Even if you dream of starting a business like Apple or Microsoft from your garage, the desire to start a computer business is most likely related to existing systems, whether through sales, repair, or customer support. As rapid technological developments slowly lead us into the “post-computer era”, the jobs of computer repair experts, for example, have changed a lot in the past 10 years and are sure to change much more in the next 10 years. In addition to needing to adapt to changing technology and retain skills, starting a computer business requires as many skills as any other small business area – things like a careful business plan, smart marketing strategy, and good customer service.
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Method 1 of 3: Matching Skills and Goals to the Market
Step 1. Take into account the skills you have
It is illogical to assume that everyone who wants to open a computer business is familiar with computers and related systems. Therefore, the experience and training you have, as well as the willingness to learn more are very vital in determining the type of computer business that is most suitable for you.
- Have you ever disassembled, reassembled, or repaired a computer? Are you proficient with all major operating systems? Have you worked in the computer field before? Take an honest note of your readiness to start a computer business or ask someone else with knowledge in the industry to help you with your assessment.
- Getting a degree in computers will really help you start a business, but customers rarely ask for your degree. Your work experience is far more important, whether through education, training or employment.
- Certification is a great way to prove expertise. You may need to seek A+ certification from the Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), obtain certification from the N+ network, or become a Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE). This method can help you get a professional impression in the business you run.
Step 2. Make a local market analysis
Just like any small business, you need to carefully consider local demographics, the identity and needs of your target population, and the product or service you're looking for. How do you plan your business according to these conditions?
In this so-called “post-computer era”, the demand for traditional computer sales, customer service, and/or support has drastically reduced, especially among the more tech-savvy youth. However, you can still find lots of people who need computer repair and support, especially in older areas and/or in small towns and remote areas. Remember, you need to learn the latest technology; there are a lot of potential customers who don't understand that (and never will)
Step 3. Consider your business options
Despite changing technology and consumer tastes, there are still opportunities to run a business based on selling computers, parts or accessories; editing and design services; problem solving and/or training; and repairs or corrections. The key is flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing technology.
- New technology aims to make life easier, but many customers find it just confusing them. Common settings and troubleshooting tasks, such as setting up printers and wireless networks, data recovery and deletion, and media editing and archiving, will remain critical components of your business, even as demand for computer repair declines.
- If you can establish yourself as an expert on computers and related technologies, and can build a good reputation, you can be sure to find a hallmark of your own computer business.
Step 4. Set your goal
Did you start a computer business as a side business or main source of income? Do you hope to make the business a career choice? Whatever the goal, it's best to start small, then define your market and business prospects over time.
- If you want to make your computer business a part-time job, honing your skills at repair and troubleshooting may suffice.
- However, to make your business your main source of income, you will need to diversify your products and services more, this could be by selling parts, accessories, or even entire computer systems. You need to attract loyal customers and build a positive reputation in the community.
Method 2 of 3: Successful Computer Business
Step 1. Find the latest information
Even if the main focus of your business turns out to be improving the appearance of outdated desktops for tech customers, you still have to learn new technologies. Slow to react in a rapidly changing field like computer technology can leave you behind before you even realize what's really going on.
- Even if computers are your focus, be prepared for customers seeking help and support for a wide range of mobile technologies, from phones to tablets to smartwatches. You may or may not want to get into the realm of selling and servicing mobile technology – after considering market demand, for example – but the ability to solve common problems, train users, and provide support may work well for you.
- If home calling services are part of your business, the main equipment you carry will change as technology changes. However, you can still find a list of the basic equipment needed (at least for now), at the following address
Step 2. Make customer service a priority
If you're not good at dealing with other people, your machine skills may be useless – your computer business is unlikely to be successful. When customers encounter computer-related problems, they want fast and efficient service that is well explained so that even beginners can understand.
You'll be dealing with panicked customers who think all important paperwork is missing, annoying customers who call for quick help at 10pm, and customers who are all curious (and asking) what you're doing. You must remain calm, friendly, and patient. Like any small business, you won't be able to keep up with the prices of big competitors – the customer service you offer has to make up for this shortcoming
Step 3. Build your brand identity
A new computer business, like any business, must leave a lasting impression in order to survive. Even if (or especially if) you run a business from home, you need to consistently develop your brand to build awareness and demonstrate quality as well as credibility.
- Think names, logos, signs, marketing, etc. Create a professional look that makes your business look official and last.
- Referencing other people is essential for your business. Hand out professional-looking business cards to customers and consider giving referrals special discounts or gifts. Providing free service or parts is a cheap price to build your customer base.
- If you don't have a physical store, create a business-specific website and/or social media that looks professional and relates directly to trademarks in general.
Step 4. Choose a business location
A successful computer business can be run entirely from your own home, from a customer's home, or from an office/store. Weigh the pros and cons of each option taking into account your budget and business goals.
- For example, working from home provides flexibility and saves costs, but also provides minimal visibility and creates more distractions. A well-organized store can add visibility and help your business appear official to the public, but it can cost money and put you on a tight schedule.
- If you focus on computer repair, working in your own shop can reduce distractions while saving you time and travel costs. However, customers may be more comfortable if you repair their computers directly in their homes (the risk is also reduced when you don't take the customer's computer home).
Method 3 of 3: Starting a Small Business: Some Basic Tips
Step 1. Start creating a business plan
No matter what business you are in, you have to start with a business plan. This document will explain the nature of your business, products/services provided, budget, marketing plan and target customers, and set business growth targets for the next few years. This document can be a guide for developing your business as well as providing a “selling point” to attract potential investors or donors of funds.
Step 2. Protect yourself and your business
Starting an official business is not as simple as creating advertisements and collecting money from customers. To create a successful and thriving business, you need to understand the legal process of getting started, collecting and paying taxes, obtaining insurance and legal permits, obtaining the necessary licenses or certifications, and learning how to become an employer (if you want to hire someone else).
- You may want to save on tax costs by asking your customers to pay cash “on a face to face” and not reporting income from the business, but this will make your business appear illegal (of course) in the eyes of the customer. You should pay taxes to make your business appear (and really) legal.
- The article on How to Open a Small Business offers some information about the legal requirements for setting up a business. In the United States, you can use The U. S. Small Business Administration; for example, go to the following link,
Step 3. Be part of the community
You certainly need community support to be successful when starting a small business. Engaging and supporting the community with your business can provide a mutually beneficial relationship.
- Contribute your time and expertise. Be a sponsor of public events (they have to be relevant to your business, of course). Use advertising and branding to develop a stable and permanent impression of your business, even for areas that change frequently like computers.
- No matter what type of small business you run, you need to be visible, reliable, and provide a useful experience for building customer loyalty.
Expert Advice
Keep the following tips in mind before opening a computer store:
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Offer good service.
If you want to have your own computer shop, you must be able to provide good customer service. If you can't communicate with other people to explain computer problems in plain language, you'll have a hard time retaining customers. You should also be able to assess the problem described by the customer as they may not know the terms to use to describe it.
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Get to know your software.
To accurately diagnose and fix problems, you need good software that can work well. You also need to understand why and how the software works in order to know what happens when you run it.
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Give customers options.
Make sure customers know they are spending their money wisely. For example, if a customer needs to spend $1,000 to repair a $3 million machine, let them know that you don't recommend that. This way, customers will trust you and will come back another day.
