License for computer service/sales?

kahlil88 · Jul 18, 2009

I'm trying make money offering onsite computer repair services to my local community, as well as selling used computers that I don't use anymore or are donated to me. I was recently informed that I need some kind of BEAR (Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair) license as well as a reseller's license. Does anyone have advice?

nbrowser · Jul 18, 2009

I'd hop onto your local municipal website and if your location is correct, get on the California government website and do some searching....maybe even fire off an email or two to the correct authorities, they can help you in a big way.

ADKhikerVW · Jul 18, 2009

I do this in my community as well and it has really been a very rewarding experience. I started by simply advertising in a local newsletter, and also posting flyers in local stores, post offices, etc. The response has been positive, and while it is not enough to quit my day job, it has been a nice addition to my income. I don't have any kind of certification or license, only my own experience. All of my advertisements state only that I have years of experience in repairing Mac and Windows computers, which is true. I don't think you need to have any certification. As long as you can provide the service and people are willing to trust you, it shouldn't be a problem. Just remember to be fair and keep up to date with competitors wages, such as Geek Squad. I have built my business around being able to beat ANY quote given by Geek Squad, and so far 100% of the time I have been hundreds less than them. Be competitive, friendly, and honest, and you will do well.

kahlil88 · Jul 18, 2009

ADKhikerVW said:
I do this in my community as well and it has really been a very rewarding experience. I started by simply advertising in a local newsletter, and also posting flyers in local stores, post offices, etc. The response has been positive, and while it is not enough to quit my day job, it has been a nice addition to my income. I don't have any kind of certification or license, only my own experience. All of my advertisements state only that I have years of experience in repairing Mac and Windows computers, which is true. I don't think you need to have any certification. As long as you can provide the service and people are willing to trust you, it shouldn't be a problem. Just remember to be fair and keep up to date with competitors wages, such as Geek Squad. I have built my business around being able to beat ANY quote given by Geek Squad, and so far 100% of the time I have been hundreds less than them. Be competitive, friendly, and honest, and you will do well.

I've been doing freelance computer work for the past 3 years, and at this point I'm mostly trying to advertise myself more, on the local community list-serv and whatnot. Where I live, there are only three computer repair shops (one of them is Mac only). I know most people (around here anyway) don't really care about certification or licenses, but the Mac guy doesn't like competition and he was the one that told me these licenses were required.

gagnerants · Jul 18, 2009

If it is only you I don't see a problem with the lack of computer related licenses but I would check into the business side of the table which I am unsure of.

ADKhikerVW · Jul 18, 2009

Yeah, I think if you are freelance it shouldn't be a problem. I live in a very rural area, and the closest town big enough to have a computer repair place is more then an hour and a half away, so I have no competition at all. It sounds like that guy is trying to scare you away from becoming his competition. If you have been doing it for three years already and never had a problem, I don't think you should have any issues. If anyone asks just tell them you have years of personal experience. This is usually enough for most people.

Mac SK · Jul 22, 2009

If you live in CA theres probably lots of red tape like recycle permits Etc the sky the limit and fees and taxes will suck you dry. The basic here in Atlanta is a business license if you work out of your home. State sales tax number then that leads to a Federal ID tax number.If your an LLC you have to register with the State...it never ends.

disassemble · Jul 27, 2009

i just registered as an LLC to strictly do computer repair and web design. personally, its a little safer for me to operate this way because if we screw something up, the business is at fault and not you (me) the person supplying the services. be careful and make sure you either have things in writting, or don't.