business plan for computer repair business

Computer Repair Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Computer Repair Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their computer repair businesses. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a computer repair business plan template step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

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What Is a Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your computer repair business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan

If you’re looking to start a computer repair business, or grow your existing computer repair business, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your computer repair business in order to improve your chances of success. Your business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Computer Repair Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a computer repair business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the lender will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for computer repair businesses.

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How to write a business plan for a computer repair & maintenance company.

If you want to start a computer repair business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. Below we detail what should be included in each section of your own business plan:

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of computer repair business you are operating and its status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a computer repair business that you would like to grow, or are you operating computer repair businesses in multiple markets?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the computer repair industry. Discuss the type of computer repair business you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. Provide a snapshot of your marketing plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.  

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of computer repair business you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types of computer repair businesses:

• Hardware repair : this type of business provides repairs to physical units such as PCs and motherboards, game systems, accessories, etc.
• Software repair: this type of business involves troubleshooting, operating system updates, and virus removal.
• IT services: this type of business provides a range of services for IT products and components, including upgrades, installation and maintenance, security testing, technical support, and both hardware and software repairs.

In addition to explaining the type of computer repair business you will operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of repairs completed, maintenance contracts signed, etc.
• Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the computer repair industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the computer repair industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy, particularly if your research identifies market trends.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the market research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section:

• How big is the PC repair industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your computer repair business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section must detail the computer service customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: small businesses, nonprofits, government entities, and individuals.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of PC repair business you operate. Clearly, government entities would respond to different marketing promotions than nonprofits, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, include a discussion of the ages, genders, locations and income levels of the customers you seek to serve. Because most computer repair businesses primarily serve customers living in the same city or town, such demographic information is easy to find on government websites.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your computer service customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other computer repair businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t direct competitors. This includes warranty repair options, or from dedicated in-house IT teams.

With regards to direct competition, you want to describe the other PC repair businesses with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be computer repair businesses located very close to your location.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of customers do they serve?
• Do they specialize in specific services (i.e. PC repair, Apple product repair, software services, etc.)?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide either a wider range or more specialized range of services?
• Will you offer features such as mobile repair?
• Will you provide superior customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a computer maintenance and repair company, your marketing plan should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of computer repair company that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products you will be offering. For example, in addition to PC hardware repair, will your PC repair business provide software upgrade services?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your computer repair company. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, will you operate from a physical office, or will you primarily interact with clients at their home or place of business? In this section, discuss how your location will affect demand for your services.

Promotions : The final part of your marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertising in local papers and magazines
• Reaching out to local websites
• Signs and billboards
• Social media marketing
• Local radio advertising

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your computer support business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your PC repair business, including marketing, providing consultations, troubleshooting, providing the actual repairs, keeping abreast of new technology, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to repair your 100th PC, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to open a computer repair business in a new location.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your computer repair business’ ability to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing PC repair businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act like mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in repairing electronics, or successfully running IT businesses.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements.

Income Statement : an income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you provide hardware repairs exclusively, or will you also offer help desk services and software upgrades? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets : Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your computer repair business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement : Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and make sure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a PC repair business:

• Office build-out
• Cost of buying or leasing a company vehicle
• Cost of office supplies such as computers and software
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your office lease, or an overview of the services you offer.  

Putting together a business plan for your computer repair business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will really understand the computer repair industry, your competition, and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful computer repair business.  

Computer Repair Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my computer repair business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily complete your Computer Repair Business Plan.

What is the Goal of a Business Plan's Executive Summary?

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of computer repair business you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have a computer repair business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of computer repair businesses?

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Computer Repair

Back to All Business Ideas

How to Start a Computer Repair Business

Written by: Carolyn Young

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on February 16, 2022 Updated on March 13, 2024

Investment range

$4,050 - $12,100

Revenue potential

$90,000 - $290,000 p.a.

Time to build

1 - 3 months

Profit potential

$72,000 - $145,000 p.a.

Industry trend

Who hasn’t dealt with a laptop accident or a nasty computer virus that required expert care? We’ve all been there, which is why US computer and electronics repair is worth $19 billion. If you’re good with computers, you could start your own repair service, bring people joy by fixing their computers and grab a little slice of this massive market. 

Keep in mind, computer repair services don’t come cheap, and can run as high as $80 an hour. You can get in on the action for a small investment and run your repair firm from home. As your business grows, you could rent out a storefront and sell computers and other electronics, as well as repair them.

While computer skills are crucial, some business savvy is also required to launch a lucrative computer repair business. Fortunately, you’ll gain that savvy by reading this step-by-step guide and be on your way to success as a computer repair entrepreneur.

Looking to register your business? A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple.

Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the Best LLC Services .

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons.

Starting a computer repair business has pros and cons to consider before deciding if it’s right for you.

• Good Money – Charge $60 to $80 per hour
• Flexibility – Run your business from home, work by appointment
• Solve Problems – Customers will appreciate your services
• Skills Required – Need to be a computer technician with excellent skills
• Shrinking Market – With low-cost laptops, many choose to replace not repair

Computer repair industry trends

The US computer repair services market is expected to see steady, if slow, growth through 2025, offering opportunities to skilled and committed technicians.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/employment/electronic-computer-repair-services-united-states/ ))

Industry size and growth

• Industry size and past growth – The electronic and computer repair services industry in the US is worth more than $19 billion after a slight decline in recent years.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/electronic-computer-repair-services-united-states/ )) 
• Growth forecast – Computer repair businesses will find sustained demand for their services as the market is predicted to grow marginally at 1.3% per year through 2025.(( https://www.statista.com/outlook/io/others/repair-of-computers-personal-household-goods/united-states ))
• Number of businesses – There are more than 47,000 computer repair services providers in the US.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-businesses/electronic-computer-repair-services-united-states/ ))
• Number of people employed – The industry employs more than 138,000 people.

Trends and challenges

Trends in computer repair include:

• The computer repair industry has turned to replacement of components rather than repair, as well as preventative services such as virus protection. Disaster recovery is also a service focus. Virus removal is still one of the most necessary services.
• The installation of networking systems for individuals and businesses is a large service opportunity for computer repair services.
• Mobile computer repair is in demand as people stay at home more and want the convenience of in-home repair.

Industry challenges include:

• As computer prices continue to drop, customers are often replacing computers instead of paying for expensive repairs or computer maintenance.
• The entrance of big players into the computer repair business, such as Best Buy’s Geek Squad, is putting pressure on small computer repair companies.

Consumer spending

• Potential customer base – In 2018, 92% of US households had at least one type of computer.(( https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2021/computer-internet-use.html ))
• Average prices – The average cost to repair a computer is $60 per hour.(( https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/home-offices/computer-laptop-repair/ ))

What kind of people work in computer repair?

• Gender – 90% of computer repair technicians in the US are male, while 10% are female.(( https://www.zippia.com/computer-repair-technician-jobs/demographics/#gender-statistics ))
• Average level of education – 41% of computer repair technicians have an associate degree and 34% hold a bachelor’s degree.(( https://www.zippia.com/computer-repair-technician-jobs/demographics/#degree-level-types ))
• Average age – The average age of a computer repair technician is 41 years old.(( https://www.zippia.com/computer-repair-technician-jobs/demographics/#age-statistics ))

How much does it cost to start a computer repair business?

Startup costs for a computer repair business range from $4,000 to $12,000. The low end assumes that you’re already a certified technician with a reliable computer, and costs will be mainly a website, tools, and marketing. The high end includes the cost of a computer as well as training. All scenarios assume you’ll start a mobile computer repair business from home. 

You can take online classes and gain high-level certification from the Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) in 12 months for a total cost of around $2,000. 

You’ll need a handful of items to successfully launch your computer repair business, including: 

• Screwdrivers
• Multi-testers
• Power supply testers
• Crimper pliers
• Thermal paste
• Multi-meter
• Thermal camera

How much can you earn from a computer repair business?

Prices for computer repair range from $60 to $80 per hour with an average of $70. Your profit margin should be around 80%.

In your first year or two, you could run your business from home and work 25 hours a week, bringing in $90,000 in annual revenue. This would mean more than $72,000 in profit, assuming that 80% margin. As your brand gains recognition and you hire technicians, sales could climb to 80 hours per week. With labor costs, your margin will drop to about 50%. With annual revenue of more than $290,000, you’d still make a tidy profit of $145,000.

What barriers to entry are there?

There are a few barriers to entry for a computer repair business. Your biggest challenges will be:

• The required training and certifications 
• Competing with big players like Best Buy
• Generating the startup costs

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Step 2: hone your idea.

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a computer repair business, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market. 

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

Research computer repair businesses in your area to examine their services, price points, and customer reviews. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing a company that installs high-security networks. 

You might consider targeting a niche market by specializing in a certain aspect of your industry, such as firewalls and virus protection.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away. 

What? Determine your services

Your services will depend on your skills. They may include:

• Virus removal
• Virus protection
• Data recovery
• Hardware repairs
• Accessory repairs
• Networking installation and support
• Computer maintenance
• Computer training

How much should you charge for computer repair services?

Computer repair usually runs $60 to $80 per hour. Your ongoing expenses should be limited to fuel and marketing so you should aim for a profit margin of 80% when you’re working by yourself. 

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your markup and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

You can decide if you want to target business customers or residential customers. You can find business customers on LinkedIn or find residential customers on Instagram and Facebook.

Where? Choose your business premises

In the early stages, you may want to run your business from home to keep costs low. But as your business grows, you’ll likely need to hire workers for various roles and may need to rent out an office or a storefront to sell computers and accessories. You can find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist , Crexi , and Instant Offices .

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

• Central location accessible via public transport
• Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
• Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
• Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

Step 3: Brainstorm a Computer Repair Business Name

Your business name is your business identity, so choose one that encapsulates your objectives, services, and mission in just a few words. You probably want a name that’s short and easy to remember, since much of your business, and your initial business in particular, will come from word-of-mouth referrals.

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “computer repair” or “PC repair”, boosts SEO
• Name should allow for expansion, for ex: “The Cyber Surgeons” over “Apple Computer Repair Services”
• Avoid location-based names that might hinder future expansion

Discover over 240 unique computer repair business name ideas here . If you want your business name to include specific keywords, you can also use our computer repair business name generator. Just type in a few keywords and hit “generate” and you’ll have dozens of suggestions at your fingertips.

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Find a Domain

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Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that set your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Computer Repair Business Plan

Every business needs a plan. This will function as a guidebook to take your startup through the launch process and maintain focus on your key goals. A business plan also enables potential partners and investors to better understand your company and its vision:

• Executive Summary: A concise summary outlining the business’s mission, goals, and key highlights to provide a quick overview.
• Business Overview: An in-depth description of the computer repair business, including its mission, vision, and the problem it aims to solve.
• Product and Services: Detailed information on the computer repair services offered, such as hardware diagnostics, software troubleshooting, and maintenance.
• Market Analysis: Examination of the target market, identifying customer needs, preferences, and market trends for computer repair services.
• Competitive Analysis: Evaluation of competitors in the computer repair industry, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
• Sales and Marketing: Strategies for promoting the computer repair business, attracting clients, and retaining them through effective sales and marketing techniques.
• Management Team: Introduction of key team members, their roles, and relevant expertise in managing and growing the computer repair business.
• Operations Plan: Detailed information on the day-to-day operations, including location, equipment, suppliers, and workflow for efficient service delivery.
• Financial Plan: Projections and analysis of the financial aspects of the business, including startup costs, revenue forecasts, and profit margins.
• Appendix: Supplementary materials such as additional financial data, resumes of key personnel, and any other relevant supporting documents.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you’re planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to computer repair businesses. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your computer repair business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC , which just need to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization , and answer any questions you might have.

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Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number , or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you’re completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans: This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans: The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
• Government grants: A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Friends and Family: Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding: Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal: Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best options, other than friends and family, for funding a computer repair business. 

Step 8: Apply for Computer Repair Business Licenses and Permits

Starting a computer repair business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account .

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your computer repair business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks. 

You may want to use industry-specific software, such as Repair Shopr , SourceForge , or RepairDesk , to manage your appointments, repair tickets, invoicing, and reporting.

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , Freshbooks , and Xero . 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial.

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using website builders . This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

For your computer repair business, the marketing strategy should focus on highlighting your technical expertise, quick turnaround times, and customer service excellence. Emphasize the convenience, reliability, and range of services you offer, from hardware repairs to software troubleshooting. Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

Kickstart Marketing

• Professional Branding : Your branding should communicate technical proficiency, trustworthiness, and approachability, from your logo to your storefront and online presence.
• Direct Outreach : Network with local businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations to offer your services and establish B2B relationships.

Digital Presence and Online Marketing

• Professional Website and SEO : Develop a user-friendly website that clearly outlines your services, pricing, and customer testimonials. Use SEO best practices to optimize for search terms related to computer repair, IT support, and tech services in your area.
• Social Media Engagement : Use platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn to share tech tips, service updates, and promote special offers.

Content Marketing and Engagement

• Tech Tips Blog : Publish blog posts about common computer issues, maintenance tips, and new technology trends.
• Customer Success Stories : Feature stories and testimonials from satisfied clients, highlighting how you resolved their tech challenges.
• How-To Videos and Guides : Create video content or guides on basic computer maintenance, cybersecurity tips, or software tutorials.

Experiential and In-Person Engagements

• Workshops and Clinics : Host educational workshops for the community on topics like internet safety, basic computer skills, or software use.
• Local Tech Events : Participate in or sponsor local tech fairs, business expos, or community events to showcase your expertise and services.

Collaborations and Community

• Partnerships with Local Businesses : Establish referral partnerships with local businesses that can benefit from or complement your services, like electronic stores or coworking spaces.
• Community Involvement : Support local community initiatives or charity events, which can help build goodwill and brand recognition.

Customer Relationship and Loyalty Programs

• Referral Programs : Implement a referral program that offers discounts or service upgrades to customers who refer new clients.
• Loyalty Discounts : Provide incentives or discounts to repeat customers, encouraging ongoing business relationships.

Promotions and Advertising

• Targeted Local Advertising : Use local advertising in community newspapers, online forums, and neighborhood platforms to reach potential customers.
• Email Marketing : Send regular newsletters with tech tips, service updates, and exclusive promotions to keep your client base engaged and informed.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that set it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your computer repair business meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your computer repair business could be:

• 24-hour on-call certified computer repair
• Virus protection installation done in your home
• Networking diagnostics and repair to keep you connected

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a computer repair business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been in computer repair for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in computer repair. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. 

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a computer repair business include:

• Computer Technicians – computer diagnostics and repair
• Dispatcher – take customer calls, dispatch technicians
• Marketing Lead – SEO strategies, social media, other marketing

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glassdoor , or ZipRecruiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Computer Repair Business – Start Making Money!

More than 9 out of 10 US households have at least one type of computer, and most of those computers will break down at some point. You can grab a share of a massive $19 billion market by starting your own computer repair business. But instead of setting up a physical shop, you can opt to provide mobile services and run your business from home, so you can keep your costs minimal and make a nice living. 

Now that you’re a business savvy entrepreneur, go get your business plan together and get ready to launch your computer repair business!

• Computer Repair Business FAQs

A computer business can be very profitable. Rates range from $60 to $80 per hour, and if you run your business from home, your ongoing expenses will be very low. 

You can absolutely start a computer repair business from home. You’ll simply need to travel to clients’ homes to make the repairs.

You should respond to complaints and reviews immediately and do your best to resolve the complaints. Sometimes you may need to offer a refund.

There are many wholesaler suppliers who can provide parts and components. You should shop around for the best prices.

You need to create a strategic plan to grow your computer repair business. You should project how many clients you think you can acquire, and plan for the resources you’ll need to handle those clients. 

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• Decide if the Business Is Right for You
• Hone Your Idea
• Brainstorm a Computer Repair Business Name
• Create a Computer Repair Business Plan
• Register Your Business
• Register for Taxes
• Fund your Business
• Apply for Computer Repair Business Licenses and Permits
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get Business Insurance
• Prepare to Launch
• Build Your Team
• Run a Computer Repair Business - Start Making Money!

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Computer Repair Business Plan

Free Business Plan Template

Download our Free Business Plan Template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

• Fill in the blanks – Outline
• Financial Tables

How to Write a Computer Repair Business Plan?

Writing a computer repair business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Here are a few key components to include in your executive summary:

Introduce your Business:

• This section may include the name of your computer repair business, its location, when it was founded, the type of computer repair business (E.g., general computer repair, mobile device repair, gaming console repair.), etc.

Market Opportunity:

Products and services:.

• For instance, your computer repair services may include diagnostic and troubleshooting, hardware repair, software installation, data backup solutions, and network and connectivity solutions.

Marketing & Sales Strategies:

Financial highlights:, call to action:.

Ensure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

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2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your company. The details you add will depend on how important they are to your business. Yet, business name, location, business history, and future goals are some of the foundational elements you must consider adding to this section:

Business Description:

Describe your business in this section by providing all the basic information:

• General computer repair
• Laptop repair
• Mobile device repair
• Remote support services
• Gaming console repair
• On-site repair services
• Describe the legal structure of your computer repair company, whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or others.
• Explain where your business is located and why you selected the place.

Mission Statement:

Business history:.

