Fixing computers on the side

rexdemon

I've been looking into fixing people's computers on the side as a kind of second job. I've plenty of experience in the area. I don't have any specific qualifications other than I'm an electronic engineering graduate working with PC's everyday and I've also worked in technical support for a few different companies before. I've tried this idea a few years back, but didn't do much with it, only did a few jobs before my car broke down and had to focus on my exams in college.

I'll be working in north dublin. Maybe south dublin as well.
Does anyone know, if I need to setup a company to fix people's PC's? I assume I would setup as a sole trader?

I also wanted to know, does anyone know about the liability in this situation? if I accidentally damage something like?

Any other tips would be very welcome indeed.

DublinDilbert

There is probably a market for it.... if your doing it on the side i guess you wouldn't have a premises so you would be doing the work in peoples homes... It can be a real pain working with people looking over your shoulder, also if you have to say re-install windows you can't be multi tasking, ie working on another PC at the same time...

It would also be very slow work if your in someones home waiting for updates to download ect...

These days most of your work would probably be fixing software problems as the hardware is quite reliable now, i always get the impression that people put less value on this type of work, which is wrong as you can have their PC running like new again!!

I wouldn't worry too much about liability insurance, in hardware terms at most you could be out the price of a PC, which isn't that much.... When trying to recover data from a failed HD or something like that i would probably get the people to sign some sort of disclaimer, saying it may or may not work... .

Feelgood

Well firstly, unless you form a company you will be limited to fixing home user PC's for cash. To maybe provide support for Small/Meduim sized business, they will be looking for VAT receipts so you will need to form a company.

Company formation can cost maybe €200-400, then you need someone to do your accounts and annual VAT returns at approx €1500 - 2000k. Unless you know a good accountant or are capable of doing them yourself?.

The thing is that if you are only able to provide part time support a lot of companies aren't going to look at you as they would expect someone to be able to come out to them between 9-5 any day they have a problem.

So basically, annually you are going to have costs of about 3k between phones, accountants etc etc so you will need to be pulling in enough money to cover these costs so you are going to have to charge roughly around €70 an hour for service which is a standard enough rate.

If you want to make real extra cash and make it worth while you are going to have to aim at small businesses such as accountants offices, solicitors etc and to do this you need to form a company.

Otherwise bang an advert in local supermarket notice boards with a moby number and aim for the home user. Might make you a couple of hundred a week providing your area is not already flooded with PC repair specialists.

biko

DublinDilbert wrote: »

It can be a real pain working with people looking over your shoulder,
...

These days most of your work would probably be fixing software problems as the hardware is quite reliable now, i always get the impression that people put less value on this type of work, which is wrong as you can have their PC running like new again!!

Too true! I fix friends computers sometimes and just because it only takes me 30 mins to clear their PC of all kinds of crap and optimise the performance they tend to think there wasn't really a problem to start with.

Fixed my gfs PC the other day in under an hour and she goes
"So it was an easy job then?"
"Yes, for ME it was..."

randombar

Lads what are ye're concerns reinstalling windows xp on comps? I generally use the same license key for them even though they probably have their own one somewhere or other (I.e. sticker isnt readble etc)

Feelgood

GaryCocs wrote: »

Lads what are ye're concerns reinstalling windows xp on comps? I generally use the same license key for them even though they probably have their own one somewhere or other (I.e. sticker isnt readble etc)

Well firstly we're not talking about reinstalling windows we are talking about setting up a part time repair business so we dont have any concerns.

And secondly I seriously hope your not in the computer business as all the PC's you've just rebuilt wont be able to receive updates shortly from Microsoft cause you've used the same license key...

randombar

Je$us no I'm not in the computer business but I do help my friends out when their computers go belly up! I can barely build one let alone rebuild one!

as for the updates, good to know anyways!

rexdemon

thanks a lot guys, thats been very helpful indeed.

I think I'll just put small ads up in local shops for the moment before I take it any further.

Will prob just write up quick disclaimers about doing any heavy config stuff or hardware stuff just so I don't end up getting screwed. Even though disclaimers don't hold up in court, its only really letting them know that it could end up badly.

any other tips guys bout going from house to house.

forbairt

rexdemon wrote: »

any other tips guys bout going from house to house.

just a few throughts on it all

I'd recommend you get yourself a good toolbox ... assuming you have transport ... and then always keep your tools in it ... get a good crimping tool and always have a set of plugs spare leads (1 stupid problem before was that the power cables were blown .. all of them it took me a while to figure it out)

Always bring a supply of cat5 as well as usb cables .. just in case

Don't do anything naughty ... if they want office or something give them open office telling them what it is. Its your reputation / business on the line after all

