Startup Computer Repair and Maintenance Business

Perhaps you know how to repair personal computer units and you wish to earn money from that skill. How do you go about starting your own computer repair and maintenance business?

This article will help guide you along the way in setting your very own computer repair business and make money by repairing PCs.

It is fairly easy to set up a computer repair shop. Assuming that you have some background about PC repair, all you need to do now is to set up shop and advertise yourself to potential customers. So how does one go about this task?

Setting up the Workplace

The workplace is the most important component of your business. In your workplace, you do all the necessary processes that your job entails. You don’t even have to lease office space since you can just do it at your home. The place you designate as your workplace should be clean, dry and well-lit so you don’t have difficulty peering in at the components of the PC that you are repairing. This is also to prevent dust from gathering inside the PCs after a period of storage. This workplace should also be big enough to hold multiple PC units since you are likely to have multiple customers as soon as your business grows enough, and it will since a lot of people use PCs.

Equipment Required to Open a Computer Repair Shop

There are specialized equipment that you will be needing when you start setting up your business. These equipment include soldering guns, paintbrushes (to brush away dust that accumulated inside the PC), and small vacuum units. You would also need a workbench to sit on and a large desk on which you perform your repairs.

Office equipment may be needed as well, but not as much. You would need a telephone line from which your clients can contact you, or vice versa. You might want to keep records, so a filing cabinet may be needed but not necessarily required. You would also need to come up with a system that will remind you which computer is owned by whom, to prevent confusion later on.

Choose Your Targets Carefully

Don’t be too ambitious and start targeting large companies, which is a bad idea. Big firms have their own technical service teams to take care of their repair needs, meaning you are likely to become frustrated with this approach. Instead, turn your focus towards smaller businesses as this is more successful and easier to build up a customer and contact base.

Advertise Your PC Repair Shop

Advertising is important, or else you won’t be able to get clients. You can start by informing friends by mouth that you are starting a business, so that they can make referrals to you if they know someone who needs to have their PCs repaired. You can also strike up agreements with local computer dealers to refer you to their customers.

41 Comments

  • bekele sime said on August 24, 2009
    will you send small business plan on computer maintenance? a sample. thank you
  • Jesus said on September 11, 2009
    Do I need a license to have a computer repair web site? I want to repair computer at my house, what do i need to have? Thank you!!!
  • Anthony Harris said on October 4, 2009
    How could I be directed to an individual, business organization are any other sources in obtaining real reliable financial assistants in starting a business in computer technology here in Jamaica. nature of business: computer repairs/upgrade, phone unlocking, computer graphic designing and printing, sale and distribution of desktop/laptop computer, computer hardware/external devises/accessories/software/PC games/educational program, internet cafe, computer class (for beginners) and home computer repairs.
  • matthew mullen said on November 27, 2009
    Hi I am looking to start my own computer repair business in oldham, lancs, UK. Just wondered if you could tell me if i would need any licenses etc to open my own shop up for computer repairs. I was thinking of doing, computer/laptop repairs, upgrades, sale of desktop computers and laptops, hardware/software, offer a service to fix their computer at their home, and maybe open an internet cafe
  • Kevin C Freeman said on November 27, 2009
    The Computer Wolf, Green, Ohio, USA
    I am in the middle of starting a PC Repair company and wanted to thank you for the extra information that this article gave me. I am working with an investor and he is helping me to it up and write a business plan, but he is a business man, I needed more pc related info and I have some of that. To those on here that asked about licenses, check with your local governments, I am sure that they have some info to help you out. Also I would get some kind of Certifications from either MS or CompTIA.
  • jamie barton said on December 8, 2009
    business location is 25 warren close, ryton on dunsmore, england, cv83jz. looking to start a computer and laptop repair shop info help needed
  • Richard Wright said on March 20, 2010
    www.speedupmypc.webs.com is a friendly computer repair business in oldham . if you have any requests please feel free to drop me a line through the website . If you are brimming over with business why not pass me a few leads /clients and i will remember to return the favour :-)
  • c.s.rathore said on April 3, 2010
    i want to start computer education/repairing/service centre please guide me cs rathore barmer rajasthan. 09982494894
  • Ron GIbson said on April 18, 2010
    Hello, I would like to set up a Computer Repair business. I am currently going for my Associate's Degree in Computer Technology at KSU. I know a lot about computers, how to fix/repair them, etc. I built my own PC and fix it all the time. I would like to use those skills I have to make a living and help other people with their computer related problems.