• Additionally, If you have received any awards or recognition for excellent work, describe them.

Future Goals

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its future plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

Target market:

• For instance, computer educational institutes and IT offices can be an ideal target market for a computer repair business.

Market size and growth potential:

Competitive analysis:, market trends:.

• For instance, there is a growing demand for mobile device repair services; explain how you plan to deal with this growing market trend.

Regulatory Environment:

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your computer repair business plan:

• Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
• Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
• Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
• Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

Describe your services:

Mention the computer repair services your business will offer. This list may include services like

• Diagnosis and troubleshooting
• Hardware repair and replacement
• Virus and malware removal
• Networking and connectivity solutions
• Software installation and configuration

Service Process:

• You might mention how customers request computer repair services, how you diagnose or troubleshoot issues, and when you deliver services.

Quality Assurance:

• This may include standardized procedures, timely quality audits, monitoring and testing equipment, and continuous improvement.

Additional Services

In short, this section of your computer repair plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

Unique Selling Proposition (USP):

• For example, fast turnaround times, on-site repairs, specialized expertise, and environment-friendly practices could be some of the great USPs for a computer repair company.

Pricing Strategy:

Marketing strategies:, sales strategies:, customer retention:.

• For instance, your customer retention strategies may include providing excellent customer service, customer feedback and surveys, and follow-up calls.

Overall, this section of your computer repair business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your computer repair business, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

Staffing & Training:

Operational process:, equipment & machinery:.

• Explain how these technologies help you maintain quality standards and improve the efficiency of your business operations.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your business effectively.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your computer repair business’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

Founders/CEO:

Key managers:.

• It should include senior management and other key people involved in the computer repair business operations, including their education, professional background, and any relevant experience in the industry.

Organizational structure:

Compensation plan:, advisors/consultants:.

• So, if you have any advisors or consultants, include them with their names and brief information consisting of roles and years of experience.

This section should describe the key personnel for your computer repair services, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

Profit & loss statement:

Cash flow statement:, balance sheet:, break-even point:.

• This exercise will help you understand how much revenue you need to generate to sustain or be profitable.

Financing Needs:

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

• Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
• In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more. These statements must be the latest and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.
• Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the computer repair industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your computer repair business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

This sample computer repair business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful computer repair plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our computer repair business plan pdf .

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Frequently asked questions, why do you need a computer repair business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful computer repair business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your computer repair company.

How to get funding for your computer repair business?

There are several ways to get funding for your computer repair business, but self-funding is one of the most efficient and speedy funding options. Other options for funding are:

• Bank loan – You may apply for a loan in government or private banks.
• Small Business Administration (SBA) loan – SBA loans and schemes are available at affordable interest rates, so check the eligibility criteria before applying for it.
• Crowdfunding – The process of supporting a project or business by getting a lot of people to invest in your business, usually online.
• Angel investors – Getting funds from angel investors is one of the most sought-after startup options.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, Check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your computer repair business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your computer repair business plan and outline your vision as you have in mind.

What is the easiest way to write your computer repair business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any computer repair business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software .

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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Home » Sample Business Plans » Technology

How to Write a Computer Repair Business Plan [Sample Template]

Are you about starting a computer repair business? If YES, here is a complete sample computer repair business plan template & feasibility study you can use for FREE . According a recent report, sales of computer services are expected to exceed $47 billion this year in the U.S. alone, with computer repair leading the way.

Almost all small businesses and home offices use computers and depend on them to be working properly. They don’t have the skills, the time or the desire to do their own computer service, repair and upgrades, and that puts a computer physician right in the middle of one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.

Companies in computer repair industry are involved in repairing and maintaining one or more of the following: consumer electronic equipment, computers, office machines, communication equipment and other electronic and precision equipment; items that are not sold new.

Establishments in this industry repair items including microscopes, radar and sonar equipment, televisions, stereos, video recorders, computers, photocopying machines, communications equipment, scientific instruments and medical equipment.

A Sample Computer Repair Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

The Computer Repair Services industry is an open industry, hence a low level of market share concentration. Even though large multiservice agencies operate in the industry, revenue is also spread among thousands of small firms and freelancers.

As a matter of fact, no single computer repair company can account for more than 5.0 percent of the total revenue generated in the industry. This is the reason why smaller computer repair business accounts for a large percent of the players in the computer repair services industry.

Computers have exploded throughout America and the world over the past 30 years – from 2,000 units shipped in 1960 to 900,000 in 1980 to 7 million in 1990 to over 15 million per year by 2003 to over 65 million per quarter in 2015. With this rapid growth there has been a corresponding increase in the need for computer services.

As of 2010 there were over 550,000 people employed in the maintenance and repair sector in the united states, and employment is expected to grow through 2018. More than 70% of those people work in small businesses of less than 5 people; another 20% work for companies with less than 20 people.

While previously the industry had been primarily focused on fixing and upgrading business computers, most of the companies now do more than just maintenance and repair. Over the course of the 1990s, repair services were able to cope with more reliable and cheaper computers hurting business by replacing components instead of repairing them, using new diagnostic tools, and offering other services such as disaster recovery and virus protection.

The industry is still dominated by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), which are companies that will visit a customer to repair or replace the same products that they make. In recent years, large chains like Best Buy with their “Geek Squad” have opened up repair arms; powered by their name recognition and huge marketing budget, they immediately became a formidable competitor for any computer repair business. In addition, with computers cheaper than ever, some people have tended to replace their computers entirely rather than bother to have them repaired.

Statistics has it that the Computer Repair industry in the United States of America is worth $22bn, with an estimated growth rate of -1.2 percent. There are about 60,131 registered computer repair and maintenance businesses in the United States and they are responsible for employing about 147,293 people.

The Computer Repair Services industry has experienced decline in the last 5 years. Of course the increasing affordability of computers has encouraged consumers and businesses to purchase new products rather than replace their existing and worn out computers, and businesses and consumers typically have decided to purchase more advanced products and scrap damaged or outdated goods.

In the next 5 years, the industry will continue declining, although at a slower rate. New, technologically complex products will make way for increased repair demand. However, the industry will still suffer from declining trends, as electronics and computer products continue to decrease in price.

No doubt everybody will quite agree that the computer repair services industry has come to stay and of course it is one industry that plays key roles not only in the business world, but also in almost all the aspect of what goes around in our world today as long as computers are involved and would need to be repaired, serviced or installed.

Over and above, the computer repair service industry is very open to any aspiring entrepreneur who has acquired the required trainings, skills and perhaps professional certifications to start his or her own computer repair business and of course make good money from the industry.

2. Executive Summary

ZED Plus Technologies®, LLC is a U.S based and standard computer repair company. We have been able to secure a standard and well – positioned office facility in a central business district in Los Angeles – California. We are a computer repair company that is set to compete in the highly competitive computer repair services industry not only in Los Angeles – California, but also throughout the United States market.

ZED Plus Technologies®, LLC will offer all aspect of computer repair services such as computer repair, computer cloning, computer maintenance, and everything that relates to computer hardware et al.

Our business goal is to become one of the computer repair company in the United States and we will make sure that we do all we can to compete favorably with leaders in the industry including computer manufacturing companies that are also into computer repairs.

Our workers are going to be selected from a pool of certified and highly experienced web computer repair engineers and technicians in and around Los Angeles – California and also from any part of the United States of America as the business grows.

We will make sure that we take all the members of our workforce through the required trainings that will position them to meet the expectation of the company and to compete with leading computer repair companies in the United States and throughout the globe.

At ZED Plus Technologies®, LLC, our client’s best interest will always come first, and everything we do will be guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our client’s needs precisely and completely.

We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for all our partners, employees and for our clients.

ZED Plus Technologies®, LLC is founded by Engr. Malcom Xavi, a computer engineer per excellence who graduated with from Illinois Institute of Technology (B.Engr. Computer Engineering) and his friend and business partner for many years Fred Holloway (B.Sc. Business Management).

They have a combine experience that can help them build ZED Plus Technologies®, LLC to favorably compete with other leading computer repair businesses in the United States of America.

3. Our Products and Services

ZED Plus Technologies®, LLC was established with the aim of maximizing profits in the computer repair services industry. We want to compete favorably with the leading computer repair companies in the United States which is why we have but in place a competent quality assurance team that will ensure that every repair carried out or related services rendered meet and even surpass our customers’ expectations.

We will work hard to ensure that ZED Plus Technologies®, LLC is not just accepted in Los Angeles – California but also in other cities in the United States of America. Our products and services are listed below;

• General Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance services(All Brands)
• Computer Installations
• Computer Cloning/ Computer upgrading
• Repairing health related equipment such as dental and surgical equipment
• Virus removal
• Data recovery
• Computer and Accessories Sales and Supply
• Computer related advisory and consulting services
• Other computer repair and installation related services

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to establish a standard and world class computer repair company whose services and brand will not only be accepted in Los Angeles California but also in other cities in the United States of America.
• Our mission is to provide professional computer repair services and other related services that will assist businesses, individuals and non-profit organizations in ensuring that their computers are always in good shape to help them carry out their business.
• We want to build a computer repair company that can favorably compete with other leading brands in the computer repair services industry.

Our Business Structure

ZED Plus Technologies®, LLC, is a computer repair company that intend starting small in Los Angeles, but hope to grow big in order to compete favorably with leading computer repair companies in the industry both in the United States and on a global stage.

We are aware of the importance of building a solid business structure that can support the picture of the kind of world class business we want to own. This is why we are committed to only hire the best hands within our area of operations.

At ZED Plus Technologies®, LLC, we will ensure that we hire people that are qualified, hardworking, creative, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stake holders (the owners, workforce, and customers).

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more as agreed by the board of trustees of the company. In view of the above, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;

• Chief Executive Officer
• Head, Technical Services

Human Resources and Admin Manager

• Sales and Marketing Executive
• Computer Repair and Maintenance Engineers and Technicians (10)

Client Service Executive

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO:

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization

Head, Technical Services:

• Serves as project manager of the organization; works directly with employees
• Develops strategic plan by studying technological and financial opportunities; presenting assumptions; recommending objectives.
• Accomplishes subsidiary objectives by establishing plans, budgets, and results measurements; allocating resources; reviewing progress; making mid-course corrections.
• Coordinates efforts by establishing procurement, production, marketing, field, and technical services policies and practices; coordinating actions with corporate staff.
• Builds company image by collaborating with customers, government, community organizations, and employees; enforcing ethical business practices.
• Maintains quality service by establishing and enforcing organization standards.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; benchmarking state-of-the-art practices; participating in professional societies.
• Makes certain that the technical department perform efficiently, coordinate employee efforts, and facilitate communications between management and computer repairs and maintenance engineers and technicians
• Ensures that the organization work in line with international best practices.
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily office and factory activities.

Sales and Marketing Manager

• Manages external research and coordinate all the internal sources of information to retain the organizations’ best customers and attract new ones
• Models demographic information and analyze the volumes of transactional data generated by customer
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of development projects.
• Writes winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with organizations’ policy
• Responsible for handling business research, market surveys and feasibility studies for clients
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Creates new markets cum businesses for the organization
• Empowers and motivates the sales team to meet and surpass agreed targets

Accountant / Cashier:

• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for ZED Plus Technologies®, LLC
• Serves as internal auditor for ZED Plus Technologies®, LLC.

Computer Repair and Maintenance Engineers (2) and Technicians (8)

• Responsible for general computer repairs and maintenance services (All Brands)
• Carries out computer installation services for clients
• Responsible for carrying out computer cloning
• Responsible for handling Networking of computer system
• Responsible for handling Virus removal Data recovery
• Handles computer and accessories sales and supply for the organization
• Handles other computer repair and installation related services as assigned by the Head, Technical Services.
• Welcomes clients and potential clients by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the creative director in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients when they make enquiries

6. SWOT Analysis

We know the importance of being acquainted with our strengths and weaknesses and as such, ZED Plus Technologies®, LLC employed the services of a core professional in the area of business consulting and structuring to assist our organization in building a well – structured computer repair business that can favorably compete in the highly competitive computer repair service industry in the United States and the world at large.

Part of what the team of business consultant did was to work with the management of our organization in conducting a comprehensive SWOT analysis for ZED Plus Technologies®, LLC. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of ZED Plus Technologies®, LLC;

Our core strength lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team of certified and highly trained and experience computer repair engineers and technicians, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in various niche areas in the computer repair service industry. Aside from the synergy that exists in our carefully selected workforce, our services will be guided by best practices in the industry.

As a new web computer repair company in Los Angeles – California, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance especially from top profile clients in the already saturated and highly competitive computer repair services industry; that is perhaps our major weakness. Another weakness is that we may not have the required cash to pump into promoting our business the way we would want to.

• Opportunities:

No doubt, the opportunities in the computer repair services industry is massive considering the number of individuals and corporate organizations who owns computers and whose businesses depends on computers. As a computer repair company, we are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that is available in the industry.

Just like any other business, one of the major threats that we are likely going to be faced with is economic downturn. It is a fact that economic downturn affects purchasing / spending power. Another threat that may likely confront us is the arrival of a new computer repair company in same location where our target market exist and who may want to adopt same Business model like us.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

Modernization and technology has made the use of computer in our society a life sublime. Most of our activities are now done online using computers. Even our little kids are being taught how important a computer is and how to use them.

The extent to which the Internet and computer has taken over our world is a pure sign that every computer literate needs the services of a computer repairer when his/her computer malfunctions – be it hardware or software.

People of all classes, sizes and age ranging from the business class down to the fetus in the womb (for scans etc.) needs a computer repairer to be able to attend to this device known as a computer that has taken over our day to day activities.

The very nature of the Computer Repair industry, with its extraordinary rate of technological development, creates a constant need for businesses skilled in updating and advising customers on computer-related issues. With every individual armed with a computer and with almost all valuable information in our daily lives being stored in the computer, the computer selling business is booming and with this booming comes a need for repairers by users.

Everybody with a computer knows that moment of panic when the hard drive crashes–and for the businesspeople, it usually happens when they’re staring into the eye of a deadline. The need for computer physicians is growing every day and more people are Venturing into this field, making it a competitive and goal oriented industry.

Lastly, the computer repair services industry will continue to evolve due to the advancement of computer technology and software applications designs et al.

8. Our Target Market

Before starting our computer repair business in Los Angeles – California, we conducted a market survey and feasibility studies and we are certain that there is a wide range of both corporate and individual clients who cannot successfully run their businesses without the services of computer repair companies.

In view of that, we have created strategies that will enable us reach out to various corporate organizations and individual who we know can’t afford to do without our services. Below is a list of the people and organizations that we have specifically market our products and services to;

• Banks, Insurance Companies and other related Financial Institutions
• Blue Chips Companies
• Corporate Organizations
• Manufacturers and Distributors
• Real Estate Owners, Developers, and Contractors
• Research and Development Companies
• The Government (Public Sector)
• Schools (High Schools, Colleges and Universities)
• Celebrities, Politicians, Public Figures and Public Speakers
• Sport Organizations
• Religious Organizations
• Political Parties
• Television Stations
• Printing Press (Publishing Houses) and Authors
• Branding and Advertising agencies
• Individuals and households who own computers
• Entrepreneurs and Start – Ups

Our Competitive Advantage

Surviving in the business world as a computer repair company requires more than your expertise, knowing how to deliver standard repairs and maintenance but also how to network with key people that matters; decision makers that can decide who will get a computer supply, installation, repair, networking and maintenance contract.

Without a shadow of doubt, there are loads of big time investors (Computer Manufacturing Companies), that have a stake in the computer repair services industry; but one thing is certain, there is room big enough to accommodate both the big computer repair companies and the small computer repair companies.

What smaller computer repair companies need to do to survive in the industry is to concentrate on providing computer repair, maintenance and installation services to households, individuals, estates, communities, schools, hospitals and hotels et al before bidding for big computer supply, installation, repair, networking and maintenance contracts from corporations and government agencies.

We are quite aware that to be highly competitive in the computer repair services industry means that you are not only expected to be able to deliver consistent and highly reliable computer supply, installation, repair, networking and maintenance jobs, but you must be able to meet set targets. No one would want to continue to hire your services if don’t always meet up with the target date of completion of projects.

Our competitive advantage lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team of certified and highly trained and experience computer repair engineers and technicians, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in various niche areas in the computer repair service industry. Aside from the synergy that exists in our carefully selected workforce, our services will be guided by best practices in the industry.

Lastly, all our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups computer repair businesses in the United States) in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

ZED Plus Technologies®, LLC is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the computer repair services industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to meet and surpass the expectations of all our clients.

ZED Plus Technologies®, LLC will generate income by offering the following computer repair related services;

• General Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance services (All Brands)
• Computer System Networking

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain; there would always be corporate organization and individual who would need the services of computer repair companies.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in computer repair services industry and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six month of operations and grow our computer repair company to enviable heights.

We have been able to critically examine the computer repair market and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projection is based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to similar startups in Los Angeles – California.

Below is the sales projection for ZED Plus Technologies®, LLC, it is based on the location of our business and of course the wide range of our services and target market;

• First Year-: $350,000
• Second Year-: $750,000
• Third Year-: $1,200,000

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor offering same computer repair services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

We are mindful of the fact that there is stiffer competition in the computer repair services industry; hence we have been able to hire some of the best marketing experts to handle our sales and marketing.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the computer repair services industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall business goal of ZED Plus Technologies®, LLC.