Might be a nice idea to have a few things on CD ... latest nvidia drivers and so on ... just an idea but they can take a while to download so having them with you or on CD can speed up the whole process .. unless of course you are charging by the hour and not just for the job

Assuming you're installing some software on their machines have winclam / Spybot search and destroy / Nod32 ... or your preferred virus scanner .. and have the most recent available

(don't assume they'll have broadband) maybe it'd be an idea to invest in a 3 data modem ... just an idea if you're visiting any customers with dial up only .. the update process could be painful
http://www.three.ie/broadband/datamodem.htm (or similar service ... that was the one that sprang to mind)

rexdemon

Some savage ideas there forbairt

I'll deffo get some Cd's written up, some spyware CD's, anti-virus cd's, maybe windows updates, hardware update cd's as well. Cat5 cables are a good idea, I've had problems in the past with people using cross over instead of straight through. although most modems now don't need them.

I agree about not being naughty, I wouldnt be handing out cracked copies of anything. Plus there's plenty of open source tools out there.

The data modem is a good idea, there can be a lot of setup there though. I've an old modem at home but I'd rather not use.

Another question is about charging... I know its 1% perspiration and 99% inspiration and all that. But got any ideas on how to base the whole the charging thing. I'm the little guy so I can get away with undercutting the bigger guys. Does 50euro for setting up a printer not seem steep??

wheres me jumpa

rexdemon wrote: »

Does 50euro for setting up a printer not seem steep??

Charge per hour with a minimum/call out fee.

forbairt

Call out rate ...

its going to take you how long to get there ... its going to take you how long to get back ...

you're going to spend how long on the job ...

Do the usual calculations ... how much do you want to earn a year at this (think if it was your full time job)

(for ease say you want to earn 48K a year ... )

52 weeks in the year ... 4 weeks holidays ...

that means 48 weeks left ...

therefore you have to earn 1k a week on the job ...

a working week means 40 hours ...

1000 / 40 = hourly rate of 25 quid ...

Fixing up a printer = .. house call ...

20 minutes to get there ... 20 minutes to get back ... finding out problem with the printer .. downloaded drivers and so on (potentially) .. updating drivers and so on ... and you're looking at 2 hours work ... not to mention ... 1.5 hours parking ...

so your 50 quid rate in this case is quite appropriate ... given these figures .. maybe more

If you're making that amount then you'll have to pay VAT as well on the service you are offering ... take into consideration VAN costs (insurance / depreciation .. 20% first year and so on... fuel ) ... marketing ... lunch expenses (because you aren't at work) ... and so on. Business premises ... you may want an office ... mobile phone costs (can be damn expensive ringing people having those 10 minutes conversations at your expense) / business cards ... ads in the papers ...

Say you want to take a networking course or something ( add on 1 - 2 grand for this)

48k isn't so much anymore

Tools / equipment / (laptop for diagnoses) / multi-meters / replacement parts costs.

Unfortunately the majority of people don't think of all these things

I also realise you're doing this as a Nixer so to speak ... but think long term ...

SMERSH

I do fix computers on the side and I started out charging a flat rate €50 for most local jobs under 2 hours. Most of my jobs consist of dealing with severe spyware infesations/porn and viruses. Mostly the only thing to do is reinstall the O/S and start again.

I keep things like AVG, spybot, Win XP service pack 2 etc on discs for ease of handiness. I agree having your own internet connection is a lifesaver esp for updating windows etc after a full reinstall.

Also get yourself a new phone for your nixer work, as you will get pissed off very quickly with them calling you up afterwards for every windows error message. I am considering an hourly rate this year due to the amount of hassle involved in follow ups. With some jobs it will be the hardest €50 you will ever earn.

Make sure you charge them a realistic rate for your time.

forbairt

I should have also said for my calculations that ... 1000/40 is a bit unreleastic ... because it'll be doubtful that you'll have the full 40 hours a week. probably closer to 20 - 30 hours depending on how you're doing you're marketing and if you get any SME's involved ... could be nice to offer them a flat rate for x hours a month and is some guaranteed income.

LegacyUser

Don’t think there is much point in setting up a company at this early stage just register as a sole trader and register for VAT also; I have done it this way and works great. U just use your pps no as your VAT no but u need to register it first. As a sole trader things are abit more easier to run as you pay tax through the normal PAYE system based upon how much you earn.
It is great being registered for VAT as business prefer it as they can claim back the VAT and so can you on purchases. Your accounts will be very simple just simple sales less purchases less expenses.....

floydmoon1

I have been repairing computers now for about a year.have a part time job aswell.its all about getting a name for yourself and getting people to tell their friends about you.advertise in a local advetiser or similar.some people can be very grateful and will have no problem paying you.Others can be tough expecting you to do things for pennies.Their is a very good website http://www.technibble.com
it is all about settings up and running a computer repair business covering both technical and administrative side.Their have good contract layout http://www.technibble.com/products/computer-business-kit/