    My brother and I have a gaming website that we got to 1,500+ members from advertising and became well known on video games, so I think if I try, then I can do this. If anyone would like to help me out, email me at 72uger@gmail.com, Thank you, Ron Gibson
  • David White said on June 17, 2010
    david compuserves louisville ky. i am starting a computer repair shop i need help. if anyone can help me out with the business plan of a computer repair shop email me @ dafiwhite@gmail.com thanks
  • DoC said on June 18, 2010
    I've been a Computer Support Specialist (repairer) and Teacher for over 30 years and I NEVER use a soldering iron, pencil or gun. I do own one but I sure can't tell you where it is right now! All modern IC's (since the early 80's) are too small to perform soldering tasks on. The most important piece of equipment you need is another computer or 2. I use one exclusively for repairing other systems using a KVM switch (Google it). You also need to have specialized training. I went to a 3 year college 33 years ago for my Computing Degree, and have gone back for upgrading every 10 years since then. Microsoft's A+ Certification is a good start.
  • PCLapTech Computer Repair said on August 16, 2010
    I started my own computer repair business since July 2009 and it is running very slow. I am planing to open one in India. I need some Idea from Indian computer repair business person. email me at qamarjrk@gmail.com
  • Randy @ Around The Corner PC said on August 24, 2010
    I have been a co-owner of Around The Corner PC. i've been in business since october 2009 and business is good. If anyone has any questions email me. i'm more than happy letting you know about how i can help
  • Darice said on September 19, 2010
    Hello Randy, i just started my Computer Repair business 6 month ago. I would like to know how you get most of your clients, your marketing strategies.
  • Awene veiko said on October 2, 2010
    i just get my A+ certificate and i want to start my pc repair shop so what must i do in this stage?
  • salahedin said on October 7, 2010
    i am planing to open a computer shop but the problem is how to know who to choose to work with you is there a standard or a list that i can go through while i am searching?
  • Keo said on October 10, 2010
    Hello, I was googling ways to improve in the computer repair business and bumped onto this post. I used to work part time as a GeekSquad agent, and honestly many of them are entry level IT students including myself; almost all the advance repair were sent out to a centralized service somewhere else...that's where the real IT tech geniuses are in this company. I've been playing with computers since middle school, and without any formal certifications or even a comp sci degree, I have been able to teach myself over roughly 7 years through experiences with equipments, interactions with other IT nerds, and researching/learning through books and online. One day I woke up and something clicked inside my head, "what if I could provide solutions to people's problems especially with laptops and desktops as a starting ground." This one simple idea triggered a positive rocketing affect. About 6 months ago, I shot for 1 client per month, eventually raised the bar to 1 client a week, and then all of a sudden I got slammed around 5 clients in one day. Currently, I'm still working on a few laptops at the mobo level, as well as desktop computers, and I do all this from my little apartment. I also make in home visits to fix basic network problems. Keep in mind, I live in a small town, no skyscrapers, not many rich folks like the bigger cities, and I plan to keep costs low and maximize profit one step at a time. I still consider myself a starter, and always looking for ways to improve in this industry, not just IT knowledge but also business skills. So if you have an idea to provide solutions to everyday computer problems, I believe that money will start flowing in your pocket through good client relationship skills and demonstration.
  • Chad Moore said on December 29, 2010
    I am very advanced in the all all around computer and electronics field and have no schooling associated with it I am self tought and learn quickly so I am pretty much just as good if not better than your average PC Outlet technician. My question is this, since I could work in a repair shop due to know how, could I start a small in home repair and consignments shop with nothing but the knowledge? Of course I would need proper licensing and stuff that schooling isn't required for, but can I legally perform maintainance and repairs along with building custom machines without any type of college or vocational training? Any output from someone who has experience or knows would be appreciated. Thank You! Chad
  • antony maina said on March 8, 2011
    by tasting the computer repair and maintenance i have realize the power in my talent.moreover i even sell branded and crone machines ie desktop and new laptops with their accessories in kenya. you can contact me through my e-mail antonymainam@yahoo.com.
  • Mark said on September 25, 2011
    i have been a technician for 5 years and have been working for this company but wants establish my own small business but need steps as to how to prepare my Business Plan.
  • Simon said on November 11, 2011
    Queenstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa. I wants to start my own homebase Computer and Laptop business. Send me also a list of equipment needed and how to get training if necessarily
  • Joe Dunlap said on December 13, 2011
    Cleveland, Ohio, 4410. I'm about to graduate college for computer network software. Could you send me information on the equipment I'll need and a business plan to start a computer repairer business.
  • Emmanuel said on December 22, 2011
    I already start a computer repair and maintenance in lagos Nigeria but i want tips on how to get more client and new thing to introduce to bring more client from different company
  • ndubuisi chidy said on April 11, 2012
    thanks for your concern to help the needy to know i am a holder of OND in computer engineering, i needed to set up my own and discover new skills to tackle any problems that may come on my way. if i become an expert on the field customers will look for me. more technical advise from u thank. chidy from Abuja Nigeria.
  • Jeremy said on May 8, 2012
    I want to start my own business in computer repair, custom builds, and server maintenance/repair I just want to know the best way to go about it I have 2 partners and our company will be based out of Hesperia, ca most likely in the home setting first to test the waters any advice would be extremely helpful. Also do I need any special licensing?
  • Jared said on July 11, 2012
    I need a business plan for a startup computer repair/maintenance business. Currently I do some work from my apartment in Atlanta Ga. How can I get a grant to start my business in my area? I do have an LLC license.
  • Sizwe said on September 27, 2012
    I study computer tech but already I help school with maintenance, customer but I can't reach my target to have enough money to buy parts
  • suman said on October 15, 2012
    I have a small shop with 3 computer in KOLKATA. what kind of business i can do? Please help me.
  • naren said on November 24, 2012
    Hello, I would like to start my own business repairing laser, dotmatrix and inkjet printers but need some advise on how to go about doing this, if anyone can assist, it would be much appreciated, thanks.
  • Jorge beginner adviser said on December 1, 2012
    Hello! Regarding having a license to open a pc repair shop is not mandatory like a mechanic needs one to open his own repair shop, but it is recommended that you get the A+ license. That will give you some credibility. Also you will want to get extra certifications like A++, Microsoft, Apple and so on just to keep up with everyday changes in this field.