Our corporate goal is to grow ZED Plus Technologies®, LLC to become one of the top 10 computer repair services brands in the United States of America which is why we have mapped out strategy that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with not only in Los Angeles – California but also in other cities in the United States of America.

ZED Plus Technologies®, LLC is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients;

• Introduce our computer repair company by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to individuals, corporate organizations, religious organizations and key stake holders.
• Promptness in bidding for computer supply, installation, repair, networking and maintenance contract from the government and other cooperate organizations
• Advertise our business in relevant business magazines, newspapers, TV stations, and radio station.
• List our business on yellow pages ads (local directories)
• Attend relevant international and local expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
• Create different packages for different category of clients in order to work with their budgets and still deliver excellent services
• Leverage on the internet to promote our business
• Engage direct marketing approach
• Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

There is no business that does not need rigorous marketing too survive the competitive business terrain. As such, we have been able to work with our in house brand and publicity consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market.

We are set to become the number one choice for both corporate clients and individual clients in the whole of the United States and beyond which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our computer repair and maintenance company.

Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise ZED plus Technologies®, LLC;

• Place adverts on both print (newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community based events / programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our services
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations all around Los Angeles – California
• Engage in road show from time to time in targeted neighborhoods
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
• Contact corporate organizations by calling them up and informing them of ZED Plus Technologies®, LLC and the services we offer
• List our computer repair and maintenance company in local directories / yellow pages
• Advertise our computer repair and maintenance company in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site.
• Ensure that all our staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles are well branded with our company logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

At ZED Plus Technologies®, LLC we will keep the prices of our services below the average market rate for all of our customers by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance from corporate organizations who would hire our services. In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to all our customers at regular intervals.

We are aware that there are some one – off jobs or government contracts like computer supply, installation, repair, networking and maintenance which are always lucrative, so we will ensure that we abide by the pricing model that is expected from contractors or organizations that bid for such contracts.

• Payment Options

At ZED Plus Technologies®, LLC, our payment policy will be all inclusive because we are quite aware that different people prefer different payment options as it suits them. Here are the payment options that we will make available to our clients;

• Payment by via bank transfer
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft
• Payment via mobile money
• Payment with cash

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our plans with little or no itches.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

It is not okay to put all plans on ground to fly with without having a financial and costing projection. We believe in it and that is why we have drawn a plan up in this regard. In setting up any business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake.

If you intend to go big by renting a place, then you would need a good amount of capital as you would need to ensure that your employees are well taken care of, and that your facility is conducive enough for workers to be creative and productive.

This means that the start-up can either be low or high depending on your goals, vision and aspirations for your business. The tools and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked.

As for the detailed cost analysis for starting a standard computer repair and maintenance company; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money. However, this is what it would cost us to setup ZED Plus Technologies®, LLC in the United of America;

• Business incorporating fees in the United States of America will cost – $750.
• The budget for Liability insurance, permits and license will cost – $3,500
• Acquiring an office space or warehouse that will accommodate the number of employees for at least 6 months (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) will cost – $100,000.
• The amount required to purchase the needed tool box and repair equipment – $25,000
• Equipping the office (computers, printers, projectors, markers, servers / internet facility, furniture, telephones, filing cabinets, and electronics) will cost – $30,000
• Amount required to purchase the needed software applications – $ 3,500
• Launching an official Website will cost – $500
• Amount need to pay bills and staff members for at least 2 to 3 months – $70,000
• Additional Expenditure such as Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions will cost – $5,000

Going by the report from the market research and feasibility studies conducted, we will need about two hundred and fifty thousand (350,000) U.S. dollars to successfully set – up a medium scale but standard computer repair and maintenance company in the United States of America.

Generating Funding / Startup Capital for ZED plus Technologies®, LLC

There are several ways through which people generate funds for their business. We have identified the various ways that we plan to source money from. ZED Plus Technologies®, LLC is a business that will be owned and managed by Engr. Malcom Xavi and his friend and business partner for many years Fred Holloway.

They are the sole financial of the business which is why they decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital for the business to just three major sources. These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Generate part of the start – up capital from friends and other extended family members
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $150,000 (Personal savings $120,000 and soft loan from family members $30,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $200,000 from our bank. All the papers and document has been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

We are aware of the importance of growing slowing but surely in the face of all odds, and that is one of the reasons why we have got to have a sustainability and expansion strategy in place from the outset of commencing our business.

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting ZED Plus Technologies®, LLC is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to offer our computer repair and maintenance services a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

ZED Plus Technologies®, LLC will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and re – training of our workforce is at the top burner.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check:>Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts various banks in the United States: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Securing a standard office facility for our studio: Completed
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of All form of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating part of the start – up capital from the founders: Completed
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress
• Design of Logo for the business: Completed
• Secure trademark for our products: In Progress
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the Needed furniture, office equipment, software applications, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the business: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with vendors and key players in various industries: In Progress

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How to Start a Computer Repair Business in 14 Steps (In-Depth Guide)

Updated:   February 14, 2024

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The global computer repair industry brought in over $34 billion in in 2024. With technology constantly advancing and many households and businesses relying on computers and devices for both work and leisure, the demand for qualified technicians to repair broken electronics continues to grow.

As devices get more complex and integrated into daily operations, even small issues can significantly impact productivity and workflows. This increasing dependence presents a major opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs or those with some technical expertise to capitalize on by starting their own computer repair company.

This guide will walk you through how to start a computer repair business. Topics include market research, competitive analysis, customer focus, registering an EIN, obtaining business insurance, and more.

1. Conduct Computer Repair Market Research

Market research is essential to starting your own computer repair service. Topics include sourcing equipment, obtaining an EIN, applying for business insurance, opening a business bank account for optimal accounting, and more. Market research is important to create a thorough computer repair business plan.

Some details you might learn through market research for your own computer repair business include:

• With this steady growth and fairly low barriers to entry due to moderate startup costs, the industry presents a strong opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs.
• Success often depends on establishing a loyal customer base within a local service area.
• Specializing in certain brands or models also helps technicians provide quality service efficiently.
• The majority of industry revenue comes from repairing damaged hardware such as replacing cracked screens or debugging faulty components.
• A growing segment involves software-related services including virus removal, data recovery and backup, OS reinstallation, and wired/wireless network setup.
• Catering to both hardware and software needs allows businesses to offer diverse solutions under one roof.
• Aside from residential clients seeking computer repair services for personal devices, there is substantial potential in serving business accounts as many enterprises rely extensively on technological infrastructure across operations.
• Support and maintenance contracts with local companies provide more recurring service opportunities versus one-off consumer repairs.
• Industry analysis shows the corporate sector makes up the largest and fastest-growing market segment.

The success of a new computer repair business often depends on reputation and word-of-mouth marketing. Convenient location and pickup/drop-off options combined with competitive pricing and reliable service help generate referral business over time.

2. Analyze the Competition

When launching a computer repair shop, it’s vital to assess your local competition. This includes researching existing brick-and-mortar providers in the area to understand their offerings, prices, location convenience, and reviews.

Some ways to learn about computer repair businesses in your area include:

• Checking online directories such as Google Maps lets you compile and compare multiple nearby businesses at once in terms of basic information and customer ratings.
• Common review sites like Yelp and Facebook are useful for gauging customer satisfaction as well.
• Evaluating competitors’ online presence including their website design, content, and search visibility is also key.
• Tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs provide data on their website traffic volumes, top landing pages, and search engine keyword rankings.
• Social media listening with software like Mention is valuable for monitoring online reputation.
• Shadow shopping local repair facilities by getting price quotes for certain services gives first-hand insight into responsiveness, advice quality, and upselling tactics.
• Bringing in an intentionally damaged device can reveal troubleshooting thoroughness.
• Interviewing customers exiting a rival store lets you learn direct feedback on aspects they liked or felt needed improvement to win more business versus other options.
• All findings should be documented in a competitive analysis matrix to identify relative strengths and weaknesses.

Ongoing monitoring of market entries, expansions, or exits helps inform necessary pivots in your offerings and positioning to best compete. This allows acting on opportunities or new threats. The goal is to provide better value vis-à-vis substitutes to stand apart in customers’ minds.

3. Costs to Start a Computer Repair Business

Starting a successful computer repair business entails various upfront expenses before opening for business. Total costs vary widely based on factors like location, size, inventory, and staffing. Prospective entrepreneurs should budget approximately $25,000 to $35,000 to cover necessary startup costs in the beginning stages.

Start-up Costs

A decent reserve helps endure the crucial make-or-break first year when many small businesses fail. Key start-up costs include:

• Storefront Leasing – Renting retail space for a shop averages $15 to $25 per sq. ft. annually in most regions. Plan on securing 500 to 1,000 sq. ft. to allow room for reception, workbenches, parts storage, and office space.
• Equipment/Tools – Essential tech repair tools like soldering irons, screwdrivers, buffers, pliers, flashlights, and branded opening tools cost approximately $500 to $2,000 collectively. Be mindful that you’ll also have to know your way around electricity so voltmeters may also be necessary.
• Inventory – Maintaining a select inventory of common computer parts like RAM, cables, chargers, batteries, screens, and keyboards helps service customers faster. Budget $1,000 to $5,000 for enough varieties and quantities based on available capital.
• Shop Branding & Marketing – Logo design ($200 to $500) and printing signage/business cards ($300+) to build an identity. Initial internet and social media marketing efforts average around $1,000 initially.
• Permits/Insurance – Local business licenses, sales tax permits, and commercial general liability insurance costs vary by state but expect roughly $2,000+ in total fees for handymen working on repairing computers.
• Professional Services – Lawyers and/or accountants can provide guidance on business formation, contracts, and payroll needs for around $500 to $1,500.

In addition to one-time start-up costs, entrepreneurs must also account for recurring monthly and annual operating expenses which typically range from $8,500 to $12,000 in total per year for a small operation including:

Ongoing Costs

• Rent & Utilities – On top of base rent, retail spaces incur electricity, waste removal, security, and other fees adding 25%+ to total occupancy costs.
• Staffing – Technician salaries range from $35,000 to $60,000. Bonus incentives help attract talent. Payroll processing/compliance fees are 2% to 5% on top of base pay.
• Software Subscriptions – Remote monitoring/repair tools ($30 to $100 per month) along with accounting, POS, and marketing systems ($100 to $300 monthly).
• Inventory Restocking – Consistently replenishing spare parts ($500 to $2,000 monthly) necessary to support repair volume along with new tools.
• Marketing & Advertising – Pay-per-click search/social ads, retargeting campaigns, direct mail promotions, and referral programs to stand out against competitors ($300+ monthly).
• Misc. Supporting Services – Security, cleaning/landscaping, credit card processing, phone/internet, and other recurring expenses tally $500 or more monthly.

With prudent financial planning and operational controls after launch, talented computer repair techs can steadily grow a prosperous small business over time. The ongoing technology boom bodes well for industry expansion.

4. Form a Legal Business Entity

When starting a computer repair shop, one of the first legal decisions is choosing the right business structure. Each option has implications regarding owner liability, taxes, and ease of formation/maintenance that entrepreneurs must weigh. The four primary set-ups include:

Sole Proprietorship

This default option requires no formal registration beyond standard business licenses. Owners report all profits/losses on personal tax returns. However, they assume unlimited financial and legal liability for the business. This exposes personal assets to settlement risks associated with a repair shop including data breaches or hardware damages.

General Partnership

Similar to sole proprietors with minimal registration paperwork but involves two or more owners sharing control and liability. Requires a written partnership agreement governing profit/loss distributions. Still no liability protections for owners.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A more complex formation process including filing “Articles of Organization” limits owner liability. No personal assets at risk for business debts/lawsuits. Owners called “members” and LLCs are allowed to choose corporate or pass-through tax status. Most computer repair shops are structured as LLCs for liability purposes.

Corporation

Separate legal business entities from owners requiring formal registration articles. Requires regular board meetings, documented bylaws, officers, and annual filings. Greatest tax complexities but highest liability protections through issuing stock shares rather than direct ownership like LLCs.

5. Register Your Business For Taxes

Before hiring employees or opening doors, every computer repair shop must obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS . This unique nine-digit number functions like a business’s Social Security Number for tax reporting/filing purposes.

Specifically, an EIN allows registering for important accounts including:

• Business bank accounts
• Merchant services to accept credit card payments
• Payroll and accounting software to remit employment taxes
• Domain registration and establishing service utilities

Sole proprietors can use their personal Social Security Number instead. However, applying for a separate EIN better protects personal identity theft risks. This number stays with the business for life even amidst ownership changes.

Fortunately, the EIN application process is simple and free through the IRS website with instant verification. Follow these main steps:

• Gather personal identification information including Social Security Number
• Determine the correct legal business structure
• Classify principal business activity under “Computer Maintenance and Repair”
• Input owner/responsible party details
• Provide all other business information like address
• Submit the online application and receive an EIN confirmation

In addition to the federal EIN, repair shop owners must complete state/local licensing to collect and remit sales tax on services. Fees vary by jurisdiction but typically less than $100 annually. Both the EIN and sales tax permits are displayed publicly onsite for compliance.

6. Setup Your Accounting

Like any small business, implementing organized accounting processes from day one helps a computer repair shop track finances, remit taxes, control spending, and ultimately maximize profits.

Accounting Software

Since technicians handle multiple service tickets and parts inventory daily, utilizing tools like QuickBooks integrates directly with bank/credit card accounts to automatically log transactions. This eliminates manually compiling monthly figures.

Hire an Accountant

While software provides convenience, working with an accountant from the startup stages ensures properly categorizing income and expenses for accurate reporting. This frees up time for technicians to focus on repair work versus bookkeeping. Typical annual fees range from $1,200 to $5,000 depending on level of involvement such as:

• Monthly reconciliation of bank/credit card accounts
• Payroll compliance like quarterly 941 filings
• Sales tax calculations and government submissions
• Producing financial statements like P&L reports
• Year-end income tax preparation

Most repair businesses engage a CPA at minimum to handle annual filings to comply with IRS 1040 Schedule C requirements for sole proprietorships and 1120 S-corp returns. This professional assistance better withstands audits if questioned about deductions or gross receipts from parts sales.

Open a Business Bank Account and Credit Card

Separating finances is crucial by establishing dedicated business checking/savings accounts and credit cards solely for operating expenses. Many business cards offer higher limits and can help build commercial credit. Providers like Capital One Spark Cards allow easy 1tracking of deductible purchases made across employees.

7. Obtain Licenses and Permits

While eager to start fixing devices and serving customers, computer repair shop owners must complete proper registrations to legally operate at federal, state, and local levels. Find federal license information through the U.S. Small Business Administration . The SBA also offers a local search tool for state and city requirements.

Mandatory documentation depends on business structure and jurisdiction but often includes:

• Federal Trademark – Formally registering a unique shop name/logo through USPTO trademarking helps establish brand identity and exclusive use rights if targeting interstate commerce online or via mail. Lower-cost state filing alternates are available too.
• Municipal Business License – Virtually every town mandates acquiring a standard occupancy permit for commercial spaces zoned as retail or office use. Visit the local county/city administrator’s office. Fees are based on square footage.
• Special Use Permits – Local zoning laws may require special approval for repairing devices with solvents/chemicals or operating machinery like grinders/saws for part fabrication. Supplements general business permits.
• State Business Operating License – Nearly all states require formal “doing business as” registration for in-state shops handling sales tax payments. Submitted with the Secretary of State’s office.
• Sales & Use Tax ID – Following state business license approval, companies must activate a tax ID number specifically for collecting and remitting sales tax on parts and services based on state rates. Streamlined through the state portal with all other registrations.
• Data Protection/Security Plans – Some jurisdictions now require documenting cybersecurity procedures like mandatory encryption for retaining customer devices and data. Ensures privacy protection following repairs.
• Insurance Coverage – General liability policies are often compulsory to cover bodily injury, hardware damage, and other conflicts. Some areas now mandating data breach insurance too.
• Fire Safety/Alarm Preapprovals – Stricter locations necessitate fire suppression action plans detailing emergency exit routes and alarm/sprinkler testing protocols before occupying buildings.

While cumbersome, adhering to all guidelines curbs legal liabilities from faulty parts, injuries, or lost data. Working with counsel expedites navigating specific obligations based on business structure, location, and repair specialty before launch.

8. Get Business Insurance

Operating a computer repair shop without proper insurance exposes businesses to major financial perils, making coverage essential from day one. The right policies mitigate the negative impacts of:

• Customer cyber attacks – Having no data breach insurance could saddle repair shops with towering legal costs and settlements if hackers access devices. Coverage aids with required customer notifications, credit monitoring services, investigation fees, and potential fines.
• Faulty part installations – Lacking general liability insurance means paying massive sums out-of-pocket if a defective screen or CPU replacement unexpectedly damages multiple devices brought in by a large corporate client.
• Disgruntled employee theft – Despite background checks, a rogue technician walks off with customized firmware code worth huge sums to a competitor. Without crime/fidelity bonds, the shop assumes full replacement costs.