Always stay on the right side of the law.Some people will want pirated stuff but most people will respect you for saying no to them.I will usually have a quick look at the problem when I reach the customers home and if it is a virus/spyware or something tricky or too time consuming I will take away the computer with me to work at at my house.

steps_3314

EXCELLENT POST..HAVE BEING ON YOUR SITE FOR THE PAST HOUR

floydmoon1 wrote: »

I have been repairing computers now for about a year.have a part time job aswell.its all about getting a name for yourself and getting people to tell their friends about you.advertise in a local advetiser or similar.some people can be very grateful and will have no problem paying you.Others can be tough expecting you to do things for pennies.Their is a very good website http://www.technibble.com
it is all about settings up and running a computer repair business covering both technical and administrative side.Their have good contract layout http://www.technibble.com/products/computer-business-kit/

Always stay on the right side of the law.Some people will want pirated stuff but most people will respect you for saying no to them.I will usually have a quick look at the problem when I reach the customers home and if it is a virus/spyware or something tricky or too time consuming I will take away the computer with me to work at at my house.

rexdemon

Hey guys, just wanted to say thanks for all the help, I've been on technibble and a number of other sites building up a database of useful tools and applications that could help me. I've also been scouring the boards here for pc problems to get more information on fixing problems.

Only problem now is, how do I advertise this?
I've put a few flyers up in a few shops around the local neighbourhood, but they're not attracting any interest. I've also advertised up on a number of Irish free ad websites.(gumtree, adoos, add.ie, everything.ie)
or should I be posting this question elsewhere??

wheres me jumpa

Well you need to know who you are targetting. Are you aiming at home users or business users? Deciding this will decide where you advertise.

rexdemon

wow, you replied fast!
I suppose for the time being, it'll only be home users, but I hope to move up onto small businesses at some point too.

Where would home users look for help most? I've a couple of ideas, but curious on further input.

forbairt

rexdemon wrote: »

Where would home users look for help most? I've a couple of ideas, but curious on further input.

Normally they'd look at their friends... (its a nightmare being that friend at times)

At least in my experience they do ... or at currys or where ever they bought it from ...

Get your business cards together and give them to your friends and ask them to recommend you if they hear of anything and to pass on your business card.

Briongloid-M

I do a bit of this, not so much anymore, but I used to do a lot of repairs, and the one thing I learned is that it's always a good thing to keep a log of people and their problems. There's nothing worse than someone coming in "remember I had a problem there before xmas" and you haven't a clue what the problem was. For that reason I still have a list of customers, their names and numbers plus a whole history of their computers.

DublinDilbert is right about the callouts, with the people breathing down your neck whilst you run scans or wait for updates to download. It can be a right pain. Having all your top tools on a memory stick helps as does having a load of CDs in the car. You'd be much better off taking the machines back home and having a special workspace set up for them though.

Fixing computers on a domestic basis is a good way to earn money. Callouts can be a pain, like I said, but on the whole they're handy earners (far less hassle than commercial callouts) especially when they're simple things like install a modem, set up a netopia, install a printer/scanner/digital camera, etc. Many people aren't just ignorant of computers, they're terrified of them and are afraid that even by setting up a printer they run the risk of blowing the whole thing skyhigh.

As for advertising, posters and flyers are far more cost effective than placing newspaper ads. Put them up on noticeboards where people are likely to see them. If you're in a small community as I am, sometimes the best way to advertise is by word of mouth. For example, you could spend a small fortune advertising in the paper and get nothing out of it then the following week you fix the local publican's PC and he recommends the whole bar to you, one of them's the coach of the local football team and he ends up reccomending the whole team to you and all their brothers and sisters and aunts and uncles and it just takes off from there. Forget Facebook and Bebo, this is old-skool social networking!

DublinWriter

forbairt wrote: »

Normally they'd look at their friends... (its a nightmare being that friend at times)

Tell me about it.

As a general pointer, you're got going to get a lot of money doing this type of work.

It's great for someone who is competent and has a love of computers and needs some extra pin-money, but pin-money it will always be.

The best tip I could give you is don't carry out the work on-site. Either collect the system unit, or have them bring it to you. There's nothing more annoying than trying to fix someone's PC in their home and having them bug you with questions every five minutes.

The second-best tip I could give you is don't go down the road of re-installing the OS at every difficult problem you encounter. You will basically screw-up the registry for all the installed apps and you'll be causing more problems than you are fixing, plus you will learn nothing except how to reinstall an OS.

I generally do this sort of thing for family and friends as a freebie, but it's a great way to learn.