require an investment in tools, hardware, software, and supplies, but you can subcontract this work out or charge a little more to repair serious issues.

Depending on the computer's problem, some people opt to buy a new one instead of fixing the one they have. One way to offset this trend is to also offer computer setup, especially salvaging the data from the old computer and moving it to the new one.