Fortunately obtaining quotes from leading business insurance providers like The Hartford is straightforward:

• Determine business structure – LLC vs sole proprietorship
• Calculate total annual sales
• Estimate value of all inventory/equipment
• Outline all services provided
• Research data breach/liability requirement minimums
• Compare premiums for desired coverage levels
• Select preferred deductible agreements
• Pay policy and print proof of insurance

Following these steps takes less than one hour but defends the enterprise for years to come. Don’t become another financial casualty by skipping this fundamental pillar before opening doors. The computer repair field grows more legally complex by the year.

9. Create an Office Space

Securing real estate, whether for a small home office or larger commercial retail space, provides computer repair shops room to safely service devices while storing parts/tools. Work venues offer privacy compared to making house calls and allow customer drop-offs even when technicians are out on assignments.

Home Office

As you start, a home office costs $0 to $500 for basic desk and supplies. Ideal for sole proprietors just starting and willing to work from home. Designating even a corner of a bedroom or basement to tinker with computers provides some separation before securing leased space. Allows testing repairs overnight without shop overhead.

Coworking Space

A coworking space runs $200 to $500 monthly for WeWork desk rental/amenities access. Turnkey flexible office plans like WeWork accommodate the needs of mobile repair technicians between client visits. Provides professional meeting space and shared tools when needing more elbow room than at home. Easy to upgrade private offices as business grows.

Retail Shop

A retail shop and back office will run roughly $2,000 and up monthly for 1,000 sq ft including rent and utilities. Retail storefronts allow walk-in repair businesses from surrounding neighborhoods while showcasing technician talent and inventory. Ideal for establishing a loyal customer base warranting the higher fixed costs.

Commercial Space

Expect to pay upwards of $1,500 monthly per basic office Generic small bay/suite in business park-type buildings offer lower cost options for repair shops not reliant on foot traffic. Accommodates a small team of technicians tinkering out of public view. Typically located near major businesses or neighborhoods for easy house calls.

10. Source Your Equipment

Aspiring repair shop owners need quality tools without overspending upfront. Beyond basics like screwdrivers and pliers, critical gear includes soldering guns, diagnostic devices, magnifying glasses, and comprehensive bit sets for handling various device components.

Big box retailers like Best Buy and Lowes offer consumer tool sets from brands like iFixit for under $100. Higher-grade options provide commercial capabilities but cost over $500. New equipment qualifies for tax deductions.

Buying Used

Scouring classified sites like Craigslist , Facebook, and Marketplace allows finding costly things like thermal imaging cameras or specialty dremels for half off or more from other repair techs scaling back. Test thoroughly before purchasing to ensure quality. Maintain resale value.

National tool rental outlets offer daily/weekly rentals on specialty gear when only occasionally needed. This avoids large capital investments for niche items used infrequently. Discount for longer terms. Availability varies.

Some top suppliers like Interworld Highway now offer customized equipment leasing programs specifically for computer repair shops to access high-grade tools while easing cash flow constraints. 0% short-term financing deals assist new startups in equipping properly. Bundle packages are available for simpler sourcing.

11. Establish Your Brand Assets

Crafting a distinctive brand identity helps new computer repair shops attract loyal customers who recognize the company and return for future transactions. Investing in professional branding vastly improves market visibility against competitors.

Getting a Business Phone Number

Acquiring a dedicated business phone line using VoIP services like RingCentral upgrades credibility beyond relying solely on personal cell numbers. Call routing, voicemail transcriptions, vanity 800 numbers, and smart integrations make managing customer calls easier for small shops.

Creating a Logo and Brand Assets

A polished logo encapsulates the computer repair brand for use across websites, signage, ads, and promotion materials. Services like Looka offer rapid creation of icons, lettermarks, and other designs that reinforce remembrance. Matching assets like color palettes with the logo helps with recognition. Simple paired images make affordable initial brand suites to apply widely.

Creating Business Cards and Signage

Business cards establish professional first impressions when meeting prospective customers, networking at local events, or responding to referrals. Likewise, signage printed through vendors like VistaPrint gets the repair shop noticed by neighborhood traffic.

Purchasing a Domain Name

Secure the perfect dot-com domain using registrars like Namecheap for establishing an online presence and company email addresses. This digital real estate also anchors marketing efforts companywide rather than relying on free sites. Exact name matches aid discoverability during customer web searches.

Building a Website

Every computer business needs a tailored site for promoting services, listing hours, and FAQs for visitors. Utilizing DIY website builders like Wix creates sites without coding expertise. Those wanting advanced eCommerce capabilities can hire web developers on Fiverr to handle technical aspects. This showcases repair expertise online 24/7.

12. Join Associations and Groups

Joining regional organizations and peer communities allows repair shop owners to regularly exchange insights around best practices while forming referral alliances. Surrounding oneself with industry players yields many benefits.

Local Associations

Groups like the Association of Computer Repair Business Owners provide national membership opening local chapters for meetups while lobbying legislators around right-to-repair regulations. Discounted tools, group insurance rates, and training programs maximize capabilities.

Local Meetups

Sites like Meetup list frequent regional IT gatherings to mingle with other technicians, often hosted at coworking spaces or shops. Share troubleshooting war stories, showcase new gears, and discover local job opportunities. These regular meetings build solid peer networks.

Facebook Groups

With over a billion users, Facebook hosts limitless groups for niche interests allowing local repair folks to tap wider communities. Public pages like PC Repair Help/Advice, Gaming Enthusiasts , and Repair and Service Computer share device teardowns, part swap opportunities, and industry news from thousands of worldwide members.

13. How to Market a Computer Repair Business

Implementing ongoing marketing exposes a new repair business to new customers while reinforcing capabilities to past clients. As positive word-of-mouth referrals spread, combining digital and selective traditional promotions expands reach most economically.

Referral Marketing

Referrals from early supportive customers provide the most valuable lead sources based on real service experiences. Entice such brand advocates by providing referral cards with incentives like 10% off future visits. This rewards recommendations helping fill appointment slots.

Digital Marketing

• Run Google/Facebook PPC ads targeted locally by service keywords and geography to attract visitors already needing assistance. These platforms make budgeting easy.
• Create YouTube tutorials for common issues like cleaning laptop fans or upgrading RAM. This positions technicians as experts worth contacting.
• Guest blog for national repair sites to insert backlinks and showcase knowledge. Most accept contributed posts in exchange for byline mentions.
• Foster reviews on Google Business Profile and other directories. Testimonials help conversion rates. Respond to demonstrate reliable support.

Traditional Marketing

• Distribute monthly mailers showcasing seasonal service specials to neighborhood households and businesses. Include 10% off coupons to incentivize trying the shop.
• Sponsor Little League team jerseys and donate raffle prizes for community fundraisers. Raises local profile.
• Negotiate referral placements in nearby complementary businesses like computer stores and coffee shops. Offers residual visibility even on days off.

The most effective marketing incorporates both digital and traditional channels to ensure repair shops surface where existing and prospective customers actively discover local services. Dedicate time weekly to promote offerings through ever-expanding options.

14. Focus on the Customer

More than simply fixing devices, a repair shop’s responsiveness and interactions with customers determine repeat business and referrals. With most issues, multiple local options exist to remedy tech problems. Standing out means providing an exceptional experience beyond just competently swapping parts.

Carefully listening to frustrated visitors describing issues helps pinpoint optimal solutions. Sometimes data recovery takes priority over physical damage. Making customers feel heard eases tensions. Taking the device back to the workbench and thoroughly explaining issues builds confidence in recommendations.

Little frills like free software installs or document transfers after hardware repairs reduce the hassle of getting everything back up and running after downtime without a laptop or tablet. Checking in a few days later to confirm satisfaction gives reassurance if any lingering questions.

Extending standard warranty coverage periods at no extra charge reduces risks around marginal components. Absorbing some costs to prevent problems from reoccurring earns immense goodwill often resulting in glowing online reviews.

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How To Start A Computer Repair Business In 2023

• Last Updated: July 10, 2023
• By: Greg Bouhl

Advertising Disclosure

If your computer gives you an error message – or worse, a black screen – do you see it as a challenge? If you find technology fascinating, are talented in troubleshooting and fixing problems, and are knowledgeable about all of the latest technology and updates, then starting a computer repair business might be for you.

In the digital age, where technology is integrated into every aspect of our daily lives, businesses that offer solutions to tech-related problems are poised for success. A computer repair business can be an ideal venture for individuals with a knack for diagnosing and fixing computer issues.

However, establishing a successful computer repair business requires more than just technical skills. From researching the market to registering your business, finding the financial resources to start, and more, there are numerous steps to navigate on your journey. In this guide, we’ll go through the steps, providing you with an understanding of how to start your very own computer repair business.

Business Overview

Computer repair businesses help customers to both fix and maintain their computers. Often, these businesses are tasked with troubleshooting and fixing computer problems, but that work can extend to setting up and maintaining networks, offering in-home visits, and selling computers and accessories. Some of the most common services include virus removal, data recovery, system upgrades, and security updates.

Some businesses focus solely on commercial services, while others focus on PC repair. Some businesses offer a combination of both options. Additionally, while most repair businesses have a storefront, some may offer in-home or in-business visits, especially when it comes to setting up or maintaining networks.

Related Business Ideas

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Industry Summary

The computer repair industry falls within the larger IT services industry. This sector covers an array of services, including IT consulting, software support, and computer hardware repair & installation, among other services. According to the market research firm IBISWorld, the computer repair industry in the United States is expected to generate $21 billion in 2023.

The industry has experienced a decline of 1.7% over the last five years and can be attributed to a number of factors. First off, as computers and other electronics are increasingly more affordable, fewer people are deciding to have their electronics repaired, and are instead choosing to replace them when they break. Businesses have also followed this trend and often invest in high-quality equipment and get rid of old, outdated, or broken equipment.

While these statistics may seem discouraging at first glance, repair business owners who stay on top of current trends and customer needs can still run successful computer repair businesses.

Industry Trends

The overall computer repair industry may be declining, but there is an increased need for certain services. According to  Repair Desk , because computers and technology evolve so quickly, computer repair technicians need to keep pace with this technology. When a customer walks in with a problem involving a new software update or new version of an operating system, a repair technician will need to be familiar with these products and able to help the customer.

Experimax  notes that computer repair increasingly crosses over with  cell phone repair . As smartphones become more and more like computers, computer repair technicians are beginning to offer cell phone repair services, too. From screen repairs to virus removal and general troubleshooting, there are many opportunities for a technician to expand their services beyond just computers. And, because of the increasingly high cost of cell phones, customers are more likely to repair a $1,000 phone than they are to repair a $300 computer. There’s also a growing trend toward sustainability across all industries, and the computer repair industry is no exception. Repairing and upgrading computers rather than replacing them contributes to reducing electronic waste, making computer repair an inherently green industry. Some businesses are taking it a step further by recycling old parts and using energy-efficient practices. With this trend, mobile computer repair is increasingly in demand as people stay at home more and want the convenience of in-home repair, especially removing viruses.

Target Market

A computer repair business’s specific target market will depend on the business model and services offered. A business specializing in personal computer repair will market to local computer owners who invest in more expensive machines worth repairing. A business specializing in computer maintenance and networks to businesses may only market to businesses of a certain size or those that use a particular technology.

Computer repair businesses sometimes specialize in working on certain types of computers, like PCs versus Macs. This may also affect the target market of the repair business.

Checklist To Start A Computer Repair Business

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If you’re thinking about starting your own computer repair business, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here is a checklist of the essentials to get started.

Step 1: Research the demand for a computer repair shop

Before going through the time and trouble, our first step should be to gauge whether there is enough demand for a computer repair business. There are a variety of resources to do market research, a few of which include:

Online Research: The internet is a powerful tool for conducting initial research. You can start by doing a quick search of existing computer repair businesses in your area to assess the competition. Websites like Yelp or Google Reviews can give you an idea of the number and size of competitors, as well as the services they offer and their pricing structure. While researching the competition, you may also want to look at what type of repairs they offer and look to specialize in a different niche.

Local Business Directories: Local business directories and the local chamber of commerce can give you a sense of the number of businesses in your area that might need your services. Many businesses, especially small and medium-sized ones, often require IT support and computer repair services.

Local Government Data and Statistics: Your local government’s economic development office can provide valuable information about your community’s demographic data. You can use this information to ascertain whether the population and business density in your target area can support another computer repair business.

Networking: Never underestimate the power of personal interactions. Attend local business networking events, trade shows, and community gatherings to get a feel for the local business climate and the demand for computer repair services. These events are also great opportunities to meet potential customers and ask them directly about their needs.

Existing Customers (If Applicable): If you’re already in a related field or have previous customers from freelance work, ask them about their needs. Their feedback could be invaluable in determining whether there’s enough demand for a full-scale business.

By using these resources and methods, you can start to paint a clear picture of your local market’s needs and demands. It’s crucial to compile and analyze this data thoroughly to make informed decisions about starting your computer repair business.

Step 2: Create a business plan

Writing a business plan is essential for any business, including a computer repair business, for a variety of reasons. A well-crafted business plan helps clarify your business idea, defines your long-term objectives, identifies potential challenges, and outlines the strategies to overcome these challenges. Additionally, a business plan is a vital tool when seeking funding from investors and lenders, as it demonstrates the viability and potential profitability of your business.

While all sections of a business plan are important, there are certain areas that hold particular significance for a computer repair business seeking funding:

Market Analysis: In the computer repair industry, demonstrating a clear understanding of your market is vital. Investors want to see that you understand the local demand for computer repair services, your potential customers, and your competition. This section should highlight the potential growth of the market, your business’s unique value proposition, and how you plan to set yourself apart from existing competitors.

Operational Plan: This section outlines the logistics of your business operations, including location, facilities, equipment, supply chain, and workflow management. For a computer repair business, demonstrating your ability to handle and repair a wide variety of computer problems efficiently and effectively is crucial. This could include showcasing any unique equipment or techniques you’ll be utilizing, your turnaround times for repairs, and any partnerships with suppliers or other businesses that could give you a competitive edge.

Financial Projections: This section is particularly important for funding. The plan should include sales forecasts and cash flow projections. For a computer repair business, this could also include a pricing strategy for your services and the projected return on investment for equipment or advanced training. Proving that your business is profitable and can reasonably repay its debts is key to securing funding.

A robust business plan serves as a roadmap for your computer repair business. Not only does it guide your operations, but it also serves to attract potential investors by proving that your business is a promising and profitable venture.

Related: How to write a business plan

Step 3:  Choose a location

Finding the right location is likely the next step in starting your computer repair business, and the best option largely depends on your specific business model. If you’re planning to operate a mobile computer repair business, you might not need a dedicated office or storefront at all. Instead, your focus should be on securing reliable transportation and equipment to conduct repairs at customers’ homes or businesses.

On the other hand, if you’re planning a traditional storefront, you’ll need to find a location that is easily accessible and visible to potential customers. Look for areas with high foot traffic, such as shopping centers or business districts. However, it’s important not to rush into signing a lease or purchase agreement before securing funding, as should the funding be delayed – or declined – you could be left with a space and no business.

For entrepreneurs considering operating remotely from home, you will need a dedicated workspace that can accommodate your repair equipment and any inventory you might need. Keep in mind, however, that you should check with local zoning laws to ensure a home-based computer repair business is permitted in your residential area.

In each of these scenarios, you should also consider any necessary renovations. This could include installing additional electrical outlets for your equipment, creating a customer-friendly area in your storefront, or setting up a secure storage area for customer computers and parts at your home. Estimating these renovation costs upfront is critical, as they can significantly impact your startup budget. Therefore, be sure to factor these considerations into your decision-making process as you find the best location for your computer repair business.

Step 4: Secure funding

Coming up with a good business idea and having the skills to run it are one thing, but getting the funding to start a computer repair business is another. Even though the cost to start a computer repair business is usually low, it can be difficult to get a loan if there are a lot of costs tied up in building renovations and inventory.

Personal savings are often the first line of funding for small business owners, allowing you full control over your business decisions without the need to repay interest or answer to investors. Even if seeking a loan, the borrower(s) will need to have good credit and personally invest 15-25% towards the total start-up costs to get a small business loan.

Besides personal savings, many entrepreneurs also turn to friends and family for initial capital. Borrowing from friends and family can be a flexible, albeit potentially complicated, source of early-stage funding.

Loans from banks or credit unions are another commonly utilized source, but if the bank feels the loan is too risky, banks can utilize a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan guarantee to proceed with a loan.

Last, business credit cards can be used to manage cash flow and finance smaller, day-to-day expenses. They can also provide benefits such as cash back, travel rewards, and the ability to build business credit. However, they should be used responsibly, as interest rates can be high if the balance is not paid off each month.

Remember that each source of funding has its advantages and drawbacks, so it’s essential to carefully consider your business’s needs and circumstances before making a decision.

Related:  Finding the money to start a business

Step 5: Register the business

When starting a computer repair business, there could be several requirements to get it properly registered and legal is essential. Each state has different rules and regulations for starting a business, so it’s important to do your research. Here are some common steps to follow:

Choose a Business Structure: The first thing you’ll need to decide is what business structure is best for your business. This could be a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a limited liability company (LLC), or a corporation. Each of these structures has different implications for liability, taxes, and administrative complexity. Many computer repair businesses opt for a Limited Liability Company (LLC) structure. An LLC provides protection from personal liability for business debts and claims, a feature that can be particularly beneficial for a repair business dealing with customers’ valuable equipment.

