starting your own buisness

October 19, 2007 7:26pm CST
I have been thinking for a while about starting my own business. I think it is a good idea but it is proving to be difficult. This business that I want to start is a computer repair business. It's just that people charge so much for computer repair and related activities, and it's sorta ridiculous. This one guy I helped out brought his computer to a shop to get some information of and they charged him $40 and then told him that they could not get the data off the computer. It took me about 30 minutes to get it off. What a rip off.. So my gold is to start a business that charges a reasonable amount for computer repair. I have started building my website, and frankly it sorta sucks. Anyone ever thought of or tried to start their own business...? Any suggestions for me?
4 people like this
8 responses
@summer218 (197)
• United States
20 Oct 07
First of all, I think it's excellent that you're ambitious enough to start your own business. To realize how many people are being scammed and wanting to do something about it is very noble, as well as being very smart. A good website is very important, but what's more important is "word of mouth". If you're honest, charge a fair price, get the job done efficiently, and have a good attitude, you'll be booming in no time. I know from my own experience, having people talk about what a great job you've done, is really the most important factor. You can hire someone to get your website more to your liking. I wish you luck and success.
2 people like this
21 Oct 07
ya thats true. I guess i should not offer website design as one of my services... lol I am not very good at it. and if my website is crappy that would not be great...
@hoghoney (3747)
• United States
20 Oct 07
It will take a bit of time to get started with a new business but it is worth it. It sounds like you have a great ideal going with working on computors. I have a small resale shop and I also sell computor towers and have sold many of them this summer. It is going great for us. You just have to get going with it and in time you will have more business then you ever thought, because you are willing to go it for cheaper then others.
1 person likes this
20 Oct 07
I hope that I will be able to because it's something that I really want to do. I really enjoy working with computer. I really hope that this works out because I think it is an opportunity to make money doing something that I enjoy
@34momma (13882)
• United States
22 Oct 07
Hey there Kralco. starting your business is the only way to get rich! it is a wonderful idea and you are going to get into a wonderful business. I would suggest that you get yourself some really cool flyers. and pay some kids a couple of bucks to hand them out. A website is really important becuase you can reach more people. but for what you are doing is almost always going to be pretty much local and you want to get your self out there right now.
@coolseeds (3919)
• United States
14 Aug 08
One of the reasons why it is so expensive is because the owner pays someone else to do the work. The guy working for the computer shop where I live probably makes $7 they charge $75 per hour. That pays for the employee, rent, electric, gas, water, down time, business license, business insurance, fuel, a vehicle to do on site repairs, insurance, gas and oil for the vehicle. There are a lot of expenses. I used to work for a landscaping company that would charge $40+ an hour for me to be on the job site. I thought that $220 for 5 people to do about 45 minutes of work was ridiculous. So I started a landscaping company. The one thing I can say about doing nothing but computer repair for an income is that how would you make money if you charge $35 per hour and you only worked for 2 hours in a week? There is probably a lot of down time where you wouldn't be making money. You should get a business license. You are not a business without it. Check the zoning laws. You might be able to have a business where you live but you might not be allowed to have customers come to your home. You can get into trouble. If you provide questions I would be happy to answer them for you.
@paulick (533)
• Denmark
22 Oct 07
I am starting up my own business right now. It is a little diffrent than yours, i am a nutrition and health coach. I can help people lose weight, and get a better health. Any way, i read a post further up, that said the word of mouth is great, and it is. Fair price, good work, good treatment and be nice... That way people will talk and recomend other people. The homepage is the second thing to think about. It is not, that nessesary right now since people do not know of you yet. Get people to know you first, then worry about the homepage. Maybe this site that i have joined can help you. It is a free community, where people like you and me can promote our business and get a network. And as i said it is FREE to join and a great place to get help. Www.apsense.com/invite/paulick I have startet my business with a blog becuse my business is only knowlege i do not need the person here with me, it can be done by internet. Take a look at my site: www.hflt.blogspot.com Let me know what you think.
23 Oct 07
Well ofcourse its not easy but I say go for it I hope to do the same one day when I have the money tho not a computer business i have a few ideas up my sleeve. All i would say is research it all and figure out and like someone said earlier start small. When you look at large companies today they started from nothing. Hallmark cards was one woman making them in her house. In the UK here body shop started with a woman making soap in her kitchen. She sold it to loreal for a couple hundred mil. So have hope, think things through and take your time and who knows where you could end up. Good luck!
@ssh123 (31073)
• India
20 Oct 07
I fyou go on think, every work is difficult. Therefore whatever comes to your mind, set your mind on it and start in a small way. Once you learn the trade, you will become master in it. There is tremendous scope and all you need to do it to take a course in hardware. Start at home, make some business cards and distirbute among the offices which uses more than 5 computers. YOu will definitely prosper. It needs concentration, honesty, hardwork and efficiency and effectiveness to make the business a success.
@wisedragon (2325)
• Philippines
20 Oct 07
computers - there is a strong demand for computer repairs
As long as you have sufficient technical expertise in that particular field, I see no reason why you should hesitate. I would love to be in a similar situation -- be an expert in some field then start my own business there. Your intention is certainly good. Do let us know where your shop is located. I'm sure many people here would be interested to avail of your services. You're sure to have lots of customers because nowadays the computer has become essential in every household.