Q&A for How to Start a Computer Business

Offer great service. If you want to have your own computer shop, you have to be able to provide good customer service. If you can't talk to people and break down what's wrong with their machine in layman's terms, you aren't going to keep customers. You also have to be able to decipher what problem your customer is describing, since they might not know the exact technical term for what's going on. Also, give the customer options. Make sure your customer knows that they're spending their money responsibly. For instance, if a customer has a $600 fix on a $300 machine, let them know that you don't necessarily recommend that. That way, your customers will know they can trust you, and they'll be more likely to come back as repeat customers.

Know your software. In order to accurately diagnose and repair problems, you need to have a good arsenal of software that you know works. You also need to understand why and how that software works so you know exactly what it's going to do and when you should run it.

There is no minimum, but starting a business, especially a technology-based one, can be very expensive. Figure out what you plan on selling, figure out registering fees, etc.

You could offer services beyond just computer sales, like repairs. You could also diversify your store to include other electronics that can be used along with computers like webcams, video cameras, etc.

You can try getting a bank loan or try approaching many of government's initiatives, but it's best to start from your own years of saving or borrow from family.

Yes. Preferably a college degree too. Many customers will ask you for credentials, accolades, references, etc. This will require a strong educational background and experience.

I don’t see why not if you have the credentials and experience to back it up. It may also be possible to do both if you offer weekly classes on specific topics. You could even test the waters if you wanted to eventually do a full service changeover.

I recommend finding one that is a potential competitor and approach the owner about showing you the ropes. This shouldn't scare them, especially if you are up-front about your plans to start your own business in the future. As an owner myself, I would welcome this, but I would have a stipulation that you work on contract (no guaranteed salary), you get paid when I get paid for the job, and I get a percentage of all sales of your business for a certain period of time after you strike out on your own.

You probably won't be able to start any kind of business with only $1,500. However, what you could do is offer to build or repair systems locally, spend the money on necessary components, then charge as needed. If you do this enough you should be able to save up to establish yourself as a legitimate business rather than a freelance worker.