Related: Comparison of business structures

Business Name Registration: After registering the business structure, you may need to register your business name. It’s important to choose a meaningful and memorable name for your business, as this will be your brand for the lifetime of your business. This process will vary depending on what business structure you pick. Sole proprietors and partnerships will often be required to register a “Doing Business As” (DBA), while corporations and LLCs register with the state during the formation process.

Related: Tips and ideas for computer repair business names

During this time, it’s also a good idea to check if the name you want is available as a web domain, even if you’re not ready to set up a website yet.

Related: Finding a domain name for your business

Obtain Business Licenses and Permits: The specific licenses and permits you need can vary significantly depending on your state and locality. Some states require licensing for businesses that repair electronics. In addition to computer repair licenses, there are also general local, state, and federal business registrations, such as a sales tax permit, sign permit, Employer Identification Number, and Occupancy Permit, among others.

Related: What licenses does a computer repair business need?

In addition to registering the business, it may be worth obtaining certification in certain technologies. Some of the more common ones include CompTIA A+ Technician Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), etc. Having certifications tell customers you have the technical expertise and be the factor that gets your company hired over other computer repair shops.

Understand Legal Obligations for Dealing with Customer Information: As a computer repair business, you’ll likely be handling sensitive customer data. Make sure to understand and comply with all laws regarding data security and privacy. You may want to consult with a legal professional to ensure you’re fully compliant.

Step 6: Establish partnerships with suppliers

Another important step in setting up a computer repair business is finding reliable suppliers for parts and equipment. Here are some things to look for:

Identify your Needs: Before you start your search, have a clear understanding of what you need. This includes computer parts like hard drives, memory, motherboards, power supplies, and other peripherals. You might also need tools such as screwdrivers, anti-static mats, diagnostic software, and more.

Start Local: Check for local suppliers or distributors in your area. These suppliers can provide faster delivery times and lower shipping costs. Plus, building a strong relationship with local suppliers can often lead to better deals and discounts. Expand to Online Wholesalers: If local options are limited or expensive, look to online wholesalers. Many businesses use suppliers like Alibaba, Newegg Business, and Ingram Micro. While these often require bulk purchases, they usually provide parts at a lower cost per unit.

Consider Manufacturer Direct Purchasing: For certain parts or high-end components, it might be beneficial to buy directly from manufacturers. Companies like Intel, AMD, and Samsung often have programs for businesses to purchase directly from them.

Vet Potential Suppliers: Once you’ve identified potential suppliers, vet them thoroughly. Look for reviews or references, check their delivery times, return policy, and see if they offer warranties on their parts. The cheapest supplier is not always the best option if their parts are unreliable or they have poor customer service.

Build Relationships: Building a strong relationship with your suppliers is crucial. Good relationships can lead to better pricing, priority for new stock, and even help in making your business successful. Regular communication is key to nurturing these relationships.

Plan for Backups: Always have a backup plan. If your primary supplier runs out of stock or goes out of business, you need to have secondary suppliers to ensure your business can continue operating smoothly.

Finding and maintaining good supplier relationships is a key aspect of running a successful computer repair business. Take the time to find suppliers who are reliable, have quality parts, and understand the needs of your business.

Step 7: Develop a marketing strategy

A computer repair business can effectively market itself by implementing a combination of both traditional and digital marketing strategies. The right strategies will vary depending on the business model, but some general marketing ideas for a computer repair business can include:

Traditional marketing methods, such as local newspaper ads, radio spots, or flyers bulletin boards at libraries, restaurants, retirement communities, and apartment offices, can still be very effective, especially in smaller, more localized markets. Participating in local events or sponsoring local clubs or organizations can also be a great way to increase your business’s visibility within the community.

On the digital front, establishing a strong online presence is crucial. Creating a professional, user-friendly website that clearly outlines your services, pricing, and contact information can make your business more accessible to potential customers. Search engine optimization (SEO) can also increase your website’s visibility in search engine results. Utilizing social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter can help engage with your local community, provide updates, and promote your services. Also, online reviews and testimonials can also be extremely influential, so encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google My Business or Yelp.

Moreover, offering a referral program can be a powerful way to attract new customers. People are more likely to trust recommendations from friends or family, so incentivizing your current customers to spread the word can be beneficial.

Last, consider forming strategic partnerships with other local businesses. For instance, a partnership with a local electronics retailer could be mutually beneficial, providing them with a trusted repair service to recommend to their customers while driving business to your shop.

At the end of the day, the best strategy for any business will depend on the local market, the target customer base, and the resources available. The key is to be consistent, creative, and customer-focused in all your marketing efforts.

Related:  Low-cost ideas to market a new business

Step 8: Hire & train employees if needed

Building a team is a critical step in scaling your computer repair business. While you may have started as a one-person operation, as demand grows, so will your need for additional help. Hiring the right people can not only increase your capacity to serve more customers but also bring in a range of skills to improve the quality of your service.

Common roles in a computer repair business include computer repair technicians, customer service representatives, and sometimes a store manager. The median pay for computer repair technicians is around $65,000 per year, but this can vary significantly based on experience, location, and the complexity of the work.

Customer service representatives , who handle client relations, appointment scheduling, and light support typically earn less, with a median annual wage of about $43,000.

A store manager, overseeing operations and staff, will often upwards of $60,000 annually, depending on the size and success of the business.

Remember to also budget for additional expenses that come with hiring an employee, like workers comp insurance, paid time off, and health insurance contributions.

Related:  State guides to h iring your first employee

Step 9: Prepare to launch your computer repair store!

Starting a computer repair business is a big undertaking that involves several steps. While we have gone over many of the common steps, each business is different and there are likely several other steps that are needed. A few steps to consider include:

Business Insurance: Business insurance is critical in protecting your investment. In a computer repair company, General Liability Insurance is essential as it covers damages if a customer’s device is accidentally damaged in your shop. Professional Liability Insurance is also common, which can cover claims of poor workmanship or negligence.

Related: What types of insurance do computer repair businesses need ?

Bookkeeping: Good bookkeeping practices are essential for the health of your business. Consider investing in accounting software such as Wave Accounting (FREE) or Quickbooks to keep track of your income, expenses, taxes, and payroll. Hire a professional bookkeeper or accountant if necessary.

Contracts: It’s important to have contracts in place to protect both you and your clients. These could include service agreements that outline the terms and conditions of your repair services , or waiver of liability in case a repair goes wrong.

Seeking legal advice to ensure these contracts are legally sound and comprehensive is best, but you can also look to RocketLawyer and Law Depot , who have free and inexpensive templates. 

Bank Account: Open a business bank account separate from your personal account to maintain clean financial records. A business credit card can also be helpful for managing expenses.

Payment Methods: Offering multiple payment options, including credit cards, can make it easier for customers to pay for your services. There are several merchant services providers such as Square or Stripe that can equip your business to accept credit cards both in-store and online.

Grand Opening: Plan a grand opening event to attract potential customers. Advertise it well in advance, and consider offering special promotions or discounts to attract more attendees.

The specific needs of your computer repair business will depend on a variety of factors, including your location, market, and personal business goals. However, addressing these common areas can provide a solid foundation as you launch your new venture.

This material is property of StartingYourBusiness.com

Common Questions When Starting A Computer Repair Business

How much does it cost to start a computer repair business.

The cost to start a computer repair service can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as your location, whether you choose a physical location or a home-based operation, the cost of equipment, and licensing fees. On average, you could expect the initial startup costs for a computer repair business to range from $10,000 to $50,000.

A significant portion of your initial expenses will go towards securing a location if you choose to operate a storefront. The cost will depend on the size and location of the property, and whether you’re renting or buying. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to budget for any necessary renovations to make the space suitable for your business.

Acquiring tools and equipment is another key expense. Depending on the quality and quantity of the tools you buy, you could expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $2,000 or more. You’ll also need a stock of common computer parts for repairs, which could run another $1,000 to $5,000.

Business licensing and insurance costs will vary by location, but generally, you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars for these combined. Additionally, budget for marketing and advertising costs to promote your new business. This might include the cost of a website, business cards, and local advertising.

It is also crucial to set aside three to six months of operating expenses as a buffer. These expenses can include rent, utilities, salaries (if you have employees), insurance, marketing costs, and more. Depending on your particular situation, this could range from $5,000 to $30,000.

Please remember that these figures are estimates and can vary based on a number of factors. It’s always best to do your own thorough research and calculations before starting your business.

How much can a computer repair business owner make?

The income of a computer repair business owner can significantly vary based on numerous factors such as location, competition, pricing, customer base, and the specific services offered. On average, computer repair businesses charge between $50 to $80 per hour of labor.

Here’s a simple formula to help estimate potential annual income: (Estimated hours of labor per week * hourly rate * weeks per year) – annual expenses.

Let’s say you can bill 40 hours per week, charge an average of $75 per hour, and operate 50 weeks a year. Your gross income would be: (40 hours/week * $75/hour * 50 weeks/year) = $150,000 If your annual expenses (rent, utilities, insurance, salaries, marketing, etc.) add up to $50,000, your estimated net income would be:

$150,000 (gross income) – $50,000 (expenses) = $100,000

This is a very simplistic calculation and actual income can be higher or lower. It doesn’t account for downtime, unpaid administrative tasks, variations in weekly work hours, and many other factors that can affect income.

How should I price my computer repair services?

There are several factors to consider when setting prices for a computer repair business. Here are a few of them:

Cost-Based Pricing: Begin by determining all your costs, including overheads such as rent and utilities, equipment costs, employee wages, and other business expenses. Then, add a margin on top of these costs to ensure you make a profit.

Competitor Analysis: Research your competitors’ pricing for similar services. You don’t necessarily have to match their prices, but understanding the range can help you price competitively.

Value-Based Pricing: Price based on the value you provide to the customer. For instance, a complex repair that saves a customer from having to buy a new computer has high value and could warrant a higher price.

Market Demand: Be aware of the market demand and adjust your pricing accordingly. If there’s a high demand for a particular service, you might be able to charge a little more.

Pricing Models: Consider various pricing models. Some businesses charge a flat fee for certain services, while others charge an hourly rate. You might also consider a tiered pricing model for different levels of service.

Remember to review your prices regularly and make adjustments based on changes in your costs, the market, and your business goals. Importantly, ensure that your pricing is transparent and communicated clearly to your customers to maintain trust and satisfaction.

What skills are needed to run a computer repair business?

You don’t necessarily need a business degree to start a computer repair business, but having certain skills and experiences can increase your chances of success as a business owner.

Computer Repair Experience:  It goes without saying, but extensive experience in computer repair is a must in this profession. Many computer repair technicians have taught themselves the technical skills they need, but structured courses are available to supplement existing knowledge of hardware and software.

Customer Service Skills:  Customer service is a big aspect of the computer repair industry. A business owner will need to be able to provide prompt service and have computers ready on time. Great interpersonal skills are also important, especially since customers may be upset and frustrated with their computers before they even walk in the door.

Organization Skills:   Good organization is important both in tracking equipment in the store and parts that need to be ordered, but also in keeping parts organized when taking a computer apart or replacing a piece.

Attention to Detail:  A good computer repair business owner needs to have great attention to detail. This is one important quality that can make computer repair easier and can make a technician good at their job.

Problem-solving Skills: The ability to quickly identify and solve problems is essential in this industry. Repair technicians use creative problem-solving daily, so this is a must-have trait for any business owner.

What is the NAICS code for a computer repair business?

The NAICS code for a computer repair business is 811212.

The NAICS code (North American Industry Classification System) is a federal system to classify different types of businesses for the collection and reporting of statistical data.

Related: What is a NAICS code?

Resources: Association for Computing Machinery Association of Computer Repair Business Owners

With over two decades as an entrepreneur, educator, and business advisor, Greg Bouhl has worked with over 2,000 entrepreneurs to help them start and grow their businesses. Fed up with clients finding and acting on inaccurate and outdated information online, Greg launched StartUp101.com to be a trusted resource for people starting a business.

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Computer Repair Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Launching your own computer repair business can be a rewarding way to make supplemental income or become a full-time entrepreneur in the tech sector. However, developing a solid business plan is essential for every successful startup, and this #1 Computer Repair Business Plan Template & Guidebook can help you do just that. From comprehensive operational strategies to detailed financial statements, this comprehensive guide provides the templates, tips, and strategies needed to help you create a professional business plan to propel your venture forward.

Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees.

• How to Start a Profitable Computer Repair Business [11 Steps]
• 10+ Best & Profitable Computer Repair Business Ideas [2023]
• 25 Catchy Computer Repair Business Names:

How to Write a Computer Repair Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your computer repair business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your computer repair business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a computer repair business:

Our purpose is to become the preferred choice for computer repair services by providing high quality, cost-effective, and timely services to customers in our local area. We will foster an atmosphere of trust, respect, and hard work that furthers our mission of being a leader in the computer repair industry. We will strive to exceed customer expectations and create a benchmark for quality in the industry which makes us the go-to choice for computer repair needs.

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Computer Repair Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your computer repair business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my business?
• What are the products and/or services that I offer?
• Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
• How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
• How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your computer repair business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your computer repair business includes the following elements:

Target market

• Who is your target market?
• What do these customers have in common?
• How many of them are there?
• How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

• Who are your current customers? 
• Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
• How can their experience with your computer repair business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

• How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
• Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
• Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
• How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

• Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
• Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
• What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

• Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
• What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
• What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
• How many of your customers do you instead will return?

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4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

• The equipment and facilities needed
• Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
• Financial requirements for each step
• Milestones & KPIs
• Location of your business
• Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a computer repair business?

The following equipment, supplies, and permits may be needed to run a Computer Repair business:

• Computer tools and diagnostics software
• Computer parts (RAM, hard drives, etc.)
• Business license
• Business liability insurance
• A secure premise for storing customer data
• A professional office space or workshop
• An online presence (website, social media etc.)

5. Management & Organization of Your Computer Repair Business.

The second part of your computer repair business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

• How many employees you need in order to run your computer repair business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
• The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
• How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Computer Repair Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a computer repair business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a computer repair business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your computer repair business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your computer repair business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your computer repair business plan:

• Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
• Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
• Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
• Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
• Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
• Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Computer Repair Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a computer repair business.

A business plan is important for any business as it provides a roadmap, sets out goals and objectives, outlines the financial sources and expenses, and ultimately helps an entrepreneur to decide whether to proceed with the venture or not. A computer repair business needs a business plan to assess feasibility and identify potential sources of income. It should also contain an industry analysis to determine current market trends and potential target customers, details of the products or services you offer, a marketing strategy, and a financial plan. All this information is necessary in order to secure financing or attract investors as well as to form a viable road map for launching the business.

Who should you ask for help with your computer repair business plan?

You should start by asking a business consultant or an accountant for help with your computer repair business plan. They can provide you with valuable feedback and advice on how to structure your plan, how to approach potential investors, and what type of information you should include in the document. Additionally, you may want to reach out to other business owners in the same field for help, as they may be able to provide insider tips on what works and what doesn't.

Can you write a computer repair business plan yourself?

Yes, you can write a computer repair business plan yourself. However, it is recommended that you seek help from an experienced business consultant or business plan expert. A professional can help ensure that you create a comprehensive and accurate plan that meets the needs of your business.

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I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

How To Write a Business Plan for Computer Repair Business in 9 Steps: Checklist

By alex ryzhkov, resources on computer repair.

• Financial Model
• Business Plan
• Value Proposition
• One-Page Business Plan

According to a recent report, the computer repair industry is expected to grow by 2.3% in the next five years. This growth presents a great opportunity for new businesses entering the market. If you're planning to start a computer repair business, this checklist of nine steps will guide you through the process.

First and foremost, conducting market research is crucial for understanding the demand for your services. Analyzing your competition will help you differentiate your offerings and determine your target market. From there, you can develop a pricing strategy that is competitive and profitable.

Once you've established your market, it's time to develop a marketing plan that focuses on advertising and word-of-mouth. Financing your business should be considered early on, along with choosing a location and obtaining any necessary licenses and permits. Finally, hiring and training staff is essential for providing top-quality service to your customers.

By following these nine steps and regularly evaluating your business plan, you can position your computer repair business for success in a growing industry.

• Conduct market research
• Analyze competition
• Identify target market
• Determine pricing strategy
• Develop a marketing plan
• Secure funding
• Choose a location
• Obtain necessary licenses and permits
• Hire and train staff.

Conduct Market Research

Before starting a computer repair business, it's crucial to conduct thorough market research. This involves gathering information about the industry, competitors, and potential customers to make informed decisions about the business's direction and strategy.

• Identify the demand: Determine the demand for the services offered by a computer repair business in your area. Find out the number of computer users in your locality and their most common needs.
• Research competition: Find out how many computer repair businesses are already operating in your area and investigate their services, pricing strategies, and marketing tactics. Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors and figure out what sets your business apart from them.
• Know your target market: Knowing the needs and preferences of your target market is important for a successful computer repair business. Assess the demographics and psychographics of potential customers, including their age, location, income, habits, preferences, and pain points.
• Find the current trends: Keep up with the latest technology trends and current affairs that may affect the industry. Research and learn about the latest software, hardware and other tools concerning computer repairs and servicing.
• Explore new opportunities: Research the latest trends in computer technology and explore new business opportunities that can help you stay ahead of the competition.
• Use online resources like industry associations, government websites, and market research reports for valuable insights and information
• Consider conducting surveys, polls or interviews with potential customers or industry experts to gather more data and insights about their needs, preferences, and pain points.
• Keep a record of your market research findings in a spreadsheet, document or online storage. You’ll need these records to refer back to your research findings as your business grows.

