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fixing computers for profit. got any good tips to share?

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anyone here work on computers as a side job or their main job? any good tips you can recommend? what services to offer? how to find clients? did you work remotely or travel to clients location? did you charge hourly or flat rate? did you make clients sign any agreements first to protect yourself legally from any liability?

I did this years ago but I'm a little rusty now. thought about trying it again but wanted to toss some ideas around first.

I'm not really thinking of starting a business, that would imply renting retail space and hiring people. I'm talking in terms of a one person operation here. Just me. :)
 
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admins feel free to delete this dead post. :)
 

pigoo3

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anyone here work on computers as a side job or their main job? any good tips you can recommend? what services to offer? how to find clients? did you work remotely or travel to clients location? did you charge hourly or flat rate? did you make clients sign any agreements first to protect yourself legally from any liability?

I'm not really thinking of starting a business, that would imply renting retail space and hiring people. I'm talking in terms of a one person operation here. Just me. :)

I'm seeing a confusing mix of info here. One one hand I'm seeing info on how to get started...but then I'm also seeing "I'm not really thinking of starting a business".

If you're talking "services" & "clients"...these are pretty formal "business-like" words. If you're really just looking to make some cash on the side...and the relationships are very informal & random...then you're probably posting on Craig's List & sseing what sort of responese you get.

If you've done this in the past...not really much has changed.:)

- Nick
 

chscag

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I agree with Nick. Years ago when I had the patience and time, I repaired electronic consumer items on the side in addition to my regular job. Most of my advertising was strictly word of mouth since that was before Craig's List was around. Never had a legal or liability problem but my part time repair work got to be a real pain when I found myself spending more time rounding up parts, schematics, etc.

Also it wasn't popular with my wife - for many reasons I won't go in to. :goofy
 
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I did this years ago but I'm a little rusty now. thought about trying it again but wanted to toss some ideas around first.

I'm not really thinking of starting a business, that would imply renting retail space and hiring people. I'm talking in terms of a one person operation here. Just me.


It sounds like you've done this type of thing before, but I don't know where you live or your circumstances, but if you are "rusty now", I dare say it's going to take you a lot of work and time to catch up and then longer to get up-to-date!!!

Then there are a lot of extra things to consider to become somewhat competent and things like insurance so when some things made turn South.

Business cards and small ads can work well, and good word-of-mouth reputation of course is excellent, but it could sure backfire fast if you screw up a few times. Bad work news travels fast!!!

Just some thoughts to consider... And I agree with those that Nick and Charlie have already mentioned.







- Patrick
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My advice after spending over 30 yrs. "Dabbling" is "IF YOU TOUCH IT, YOU OWN IT, FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE."

KenK
 
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My advice after spending over 30 yrs. "Dabbling" is "IF YOU TOUCH IT, YOU OWN IT, FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE."

KenK



Hmmm...??? I think I'd sure have to question what kind or form of Mac fix-it or repair service you ran with that sort of adage. :|





- Patrick
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Hmmm...??? I think I'd sure have to question what kind or form of Mac fix-it or repair service you ran with that sort of adage.

I'm guessing he means that if something goes wrong with the machine down the line, the customer might blame it on you even if it had nothing to do with your services. That's my best guess at least. Maybe he'll return to clarify ;)
 

Raz0rEdge

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I doubt there is enough of a "profit" to made on this purely as a one-person show with a limited client base unless you intend to charge a premium for your services. For Macs especially, most owners tend to get AppleCare coverage for 3 years and use Apple to fix issues. Once they are beyond that, they are likely to go to Apple authorized repair shops or just upgrade to a new machine.
 
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usagora is correct. Replacing a part may fix the first problem but anything else that comes up will be blamed on your repair whether it is software or hardware. PS: i have found that the customer doesn't always tell you all the problems they are having or just don't know they are having them. Just opening the unit up puts you in the position that you were the last person to touch it and responsible for any problem.

KenK
 

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