    Computer Repair and Maintenance Business Expert

  • vivek said on February 6, 2013
    i need to keep a computer accessories shop
  • Hemanth said on March 29, 2013
    IAM PLANNING TO START MY OWN COMPUTER SALES AND SERVICE IN MY AREA HOW DO I START, WHAT ARE THE BASIC, REQUIREMENTS I MUST HAVE AND HOW DO I DEVELOP MY BUSINESS HENCE I AM NEW TO THIS LINE PLEASE HELP ME REGARDING THIS
  • justice said on March 29, 2013
    how can i raise fund to start up my own watch repair business when am through from learning
  • ajit said on April 3, 2013
    computer sales & repairing business location vikhroli(E, mumbai maharastra india)
  • AMIT GEORGE SUREN said on June 25, 2013
    RANCHI JHARKHAND. I WANT TO START A LAPTOP PC REPAIR WORKSHOP CAN U PROVIDE ME A PROJECT ON THAT I HAVE 6 MONTH TRAINING AND 1 AND 1/2 YEAR OF PRACTICE IN A LAPTOP
  • Manjunatha said on September 25, 2013
    Hi this Manjunath from Bangalore Karnataka India. I have finished my engineering in 2010 . Working till 2011 as a system administrator . I want to start a computer Repair shop please give me the plan and how can i market my business. Plz call 9742169664 or mail to manjunatha_v007@yahoo.co.in
  • Bernard said on November 1, 2013
    Hi, I want to start up my computer repair business at home so what are the things to put in mind and what method should i use to get clients, am in Kampala - Uganda
  • Jason said on February 13, 2014
    Hi, I am thinking to start a pc/laptop repair business from home to start with. I did a 18 month computer repair and maintenance course and presently doing a web development course. I would like to know where I can obtain the equipment needed for repairs such as testing equipment for hardware in a laptop and PC desktop and tools for opening up machines and cleaning them out I already have a couple of places where I can get pc/laptop parts but need to know a couple of places to get the repair equipment from. my aim is to deal with only personal machines and work my way up to repairing small business machines as I don't wont to get in to deep to soon. I plan to move up into the mountains in Wicklow Ireland and I think it will be good as this will provide the locals with a near by computer repairs shop
  • hemant said on June 26, 2014
    India, Bihar, Begusarai. My company work in Bihar corporate and school & hospital sector computer hardware desktop laptop & server maintenance and communication support LAN & WAN and advance router base routing but suggest how to improve on time
  • nyanzi rajab said on September 8, 2014
    imagine that you are about to start your own repair workshop, what will your initial plan involve, what would you look for in terms of building, furnishing, tools and other equipments that you can think of.
  • Hirak said on May 4, 2016
    Hello,I'm Hirak from Kolkata, india,and I also want to start PC services business from my house,so what kind of licence I need and from where I can get this,please help me.

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