Analyze Competition

Before you launch your computer repair business, it's important to have a clear understanding of your competition. Here are some steps to follow to analyze your competition:

• Identify your competitors: Start by creating a list of competitors in your area who offer similar services to yours. Look up online directories and reviews to get an idea of who your competitors are, and identify their strengths and weaknesses.
• Research their pricing and packages: Look at your competitors' pricing and see what kinds of packages they offer. See how their prices compare with yours and what services they offer that you don't. You can use this information to adjust your rates and services accordingly.
• Check their online presence: See if your competitors have a website and social media pages. Study their online presence to understand their branding and how they present their services to customers. This can help you differentiate yourself and create a better online presence for your business.
• Assess customer reviews: Analyze your competitors' online customer reviews. See what customers like and don't like about their experience with your competitors. Identify common problems that your competitors face in the market and improve your services to avoid these issues.
• Make sure to gather as much information as you can about your competitors.
• Focus on creating a clear picture of your competitors' strengths and weaknesses. This will help you understand where your business can improve and what you should focus on in your marketing efforts.

By understanding your competition, you can position your computer repair business more effectively in the market. Use the information you gather in your analysis to differentiate your services, improve your pricing, packages, and online presence. You can also create a marketing plan that focuses on the areas in which your competitors are weak. Make sure to keep track of your competitors' activities and adapt your business strategy accordingly.

Identify Target Market

Identifying the target market for your computer repair business is crucial to ensure that your services are reaching the right people. By understanding your target market, you can tailor your marketing efforts and services to meet their specific needs. Here are some tips on identifying your target market:

• Research your market: Conduct thorough research on your potential customer base. Look for demographics such as age, gender, income, and location.
• Consider your services: Determine what type of computer repair services you will be offering and who would be most interested in those services.
• Look at your competition: Check out your competitors' marketing strategies and target audience. Analyze what works for them and what doesn't.

Starting with a broad customer base is not always the best approach as it could cause uncertainty in your services and advertising. The more specific your target market is, the easier it is to create effective marketing campaigns and provide quality service. For example, if you specialize in Apple product repair, you may choose to target Apple users specifically.

The location of your business also plays a significant role in determining your target market, as different areas have different needs. For instance, if your business is located in a residential heavy area, you may want to target families and individual consumers.

By targeting a specific market segment, you can also set your prices according to their ability to pay, thereby boosting your sales. For instance, if your target market is students, they may not afford high prices while still demand quality service.

Once you have identified your target market, use this information to create a marketing plan to attract and retain customers. Use appropriate channels, such as social media and online ads to reach them. Understanding your target market will also help in designing services that align with their needs and enhance your bottom-line.

Determine Pricing Strategy

Determining the pricing strategy for your computer repair business is a crucial part of your business plan. You need to ensure that your prices are competitive, profitable, and attractive to your target market. You can start by considering the following factors:

• Cost of Labor
• Cost of Materials and Supplies
• Overhead expenses
• Competitor Pricing
• Tax Expenses

It’s essential to calculate the total cost of your services accurately. You don’t want to charge too much and scare off potential customers, but you also don’t want to charge too little and make less profit than your business deserves.

• Offer tiered pricing for different types of services with varying degrees of complexity.
• Offer bundled services at discounted prices to upsell customers.
• Offer monthly maintenance plans for customers who prefer regular service and support.

Additionally, you should research your competitors' prices and services. This information can help you determine your market rates and help you develop a competitive pricing strategy.

Keep in mind that your target market also plays a significant role in determining your pricing strategy. You should research their buying habits and what they’re willing to pay for computer repair services. Are they looking for the cheapest services possible, or are they looking for service quality at competitive pricing?

Once you’ve calculated the cost and analyzed your competitors and target market, you can set prices for your services. Make sure to set prices that are competitive, reasonable, and provide adequate profit margins for your business.

Develop Marketing Plan

After conducting market research, analyzing competition, and identifying your target market, it's time to develop a solid marketing plan to promote your computer repair business and attract potential customers. Your marketing plan should outline specific strategies for both online and offline marketing channels, and must be flexible enough to allow for adjustments as you evaluate the effectiveness of your marketing efforts.

Online advertising is highly recommended for your computer repair business since most people search the web for any services they need. You can start by building a website for your business and optimizing it for search engines. Register your business on Google My Business and Bing Places for Business to ensure your shop appears on the first page of search engine results. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter are also great channels for promoting your business and engaging with potential customers.

Another effective online marketing strategy is paid advertising , such as Google AdWords or social media advertising. This will help you reach a larger audience and target customers who are already searching for computer repair services.

Word of mouth marketing is also critical for your business. Encourage satisfied customers to spread the word about your services, and consider offering referral discounts for customers who refer new clients to your shop.

Marketing Plan Tips

• Offer promotions and discounts to attract new customers
• Use professional, high-quality images on your website and social media channels to make a good impression
• Establish a relationship with local businesses and offer them special deals to promote your services among their employees
• Host events or workshops to educate your customers and attract new prospects

Remember that your marketing plan should be a living document, which means it should be reviewed and updated regularly to adapt to the changing needs of your business and your customers. Keep track of your results to determine which strategies are working and which need to be changed or abandoned.

Secure Funding

Now that you have a solid business plan in place for your computer repair business, the next step is to finance your venture. Finding the right funding sources is crucial for a successful launch and sustainability of your business. Here are some options to consider:

• Personal savings: If you have personal savings, it is a great option to fund your business. It saves you from the hassle of pitching your business idea to potential investors.
• Loans: Consider taking a loan from a bank or credit union. You can apply for small business loans or personal loans based on your eligibility. Understand the terms, interest rate, and repayment options before finalizing any loan.
• Investors: Pitch your business idea to potential investors. There are various investor networks like AngelList, Gust, SeedInvest, etc. that may be interested in investing in your business.
• Calculate the amount you need for the initial investment. Don't overestimate the capital required as it can lead to difficulties in the future.
• Prepare a detailed business plan with projected cash flow and profits. Investors will be interested in knowing your financial projections and expected ROI.
• Be open to negotiations. Investors may ask for equity or other rights in return for their investment.

Once you have secured the funding, plan and manage your finances wisely. Keep track of cash flow, profit, and loss statements. Investing in accounting or financial management software can simplify the process.

Choose A Location

Choosing the right location for your computer repair business is crucial for its success. You want to select a location that is easily accessible to your customers, preferably in a busy area where your business can gain maximum visibility. Here are some important factors to consider when selecting a location:

• Foot Traffic: Look for a location with high foot traffic. This will increase the visibility of your business and attract potential customers. Busy shopping centers or business districts can be ideal locations for a computer repair business.
• Accessibility: Ensure that your business is easily accessible by car or public transport. Having a location that is easy to reach will make it more convenient for customers to drop off and pick up their computers.
• Competition: Be mindful of other computer repair businesses in the area. Look for a location that is not saturated with competitors. However, having a few competitors nearby can be an advantage as it can increase your visibility and validate the market demand for computer repair services in that area.
• Cost: Determine how much you can afford to spend on rent, utilities, and other expenses associated with operating your business. Choose a location that fits within your budget without compromising on other important factors.
• Size: Consider how much space you will need to operate your business. You want a location that is large enough to accommodate your equipment, customers, and staff. However, choosing a space that is too large can increase your expenses unnecessarily.

Tips for Choosing a Location

• Visit potential locations during different times of the day to assess foot traffic and activity levels
• Research the demographics of the area to see if it aligns with your target market
• Consider the surrounding businesses and their potential to attract customers to your business
• Factor in parking availability and costs for you and your customers

Choosing a location for your computer repair business may seem overwhelming, but with careful consideration of these important factors and the tips listed above, you can identify the ideal location that will set your business up for success.

Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits

Before you can start your computer repair business, you need to ensure that you comply with all necessary laws and regulations in your state or local area. Here are some things to consider:

• Check with your local government to determine the licensing and permit requirements for your business.
• Determine if you need a sales tax permit to collect and remit sales tax for your services.
• Check if you need any specific permits or licenses for services such as a trade name registration, DBA (Doing Business As) registration, and/or professional licenses .
• Review the zoning requirements for your business, including any restrictions on operating a business from your home or other specific areas.
• Determine if you need to register for any specific industry-specific regulations , such as data privacy and security laws.
• To avoid any potential legal issues or fines, it is important to comply with all necessary licenses and permits.
• Consider hiring a professional to ensure that all necessary licenses and permits are obtained.
• Keep all of your licenses and permits organized and up to date to avoid any issues in the future.

Once you have determined all necessary licenses and permits, make sure to complete all applications and registrations in a timely manner. This will allow you to launch your computer repair business with confidence, knowing that you are operating within the parameters of the law.

Hire And Train Staff.

Now that you have established your business plan for your computer repair business, it is time to think about building a team for your company. Hiring the right employees is essential for ensuring that your business runs smoothly and efficiently. Here are some important steps that you should follow when hiring and training staff:

• Create a job description: Before you start recruiting, you need to create a job description that outlines the responsibilities and requirements for the position. This will help you attract the right candidates who have the necessary skills and experience for the job.
• Use online job platforms: You can use online job platforms to post your job description and attract applicants. You can also use social media platforms to reach out to potential candidates.
• Interview candidates: Conducting interviews is a crucial step in the hiring process. Make sure that you ask relevant questions that will help you determine if the candidate is a good fit for the position and your company culture.
• Conduct background checks: Before hiring any employee, it is essential to conduct a background check to verify their work history, educational background, and criminal record.
• Provide adequate training: Once you have hired your staff, it is critical to provide them with adequate training so that they can perform their duties efficiently and effectively. You can provide on-the-job training, online training, or in-person training sessions.
• Create a positive work environment: A positive work environment is essential for employee satisfaction and productivity. Make sure to establish clear communication channels and create a supportive work culture.
• Offer competitive compensation: Offering competitive compensation is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent. Make sure to research industry standards and offer a salary and benefits package that is competitive.

Tips for hiring and training staff:

• Clearly define your company culture and values to attract like-minded employees.
• Train your staff to be customer-oriented and provide excellent customer service.
• Encourage open communication and feedback to improve teamwork and collaboration.
• Provide ongoing training and development opportunities to help your staff grow and advance in their careers.

In conclusion, starting a computer repair business requires careful planning and execution. By following the 9 step checklist outlined above, you can ensure that your business is properly researched, adequately funded, and legally compliant. It's important to have a clear understanding of your market and competition, as well as a solid marketing plan to attract customers. With the right foundation in place, your computer repair business can be a successful and profitable venture.

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How to write a business plan for a computer repair shop?

Putting together a business plan for a computer repair shop can be daunting - especially if you're creating a business for the first time - but with this comprehensive guide, you'll have the necessary tools to do it confidently.

We will explore why writing one is so important in both starting up and growing an existing computer repair shop, as well as what should go into making an effective plan - from its structure to content - and what tools can be used to streamline the process and avoid errors.

Without further ado, let us begin!

In this guide:

Why write a business plan for a computer repair shop?

What information is needed to create a business plan for a computer repair shop.

• How do I build a financial forecast for a computer repair shop?

The written part of a computer repair shop business plan

• What tool should I use to write my computer repair shop business plan?

Having a clear understanding of why you want to write a business plan for your computer repair shop will make it simpler for you to grasp the rationale behind its structure and content. So before delving into the plan's actual details, let's take a moment to remind ourselves of the primary reasons why you'd want to create a computer repair shop business plan.

To have a clear roadmap to grow the business

Running a small business is tough! Economic cycles bring growth and recessions, while the business landscape is ever-changing with new technologies, regulations, competitors, and consumer behaviours emerging constantly.

In such a dynamic context, operating a business without a clear roadmap is akin to driving blindfolded: it's risky, to say the least. That's why crafting a business plan for your computer repair shop is vital to establish a successful and sustainable venture.

To create an effective business plan, you'll need to assess your current position (if you're already in business) and define where you want the business to be in the next three to five years.

Once you have a clear destination for your computer repair shop, you'll have to:

• Identify the necessary resources (human, equipment, and capital) needed to reach your goals,
• Determine the pace at which the business needs to progress to meet its objectives as scheduled,
• Recognize and address the potential risks you may encounter along the way.

Engaging in this process regularly proves advantageous for both startups and established companies. It empowers you to make informed decisions about resource allocation, ensuring the long-term success of your business.

To get visibility on future cash flows

If your small computer repair shop runs out of cash: it's game over. That's why we often say "cash is king", and it's crucial to have a clear view of your computer repair shop's future cash flows.

So, how can you achieve this? It's simple - you need to have an up-to-date financial forecast.

The good news is that your computer repair shop business plan already includes a financial forecast (which we'll discuss further in this guide). Your task is to ensure it stays current.

To accomplish this, it's essential to regularly compare your actual financial performance with what was planned in your financial forecast. Based on your business's current trajectory, you can make adjustments to the forecast.

By diligently monitoring your computer repair shop's financial health, you'll be able to spot potential financial issues, like unexpected cash shortfalls, early on and take corrective actions. Moreover, this practice will enable you to recognize and capitalize on growth opportunities, such as excess cash flow enabling you to expand to new locations.

To secure financing

Whether you are a startup or an existing business, writing a detailed computer repair shop business plan is essential when seeking financing from banks or investors.

This makes sense given what we've just seen: financiers want to ensure you have a clear roadmap and visibility on your future cash flows.

Banks will use the information included in the plan to assess your borrowing capacity (how much debt your business can support) and your ability to repay the loan before deciding whether they will extend credit to your business and on what terms.

Similarly, investors will review your plan carefully to assess if their investment can generate an attractive return on investment.

To do so, they will be looking for evidence that your computer repair shop has the potential for healthy growth, profitability, and cash flow generation over time.

Now that you understand why it is important to create a business plan for a computer repair shop, let's take a look at what information is needed to create one.

Need a convincing business plan?

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Writing a computer repair shop business plan requires research so that you can project sales, investments and cost accurately in your financial forecast.

In this section, we cover three key pieces of information you should gather before drafting your business plan!

Carrying out market research for a computer repair shop

Before you begin writing your business plan for a computer repair shop, conducting market research is a critical step in ensuring precise and realistic financial projections.

Market research grants you valuable insights into your target customer base, competitors, pricing strategies, and other crucial factors that can impact the success of your business.

In the course of this research, you may stumble upon trends that could impact your computer repair shop.

Your market research could reveal that customers may prefer same-day services for their computer repairs. Additionally, it could indicate that customers might be looking for more comprehensive services, such as data recovery or malware removal.

Such market trends play a pivotal role in revenue forecasting, as they provide essential data regarding potential customers' spending habits and preferences.

By integrating these findings into your financial projections, you can provide investors with more accurate information, enabling them to make well-informed decisions about investing in your computer repair shop.

Developing the sales and marketing plan for a computer repair shop

As you embark on creating your computer repair shop business plan, it is crucial to budget sales and marketing expenses beforehand.

A well-defined sales and marketing plan should include precise projections of the actions required to acquire and retain customers. It will also outline the necessary workforce to execute these initiatives and the budget required for promotions, advertising, and other marketing efforts.

This approach ensures that the appropriate amount of resources is allocated to these activities, aligning with the sales and growth objectives outlined in your business plan.

The staffing and equipment needs of a computer repair shop

As you embark on starting or expanding your computer repair shop, having a clear plan for recruitment and capital expenditures (investment in equipment and real estate) is essential for ensuring your business's success.

Both the recruitment and investment plans must align with the timing and level of growth projected in your forecast, and they require appropriate funding.

A computer repair shop might incur staffing costs such as salaries for technicians, computer repair specialists, and administrative staff. Equipment costs might include tools such as screwdrivers, soldering irons, and multimeters, as well as parts such as motherboards, power supplies, and hard drives. They might also need to purchase diagnostic software, laptop and desktop computers, and network hardware.

To create a realistic financial forecast, you also need to consider other operating expenses associated with the day-to-day running of your business, such as insurance and bookkeeping.

With all the necessary information at hand, you are ready to begin crafting your business plan and developing your financial forecast.

What goes into your computer repair shop's financial forecast?

The financial forecast of your computer repair shop's business plan will enable you to assess the growth, profitability, funding requirements, and cash generation potential of your business in the coming years.

The four key outputs of a financial forecast for a computer repair shop are:

• The profit and loss (P&L) statement ,
• The projected balance sheet ,
• The cash flow forecast ,
• And the sources and uses table .

Let's look at each of these in a bit more detail.

The projected P&L statement

Your computer repair shop forecasted P&L statement enables the reader of your business plan to get an idea of how much revenue and profits your business is expected to make in the near future.

Ideally, your reader will want to see:

• Growth above the inflation level
• Expanding profit margins
• Positive net profit throughout the plan

Expectations for an established computer repair shop will of course be different than for a startup. Existing businesses which have reached their cruising altitude might have slower growth and higher margins than ventures just being started.

