myself. In my mind, why should I spend hours trying to figure out why something is broken when people much smarter than I am who have many more years of experience than I do have already solved it? It just doesn’t make sense, but we have had technicians in the past too embarrassed to admit that they didn’t know the answer to a problem. They have this idea that they are tech gods and all should defer to them, so when something happens they can’t explain it drives them crazy. They will waste hours trying to figure out how to solve the problem instead of doing a simple search. The result: They are slow and inaccurate. I don’t pay them to waste my money; I pay them to solve problems. That means as expeditiously as possible.
Get on the Internet and type in a few search terms. Odds are good that no matter what it is, someone else has faced it before and mentioned it on the Internet. Spending 30 minutes reading the forums and searching the Internet can replace days of frustration and lost revenue.
8. Getting Paid to Practice
Sure, you have fixed your computer and your friends’ computers. Maybe you even helped people at work. However, that may seem different from working on a system that is owned by a complete stranger. If you want some extra practice before you jump into starting your own repair business, there are many ways that don’t involve taking on your first actual paying customer. If you start by doing a paid on-site job, you’re probably working while the customer is breathing down your neck asking you to explain everything you’re doing. This adds more pressure than you need to your very first job, so how about getting some practice first?
One of the best ways to practice before you start your business is to work on used systems. This is a great way to get started for a couple of reasons:
• Used computers usually don’t work or don’t work well. After running computer repair stores for years, I can tell you this is very similar to what your customers will bring in. First, you don’t know if they work; second, if they do work, you have no idea what is wrong.
• After you repair them, you can sell them as refurbished computers and you will be able to get paid for your practice!
There are a few good places to look for used computers. Usually, you can find low-cost machines at places like Goodwill and other charitable organizations. Another option is to look on Craigslist for computers that may not be in working condition. To get experience on desktop repairs, look for machines that meet the following standards:
• Certificate of Authenticity (COA), also known as the Operating System Key. Microsoft requires that every computer that runs their software is properly licensed. To that end, each system has a COA on it, stuck to the side, the back, the top, or the bottom. It’s a white and greenish sticker with a bunch of six-digit alphanumeric groups. That key is used to reinstall the operating system. If you don’t have this, you’ll need to buy one if you’re going to remain in compliance. Try to find computers that have Microsoft XP or newer operating systems (OS). Any OS before this will not be supported by Microsoft and is hard to work on anyway.
• Getting used RAM is almost as expensive as buying new RAM, so try to find a computer that already includes at least the minimum amount of RAM recommended for its OS. For example, if the computer has XP, make sure it has 512MB RAM. Any less and it will be so slow that you will become frustrated working on it. The good news is that even a computer in bad condition tends to have working RAM so this is one part that is usually recoverable on a used computer.
• The motherboard has no blown or leaking capacitors (caps); this is critical. Replacing a motherboard is expensive and if the motherboard has blown or leaking caps, it will need to be replaced. Some computers will work if the motherboard has capacitor problems, but it won’t work well and it won’t work for long. Since this is something that can be identified with a simple visual inspection, it is an easy way to avoid a problem.
• Unfortunately, there will be no easy way to tell if the CPU is working without powering up the computer. The good news is that CPUs are one of the least likely components to break. Therefore, if it is in the computer, there is a good chance that it works; however, if it is missing, getting a new CPU can be annoying and expensive. If the computer does not come with a CPU, you may as well look for another machine.
• In general, the case size doesn’t matter from your perspective, but if it is a “slimline” computer, you should be aware that replacement parts (e.g., power supplies) are often built specifically for that machine. Custom power supplies are a fortune to replace. While a replacement power supply on your average computer can cost you about $20 from a wholesaler (less if it is used), a replacement for a slimline computer is almost always used and often runs around $100!
• In general, once a computer is refurbished, customers will judge its condition by its case. Even if you replace the entire inside of the computer with new components, a beat up case will make your customers wonder about the quality of the computer. The better the case, the easier it will sell.
• The CD/DVD drive component is not as critical. In general, most computers come with either a CD or DVD drive. If the one in the used computer doesn’t work, you can probably get a used replacement for around $10 to $15.
• Even after you take all these precautions, odds are good that some computers you find will not be cost effective to repair. However, if you got them for a low enough price (i.e., less than $40), the experience you gain (and the parts you strip) should more than cover your cost.
If you are looking to learn more about laptop repair, try to restrict yourself at first to one type of laptop. Don’t try to buy an HP, and then a Dell, and then an IBM. Instead, find one type of machine and try to find used computers of that type. Trying to fix a machine by replacing a screen is expensive if you need to order new parts to make the repair. However, it becomes more cost effective if you can take the screen from a machine with a bad motherboard and replace it on an otherwise working computer. So, maybe you can find a lot of IBM ThinkPads and just complete repairs on those systems. This will allow you to practice with one model and use the parts from the nonworking computers to fix the laptops that are close to working condition. Otherwise, if you try to practice on multiple brands and models, you will find that most laptop parts are not compatible with other models (except for RAM and hard drives) and you will wind up spending a great deal on replacement parts.
You will also find that buying used laptops, even in nonworking condition, is much more expensive than buying used working desktops. This is because the working parts of nonworking laptops are still expensive. For instance, a used laptop screen can retail for $80 or more! The good news is that the market for used laptops is always strong, so once the computer is up and running you should easily make back your money.
9. Working at Home versus Retail Storefront
Although we began our business through a retail storefront, you don’t have to take the same path we did. It may be possible to immediately open a retail store but it might be prudent to start slowly.
You can have a thriving business working out of your home using the exact same marketing and advertising strategies we use in the retail space. You can create a wide customer base and become profitable much more quickly working from home rather than if you had to recoup the start-up costs of a retail storefront. You can sell parts, repair computers, and even build custom systems from your home. Your growth potential is limited working from home but your start-up costs are so low it’s a very safe way to dip your toes into the waters of computer service.
9.1 Finding a location for a retail storefront
The answer to where to locate your business is extremely simple in this day and age. Everyone uses computers so you can have a successful business almost anywhere! Some places are better than others, but no matter where you go, it’s possible to create a successful business model that is flexible enough to take advantage of the local demographics. Your fundamental goal is to provide a service that the local population can’t easily replicate.
Tailoring your services to the demographics of the area can help you become successful in