The forecasted balance sheet of your computer repair shop

The projected balance sheet of your computer repair shop will enable the reader of your business plan to assess the overall financial health of your business.

It shows three elements: assets, liabilities and equity:

• Assets: are productive resources owned by the business, such as equipment, cash, and accounts receivable (money owed by clients).
• Liabilities: are debts owed to creditors, lenders, and other entities, such as accounts payable (money owed to suppliers).
• Equity: includes the sums invested by the shareholders or business owners and the profits and losses accumulated by the business to date (which are called retained earnings). It is a proxy for the value of the owner's stake in the business.

Analysing your computer repair shop projected balance sheet provides an understanding of your computer repair shop's working capital structure, investment and financing policies.

In particular, the readers of your plan can compare the level of financial debt on the balance sheet to the equity value to measure the level of financial risk (equity doesn't need to be reimbursed, while financial debt must be repaid, making it riskier).

They can also use your balance sheet to assess your computer repair shop's liquidity and solvency:

• A liquidity analysis: focuses on whether or not your business has sufficient cash and short-term assets to cover its liabilities due in the next 12 months.
• A solvency analysis: takes and longer view to assess whether or not your business has the capacity to repay its debts over the medium-term.

The cash flow forecast

A projected cash flow statement for a computer repair shop is used to show how much cash the business is generating or consuming.

The cash flow forecast is usually organized by nature to show three key metrics:

• The operating cash flow: do the core business activities generate or consume cash?
• The investing cash flow: how much is the business investing in long-term assets (this is usually compared to the level of fixed assets on the balance sheet to assess whether the business is regularly maintaining and renewing its equipment)?
• The financing cash flow: is the business raising new financing or repaying financiers (debt repayment, dividends)?

As we discussed earlier, cash is king and keeping an eye on future cash flows an imperative for running a successful business. Therefore, you can expect the reader of your computer repair shop business plan to pay close attention to your cash flow forecast.

Also, note that it is customary to provide both yearly and monthly cash flow forecasts in a business plan - so that the reader can analyze seasonal variation and ensure the computer repair shop is appropriately funded.

The initial financing plan

The initial financing plan, also known as a sources and uses table, is a valuable resource to have in your business plan when starting your computer repair shop as it reveals the origins of the money needed to establish the business (sources) and how it will be allocated (uses).

Having this table helps show what costs are involved in setting up your computer repair shop, how risks are shared between founders, investors and lenders, and what the starting cash position will be. This cash position needs to be sufficient to sustain operations until the business reaches a break-even point.

Now that you have a clear understanding of what goes into the financial forecast of your computer repair shop business plan, let's shift our focus to the written part of the plan.

Need inspiration for your business plan?

The Business Plan Shop has dozens of business plan templates that you can use to get a clear idea of what a complete business plan looks like.

The written part of the business plan is where you will explain what your business does and how it operates, what your target market is, whom you compete against, and what strategy you will put in place to seize the commercial opportunity you've identified.

Having this context is key for the reader to form a view on whether or not they believe that your plan is achievable and the numbers in your forecast realistic.

The written part of a computer repair shop business plan is composed of 7 main sections:

• The executive summary
• The presentation of the company
• The products and services
• The market analysis
• The strategy
• The operations
• The financial plan

Let's go through the content of each section in more detail!

1. The executive summary

The executive summary, the first section of your computer repair shop's business plan, serves as an inviting snapshot of your entire plan, leaving readers eager to know more about your business.

To compose an effective executive summary, start with a concise introduction of your business, covering its name, concept, location, history, and unique aspects. Share insights about the services or products you intend to offer and your target customer base.

Subsequently, provide an overview of your computer repair shop's addressable market, highlighting current trends and potential growth opportunities.

Then, present a summary of critical financial figures, such as projected revenues, profits, and cash flows.

You should then include a summary of your key financial figures such as projected revenues, profits, and cash flows.

Lastly, address any funding needs in the "ask" section of your executive summary.

2. The presentation of the company

In your computer repair shop business plan, the second section should focus on the structure and ownership, location, and management team of your company.

In the structure and ownership part, you'll provide an overview of the business's legal structure, details about the owners, and their respective investments and ownership shares. This clarity is crucial, especially if you're seeking financing, as it helps the reader understand which legal entity will receive the funds and who controls the business.

Moving on to the location part, you'll offer an overview of the company's premises and their surroundings. Explain why this particular location is of interest, highlighting factors like catchment area, accessibility, and nearby amenities.

When describing the location of your computer repair shop, you could emphasize the potential for growth in the area. Mention the increasing population size and the expansive access to transportation and communication networks in the area. Point out the close proximity to other businesses, universities, and attractions that could attract new customers. Show the financier how the area may be a desirable destination for a computer repair shop, and how it could be a great investment opportunity.

Finally, you should introduce your management team. Describe each member's role, background, and experience.

Don't forget to emphasize any past successes achieved by the management team and how long they've been working together. Demonstrating their track record and teamwork will help potential lenders or investors gain confidence in their leadership and ability to execute the business plan.

3. The products and services section

The products and services section of your business plan should include a detailed description of the offerings that your company provides to its customers. 

For example, your computer repair shop might offer computer diagnostics, software installation, and hardware repairs to its customers. Diagnostics are necessary to identify any existing or potential issues with a customer's computer, and software installation ensures customers can access the programs they need. Hardware repairs are essential to maintain the hardware of the customer's computer and keeping it in working condition.

When drafting this section, you should be precise about the categories of products or services you sell, the types of customers you are targeting and how customers can buy them.

4. The market analysis

When outlining your market analysis in the computer repair shop business plan, it's essential to include comprehensive details about customers' demographics and segmentation, target market, competition, barriers to entry, and relevant regulations.

The primary aim of this section is to give the reader an understanding of the market size and appeal while demonstrating your expertise in the industry.

To begin, delve into the demographics and segmentation subsection, providing an overview of the addressable market for your computer repair shop, key marketplace trends, and introducing various customer segments and their preferences in terms of purchasing habits and budgets.

Next, shift your focus to the target market subsection, where you can zoom in on the specific customer segments your computer repair shop targets. Explain how your products and services are tailored to meet the unique needs of these customers.

For example, your target market might include tech savvy individuals who need help with their current computers or laptops. These customers are looking for a cost effective solution and are willing to pay for professional service in order to get their computers up and running again. They are often willing to invest in preventative maintenance and repairs in order to keep their computer running optimally.

In the competition subsection, introduce your main competitors and explain what sets your computer repair shop apart from them.

Finally, round off your market analysis by providing an overview of the main regulations that apply to your computer repair shop.

5. The strategy section

When crafting the strategy section of your business plan for your computer repair shop, it's important to cover several key aspects, including your competitive edge, pricing strategy, sales & marketing plan, milestones, and risks and mitigants.

In the competitive edge subsection, clearly explain what sets your company apart from competitors. This is particularly critical if you're a startup, as you'll be trying to establish your presence in the marketplace among entrenched players.

The pricing strategy subsection should demonstrate how you aim to maintain profitability while offering competitive prices to your customers.

For the sales & marketing plan, outline how you plan to reach and acquire new customers, as well as retain existing ones through loyalty programs or special offers.

In the milestones subsection, detail what your company has achieved thus far and outline your primary objectives for the coming years by including specific dates for expected progress. This ensures everyone involved has clear expectations.

Lastly, in the risks and mitigants subsection, list the main risks that could potentially impact the execution of your plan. Explain the measures you've taken to minimize these risks. This is vital for investors or lenders to feel confident in supporting your venture - try to proactively address any objection they might have.

Your computer repair shop could face the risk of losing customers if they are not satisfied with the quality of your services. This could be due to a lack of knowledge or skill in repairing computers, or simply a lack of customer service. Additionally, your business could face the risk of theft and vandalism as it deals with expensive electronic equipment. If not properly secured, the shop may be vulnerable to potential thieves who may be able to get away with valuable items. These risks may be difficult to prevent but it is important to take the necessary precautions to protect your business.

6. The operations section

The operations of your computer repair shop must be presented in detail in your business plan.

The first thing you should cover in this section is your staffing team, the main roles, and the overall recruitment plan to support the growth expected in your business plan. You should also outline the qualifications and experience necessary to fulfil each role, and how you intend to recruit (using job boards, referrals, or headhunters).

You should then state the operating hours of your computer repair shop - so that the reader can check the adequacy of your staffing levels - and any plans for varying opening times during peak season. Additionally, the plan should include details on how you will handle customer queries outside of normal operating hours.

The next part of this section should focus on the key assets and IP required to operate your business. If you depend on any licenses or trademarks, physical structures (equipment or property) or lease agreements, these should all go in there.

You may have key assets such as computer repair equipment and tools. These could include items like screwdrivers, pliers, and other items that might be necessary to make repairs to computers. Additionally, you may have intellectual property such as repair manuals and software programs that could help you troubleshoot various problems. These may provide helpful information and guidance in order to ensure that your repairs are completed correctly.

Finally, you should include a list of suppliers that you plan to work with and a breakdown of their services and main commercial terms (price, payment terms, contract duration, etc.). Investors are always keen to know if there is a particular reason why you have chosen to work with a specific supplier (higher-quality products or past relationships for example).

7. The presentation of the financial plan

The financial plan section is where we will include the financial forecast we discussed earlier in this guide.

Now that you have a clear idea of what goes into a computer repair shop business plan, let's look at some of the tools you can use to create yours efficiently.

What tool should I use to write my computer repair shop's business plan?

In this section, we will be reviewing the two main solutions for creating a computer repair shop business plan:

• Using specialized online business plan software,
• Outsourcing the plan to the business plan writer.

Using an online business plan software for your computer repair shop's business plan

The modern and most efficient way to write a computer repair shop business plan is to use business plan software .

There are several advantages to using specialized software:

• You can easily create your financial forecast by letting the software take care of the financial calculations for you without errors
• You are guided through the writing process by detailed instructions and examples for each part of the plan
• You can access a library of dozens of complete business plan samples and templates for inspiration
• You get a professional business plan, formatted and ready to be sent to your bank or investors
• You can easily track your actual financial performance against your financial forecast
• You can create scenarios to stress test your forecast's main assumptions
• You can easily update your forecast as time goes by to maintain visibility on future cash flows
• You have a friendly support team on standby to assist you when you are stuck

If you're interested in using this type of solution, you can try The Business Plan Shop for free by signing up here .

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Hiring a business plan writer to write your computer repair shop's business plan

Outsourcing your computer repair shop business plan to a business plan writer can also be a viable option.

Business plan writers are skilled in creating error-free business plans and accurate financial forecasts. Moreover, hiring a consultant can save you valuable time, allowing you to focus on day-to-day business operations.

However, it's essential to be aware that hiring business plan writers will be expensive, as you're not only paying for their time but also the software they use and their profit margin.

Based on experience, you should budget at least £1.5k ($2.0k) excluding tax for a comprehensive business plan, and more if you require changes after initial discussions with lenders or investors.

Also, exercise caution when seeking investment. Investors prefer their funds to be directed towards business growth rather than spent on consulting fees. Therefore, the amount you spend on business plan writing services and other consulting services should be insignificant compared to the amount raised.

Keep in mind that one drawback is that you usually don't own the business plan itself; you only receive the output, while the actual document is saved in the consultant's business planning software. This can make it challenging to update the document without retaining the consultant's services.

For these reasons, carefully consider outsourcing your computer repair shop business plan to a business plan writer, weighing the advantages and disadvantages of seeking outside assistance.

Why not create your computer repair shop's business plan using Word or Excel?

Using Microsoft Excel and Word (or their Google, Apple, or open-source equivalents) to write a computer repair shop business plan is a terrible idea.

For starters, creating an accurate and error-free financial forecast on Excel (or any spreadsheet) is very technical and requires both a strong grasp of accounting principles and solid skills in financial modelling.

As a result, it is unlikely anyone will trust your numbers unless - like us at The Business Plan Shop - you hold a degree in finance and accounting and have significant financial modelling experience in your past.

The second reason is that it is inefficient. Building forecasts on spreadsheets was the only option in the 1990s and early 2000s, nowadays technology has advanced and software can do it much faster and much more accurately.

And with the rise of AI, software is also becoming smarter at helping us detect mistakes in our forecasts and helping us analyse the numbers to make better decisions.

Also, using software makes it easy to compare actuals vs. forecasts and maintain our forecasts up to date to maintain visibility on future cash flows - as we discussed earlier in this guide - whereas this is a pain to do with a spreadsheet.

That's for the forecast, but what about the written part of my computer repair shop business plan?

This part is less error-prone, but here also software brings tremendous gains in productivity:

• Word processors don't include instructions and examples for each part of your business plan
• Word processors don't update your numbers automatically when they change in your forecast
• Word processors don't handle the formatting for you

Overall, while Word or Excel may be viable options for creating a computer repair shop business plan for some entrepreneurs, it is by far not the best or most efficient solution.

• Having an up-to-date business plan is key to maintaining visibility on your future cash flows.
• A business plan has 2 parts: a financial forecast highlighting the expected growth, profitability and cash generation of the business; and a written part which provides the context needed to interpret and assess the quality of the forecast.
• Using business plan software is the modern way of writing and maintaining business plans.

We hope that this guide helped you to better understand how to write the business plan for a computer repair shop. If you still have questions, do not hesitate to contact us.

Also on The Business Plan Shop

• How to write a 5 years business plan
• Business plan myths

Know someone who owns or wants to start a computer repair shop? Share this article with them!

Founder & CEO at The Business Plan Shop Ltd

Guillaume Le Brouster is a seasoned entrepreneur and financier.

Guillaume has been an entrepreneur for more than a decade and has first-hand experience of starting, running, and growing a successful business.

Prior to being a business owner, Guillaume worked in investment banking and private equity, where he spent most of his time creating complex financial forecasts, writing business plans, and analysing financial statements to make financing and investment decisions.

Guillaume holds a Master's Degree in Finance from ESCP Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Business & Management from Paris Dauphine University.

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Computer Repair Business Plan Sample

MAY.05, 2015

Computer Repair business plan for starting your own shop

Starting a computer repair business is undoubtedly a profitable venture. In this era, computers have become an integral part of offices, industries, organizations, institutes, and even homes. Any enterprise that uses computers to manage its operations also needs some authentic computer repair services to timely maintain, repair, and upgrade the computers.

Thus, if you are thinking about starting this business, you don’t need to worry about the scope and opportunities. Just focus on how to open a computer repair business. For that, you will need to make a business plan for computer repairs, as the first step. In case, you don’t know how to create a comprehensive computer repair business plan pdf , we are providing here the business plan for a startup, PC Fix.

Executive Summary

2.1 the business.

PC Fix will be a licensed and registered computer repair business startup. The business will be based in Boston. The business will provide computer repair, maintenance, and upgradation services to individual customers, and small and large business setups.

2.2 Management of Computer Repair Shop

Computers can get software and hardware problems anytime. Therefore, if you want to start a computer repair business you must have adequate staff. So that you can provide your customers with instant support.

While you decide your strategy about how to set up a computer repair business, you should start gathering a skillful workforce. To manage your business, you will also be needing experienced supervisors to monitor all aspects.

2.3 Customers of Computer Repair Shop

Before researching how to start a computer repair business you should explore who will be your customers. Knowing your customers will help you in amassing the equipment and staff that could meet their demands.

PC Fix identified its customers as individuals who possess their personal computers, small and large businesses, educational institutes, and government organizations.

2.4 Business Target

Our aim is to become the most renowned computer repair business within a year of our launch. Our financial targets to be achieved over the next 3 years are demonstrated in this table.

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

Steve Wayne will be the owner of PC Fix. Steve has an Associate Degree in Computer Science. He has worked as a computer support specialist for three years at Boston Finance Commission.

3.2 Why the computer repair shop is being started

Steve gained extensive experience in his field during his job. After three years he realized that he can earn multiple folds by becoming an entrepreneur. Considering his knowledge area he decided to start computer repair business plan pdf .

3.3 How the computer repair shop will be started

Step1: Plan your business

As a first step, you should plan everything about your computer repair business plan pdf and write it in your computer repair business description. If you don’t know what to include in a computer repair business plan pdf you can take help from this computer repairs business plan example. In this computer repair business plan sample we have listed everything about PC Fix including market analysis, sales business strategy , personnel plan, and financial plan.

Step2: Define your brand

After creating your computer repair business plan pdf , it’s now time to acquire the required licenses and setting up your physical presence. Meanwhile, you should also define your business values and aims to make people feel associated with your goals.

Step3: Start the recruitment

The next step is to initiate your hiring process to find the most competent employees.

Step4: Get ready to promote & market

After you’ve concluded all the above-mentioned steps, you should go for promoting your services.

Step5: Establish a web presence

These days, whenever people need any type of service, they search for it on Google. Therefore, it is very important to establish a strong web presence. It will enable you to come in top searches. And it will also allow you to attract more people by showing them others’ feedback.

Before owning a computer repair business you should decide your services. Through this, you will be able to purchase the right equipment and hire the right staff. In this computer repair business plan template we are listing the services of PC Fix.

• Hardware Repairs/ Maintenance/ Upgradation

We’ll also provide computer hardware repairs. Hardware issues are very common in computers. People often complain about screen freezes, blue-screen, file corruption errors, and abnormal shutdowns. They are all in actual hardware issues.

Along with it, we will provide regular maintenance and upgradation services on an instant basis as well as on monthly and yearly contracts.

• Software Repairs/ Maintenance/ Upgradation

We will troubleshoot and resolve software problems and faults. When hired on a monthly or yearly contract, we’ll ensure regular maintenance and upgradation of software.

• Computer, Laptop and Mobile Accessories

We will also offer computer and cellphone accessories such as network interface cards, batteries, speakers, headsets, USB flash drives, etc.

• Database Management System Development

Our last service will be for businesses, institutes, and organizations. In this, we will develop a cost-effective database management system for them to manage large and irregular datasets.

Marketing Analysis of Computer Repair Shop

Before starting computer repair business it is essential to carry out a detailed marketing analysis. Marketing analysis allows you to identify ongoing and forthcoming market trends. That will eventually enable you to recognize

• The customers that may be directly or indirectly interested in your services.
• The unoccupied opportunities to serve your target customers.
• The ways that can best capture the attention of your target customers.
• The product prices that can help you draw customers as well as earn profit.

Marketing analysis should be done systematically. If you don’t know what to include in a marketing plan, you can take help from here. In this blog on how to write a business plan for computer repairs, we’re providing the marketing analysis done for PC Fix.

5.1 Market Trends

In the United States, almost everyone possesses a personal computer, laptop, or cellphone. Along with it, to manage large data sets and to work on research areas, government organizations, educational institutes, and businesses use computer-based labs and systems. With these electronic gadgets, come their hardware and software issues. Therefore, a computer repair business is needed more than ever.

Currently, more than 41k computer repair businesses are running in the U.S. according to IBISWorld. The market size until 2020 is reported to be $18 billion. Moreover, the industry has also acted as a source of employment for more than 124k people.

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

Before opening a computer repair business, you should identify the groups of your target customers. Doing this will enable you to recognize their expectations, needs, and purchasing capabilities.

As computers are used in nearly every field now, the customers of the computer repair business belong to various walks of life. The major groups of customers as identified by PC Fix are given below.

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5.2.1 Individuals

The first group of our target customers comprises people and students who have their personal computers and laptops. This category gets really worried on encountering any faults/ problems with their devices. Therefore, we expect them to visit our shop frequently for hardware/ software repairs and also for purchasing electronic accessories.

5.2.2 Small & Large Businesses

The second group of our target customers will be businesses. Nowadays companies use computers to monitor their business, cash flows, and to perform their work. Thus, they are expected to avail of our services on a contract basis as they need regular maintenance and upgradation.

5.2.3 Educational Institutes

Our third category comprises educational institutes that have established computer labs for study, research, and management purposes.

5.2.4 Government Organizations

Last we also expect government organizations based in our city to be our customers for their computer repairs and upgradation.

5.3 Business Target

In your computer repair business model you should clearly define your computer repair business plan pdf targets to be achieved over a specified time. This can help you in directing your workforce and your resources towards a common goal.

PC Fix aims at

• Earning a net profit margin of $28k per month by the end of the third year
• Earning an average rating above 4.65 by the end of the first year
• Maintaining a CSAT score above 90%
• Achieving a customer retention rate of 90% by the end of the first year

5.4 Product Pricing

Our prices are slightly lower than that of our competitors. This is because we want to get introduced to a large number of people as soon as we get launched.

Marketing Strategy

To capture the attention of your target customers amid huge competition, it is necessary to have an efficient sales strategy. In this computer repair business proposal we are providing computer repair business marketing plan of PC Fix. So that you can learn what can be done to stay competitive and successful.

6.1 Competitive Analysis

• We have extremely skilled and collaborative staff.
• We are highly client-oriented and are willing to go the extra mile to satisfy our customers.
• Customers can book our services through our website.
• Only we in our vicinity are providing computer and cellphone accessories. And that is something that will help us draw more customers.

6.2 Sales Strategy

To attract our target customers, we will:

• Establish a strong web presence by making it SEO
• Advertise our services through Google Local ads service
• Provide a 40% discount on all of our services except PC accessories for the first 3 months of the launch
• Provide a 30% discount to organizations, businesses, and institutes on a 6-month maintenance contract.

6.3 Sales Monthly

6.4 Sales Yearly

6.5 Sales Forecast

Personnel plan

When you write a business plan computer repair shop, you should also include a list of required employees in it. Through this, you’ll be able to define a criterion to select the most competent employees. Moreover, make sure that you also throw light on their average salaries for at least 3 years in your personnel plan.

7.1 Company Staff

Steve will be the CEO himself. However, to run his business he will hire the following people.

• 1 Co-Manager/ Supervisor to procure equipment & see overall operations
• 8 Computer Repair Technicians
• 1 Software Developer to develop management software & company’s website
• 1 Accountant to maintain financial records
• 2 Sales Executives to promote the company and negotiate contracts
• 1 Store Manager (to manage accessories display and sales)
• 1 Receptionist

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

Financial plan.

A considerable amount is needed to build a computer repair business. If you want to make sure that your investment group to business plan doesn’t go waste, you must do accurate financial planning before you actually start your business. An accurate financial plan includes cash flow tables and diagrams, projected profit and loss, gross margins, and balance sheets. Combined, all these segments provide you with the idea of how to cover any unexpected financial loss. Or how much to keep in reserve etc.

Here, we are providing the financial plan made for PC Fix, so that you can take a general idea of computer repair finances.

8.1 Important Assumptions

8.2 brake-even analysis.

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

8.3.1 profit monthly.

8.3.2 Profit Yearly

8.3.3 Gross Margin Monthly

8.3.4 Gross Margin Yearly

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

8.5 Projected Balance Sheet

8.6 business ratios.

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Moscow wants to be a model smart city; this is how they plan to achieve it

The Russian capital is investing heavily in technology

The concept of smart cities is a well trodden one and has been at the core of the expansion of some of the world’s big megalopolises. 

Moscow, however, rarely comes to mind when thinking about technology, primarily because Russia is often considered to have a significant tech presence - unlike China or the US. 

Companies like Rostec and Kaspersky are changing this and so are initiatives like Moscow’s City-as-a-service. Qualcomm for example, chose the city to launch Europe’s first 5G mmWave network in partnership with Moscow’s Department for Information Technologies of Moscow. We caught up with its head, Eduard Lysenko, to find out more about what they have been doing. 

• What is a smart city and how does one plan for it?
• How businesses can unlock smart city success
• 5G and smart cities : everything you need to know

Can you tell us a little about the city-as-a-service concept and how it has benefited the citizens of Moscow?

The digitalization of Moscow started in 2011 and since then the city has become one of the leaders in providing e-services for citizens, with more than 11m citizens using city services today. 

Initially, we had to digitize the city management systems. A few years later we started to introduce e-services for citizens that became very popular. The main feature of e-services in Moscow is that they are being developed by DIT and therefore they have a similar interface, the same login system and all of the services are connected and can interact with each other. It makes it easier for citizens to use.

At the same time we provided opportunities for the development of mobile networks. Due to cheap internet access and huge coverage (99 percent of Moscow is covered by 4G) the penetration of smartphones exceeded 83 percent. So the citizens of Moscow were ready to use these services.

As for the services themselves, they seek to cover all the needs of citizens. They include the EMIAS medical portal, the Active Citizen portal that runs polls for citizens, the Moscow E-school and the portal of the mayor of Moscow, mos.ru . However, there are also services for tourists, complaints, crowdsourcing etc. I’d like to briefly introduce some of these services. 

First of all, the EMIAS service for making online appointments in Moscow public clinics, thanks to which the average waiting time to see a doctor has been reduced to five minutes and 95 percent of prescriptions are now issued in electronic form. With the Moscow E-school, we are creating a high-tech environment to improve the quality of education in Moscow schools. There is also a well-known e-polling service called Active Citizen, which allows Muscovites to make decisions on urban development. Almost 2.3m citizens participate on the platform and about 4,000 decisions have already been implemented via this service. We have recently been developing Crowd.Mos where, in contrast to Active Citizen, people can independently suggest their own initiatives for the city.

As for the possibility of interaction, we are now working on a full integration of all services. For example, in the future, when the winter flu epidemic begins in the city, EMIAS will be able to notify all schoolchildren and their parents of the need for protection and vaccination. All our services will form a single network aimed at helping citizens in a variety of situations. And finally, the mos.ru portal, which is a platform that aggregates all e-services for citizens in one place, as well as providing the latest news about the life of the capital. Mos.ru allows citizens to understand which e-services exist and how they can be received, which saves them time.

One of our aims is to save time for people and this is something that Moscow’s services can do. In our case, speed means comfort. Already, the introduction of EMIAS is saving doctors up to two million hours per year. Making life more comfortable for citizens implies that the city provides services to residents at all levels. Before the digitalization started, people had to spend a lot of time to use city services and go to different institutions but now they are all available online. Last year, we reached 170bn visits to e-government services and $ 1.5bn in payments were processed.

But for us, things don’t end with the provision of basic services. We are striving to add specific new services in accordance with the requests of citizens. For example, in summer, free sports activities with coaches and equipment are now available in Moscow parks for registered users. We are now working on responding to all relevant and adequate needs of people because this approach allows us to boost awareness and the desire to improve in people themselves. In this way, the city itself, in a sense, is becoming a service for citizens - and our aim is to make sure that this is a high-quality service.

How successful have the city’s network of CCTV cameras and facial recognition system been in preventing crime?

Moscow has one of the world's largest network of CCTV cameras, second only to London (according to 2016 PWC estimates). These cameras are now helping to solve about 70 percent of all crimes committed in the city. 

As for facial recognition, at the moment there are 1,500 cameras in Moscow connected to this system in a pilot project. Video analytics takes place in automatic mode and notifies the city services if necessary.  In automatic mode, the camera responds to gestures, movements and elements of behavior, thereby revealing suspicious activity. This year, we plan to launch the system on 105,000 cameras - that is, all cameras capable of observing human faces will be covered. The majority of the cameras are installed in courtyards, entrances and subways, where the footfall is greatest. We expect to reduce the overall number of crimes by 20 to 40 percent by next year. 

In addition to the city cameras, we are developing other technologies with facial recognition capabilities. For example, we tested augmented reality glasses with facial recognition for police. These glasses make it possible to recognize a criminal in the midst of a crowd and significantly reduce the time required to capture criminals. 

Again, many speak critically about video surveillance with a facial recognition system, believing that the government wants to establish surveillance of people. But I can tell you about a successful case - during the 2018 World Cup in Moscow, cameras with facial recognition were used to identify 98 fans banned from visiting fan zones. This helped to provide us with a decent level of security during the championship and not expose people who came to watch the game to unnecessary risk.

The global aim here is to provide a self-regulating and high-quality system, reducing any possible risks for our citizens.

What security measures have been put in place to protect the government-run storage facility that houses the data collected by the cameras?

Providing cyber security for the data was top-priority since the very beginning of the digitalization. Fault-tolerant data processing centers belonging to the Government of Moscow are used as a basis for countering attacks. So far, a data protection system has been built for the data center, which has made it possible to ensure the protection of the information systems located in the data center.

In 2018, we took measures to identify unauthorized access to the Moscow data storage and processing centers. During this year, more than 27,572  cyberattacks have been blocked. We are constantly improving our security system, conducting inspections and audits of security systems.

The correct functioning of the newly built information protection system has been confirmed by the positive results of certification tests for compliance with information security requirements and the issue of a certificate of conformity of the information facility with information security requirements. 

As for our surveillance system, access to these cameras is also limited and controlled. In 2018, we developed an automated information system called Access Control System for Information Systems and Resources of the City of Moscow, which is designed to ensure safe, reliable identification and authentication of users when accessing the information systems of Moscow. The video retention period is about five to seven days. Within five days, any citizen can apply for data from video cameras. According to the statistics, 80 percent of users contact us within three days and a further 15 percent in the remaining two days.

Moscow is known for having the best e-government services. Can you tell us about the Active Citizen app and how Muscovites are using it to participate in city government affairs?

We created the Active Citizen service in 2014 at the initiative of the Government of Moscow. This is a service of electronic polls for citizens, enabling them to make decisions on important citywide issues. Active Citizen is unique case – the service allows ordinary citizens to influence what is going on in the city. Any Moscow resident who has a Russian mobile operator SIM card can register and get involved in changing Moscow. 

To attract citizens, we use elements of gamification — for participation in polls and other activities, users are encouraged with points, which can later be exchanged for various kinds of benefits. As of July 2019, about 2.3m users have registered using the application and more than 4,000 polls have been conducted. Among the decisions made by users, it is worth noting the creation of 25 local parks, 10 new bus routes and bicycle lanes. In addition, citizens can choose names for various urban innovations. For example, this is how the name was chosen for the Moscow Metro’s Third Circle.

Active Citizen is one of our most important services and despite the fact that now it is already successfully operating, we are still devoting energy and resources to promoting and popularizing it.

This year, the service turned five years old and we organized a big celebration in one of the main parks of Moscow. We run these events not so much to attract more users but to increase loyalty among current users.

In addition to Active Citizen, I would like to talk about the launch of the My District service. In simple words, this is like a small version of Active Citizen, where residents of a particular district can make decisions on how to improve their area. We believe that decisions at all levels are important, and My District allows residents to exercise more autonomy in matters of city infrastructure.

Of course, we have been repeatedly criticized for the fact that Active Citizen offers a limited choice and range of issues for consideration. So, this year, we have launched the Crowd.Mos service, which allows people to independently propose their own urban planning initiatives. I can say that we are proudly a world leader in the implementation of ideas proposed by citizens.

I would also mention an experiment with blockchain elections to the Moscow City Parliament this year in the context of e-government. Connecting blockchain technology will not only enable online voting but also ensure the transparency of the elections and the impossibility of changing results, which will be securely encrypted.

How is AI being used in Moscow to improve healthcare?

For a start, it is important to point out that public healthcare in Moscow, as in all of Russia, is free. As you know, Moscow is a gigantic metropolis, accordingly, a huge amount of resources, including humans, are needed to serve all citizens. Currently, the city has about 244 public hospitals and 444 clinics, which employ more than 44,000 doctors.

As part of DIT’s Smart City program, city polyclinics have been connected to the artificial intelligence system. Online services are helping to reduce queues in clinics and make it easy to communicate with doctors. For example, today the majority of city clinics have implemented a patient flow control mechanism - the mechanism covers more than 60 percent of all doctors and allows you to correctly distribute the number of patients for each doctor. Thanks to this system, citizens can see a doctor as soon as possible, and the queues in most metropolitan clinics have almost been eliminated.

Accordingly, it is very difficult to manage this entire system and artificial intelligence helps us in this. In addition to facilitating the process of managing and allocating resources, citizens can now receive their analyses and test results by e-mail, which means they don’t need to go back to the clinic. This makes life easier for everyone - both patients and doctors.

The online service for registering with a clinic without a personal visit has also become very convenient for Moscow citizens. At the end of last year, more than 51,000 people registered with clinics in this way.

A key innovation in the health system is the beginning of the implementation of the Digital Vision pilot project. With the help of big data and artificial intelligence, doctors now have the opportunity to diagnose cancer in its early stages, as well as to assess stroke risks. The use of this technology has already increased diagnostic accuracy in Moscow by 15 percent.

In addition to improving the process of receiving and organizing treatment of patients in clinics, we are interested in the development of telemedicine. Of course, online consultation will never replace a full-fledged doctor's appointment, especially in difficult cases. However, it may be useful for primary symptoms and in cases where a visit to the doctor may not be necessary.

How is the Department of IT using big data to deliver insights about city residents?

DIT processes 14.3 terabytes of data daily. Big data processing technologies allow us to structure and transform the initial data file more quickly and with minimum labor costs, reducing the amount of information that people work with and thus the time spent on solving these problems. Big data helps us better understand our citizens. Thanks to big data, we can make a portrait of a Moscow citizen, understand their preferences and address whatever problems they have. For example, what changes in the infrastructure of the city they need and what is missing. Also, big data can help in predicting natural disasters or epidemics. Today, by analyzing this data, we know what problems are emerging. It is now possible to draw up a plan for the repair of roads or to build social facilities on the basis of this information. In one district, for example, you need to build a school, and in another, residents need additional parking zones.

Moreover, big data provides an opportunity for personalization. For example, there is automatic SMS notification of residents of specific areas of unplanned situations - water shutdown, snowfall, road works, and so on. Big data has long been used in the Moscow call center. First of all, our robot with artificial intelligence is connected to the call center and is trained to answers citizens' questions. At the end of the year, we are planning a pilot launch of a new robot, which can analyze the history of previous calls to predict the nature of a new call. This will significantly reduce the total call time. I notice that many companies, including public ones, consider robots with artificial intelligence to be unprofitable and expensive to develop. However, with the help of our robot, we were able to completely reassign human operators from simple questions to more complex ones, thereby saving them time and energy and reducing labor costs.

We also have separate benefits for businessmen. This year, we are planning to launch a robot that will help automate purchases and inform Moscow entrepreneurs about upcoming tenders. We plan to add more features to it in the future.

• This is everything you need to know about smart cities and 5G

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