Many IT professionals trying to figure out how to start a PC repair business find themselves wondering, "How can I provide a service that will be valuable to my clients, without giving away the store for free?"
A lot of times those trying to start their own businesses give away way too many free advice and services in the beginning as they try to attract and keep clients. There are a lot of reasons why computer repair specialists give away too many free services. Often they lack confidence in their abilities and expertise. Or, they don't have a grasp on the true expenses of operating their PC repair business. Or they simply have never been taught any other way.
The truth is, if you want to stay alive in the PC repair business, you can't give away all of your valuable services for free. While the "give it to them free" philosophy might seem to be a way to gain and keep attention of new customers and clients, it's not the best way to grow a business and will ultimately end up backfiring.
The following 4 tips can help you learn how to start a PC repair business without giving away the store for free, while still building trust and great relationships with your new customers and clients.
1. Know Your Competition and the Prevailing Rates for Your Types of Services. A big mistake that many new and even well-established PC repair businesses make is setting rates too low -- usually way too low. Many of these people find themselves on the verge of going out of business very, very quickly. As you learn how to start a PC repair business, make sure that you know what your credible direct competition is charging. The truth is, if you set your rates too low or wrong at the beginning, you will have a hard time changing them. And if you are able to change your rates, you will probably end up losing a lot of your customers and clients in the process. So be sure to carefully set your rates at the beginning of your business to avoid having to totally start over again later.
2. Don't Charge Less than Your Competitors. If you are competent, confident and know you have as much skill and talent as your competitors, there is no reason to charge less than your competitors. In fact, some people believe if you charge more, this is a sign you are really, really good. However, the point is not to see how much you can charge before you run yourself out of business. You just need to make sure as you figure out how to start a PC repair business that you don't sell yourself short. Even better, work with your accountant to develop a pro-forma Profit and Loss statement (a P&L), so you can figure out whether or not your planned rate structure is profitable sooner rather than later.
3. Do Your Homework and Provide Efficient, Professional Service. Show customers and clients that your firm's services are worth every penny. If you build a solid reputation, and are marketing to the right kinds of small business decision makers, price will not be the main deciding factor for your target clients. With a great reputation preceding you, your customers will admire your confidence and work ethic and be happy about doing business with your company.
4. Focus on Your Company's Service Agreement Plan. As you're thinking about how to start a PC repair business, make sure to consider how you'll develop a great service agreement plan that will bring in steady, high-paying clients and consistent revenue for your business. Even before you open your doors, you should have a plan for on-going contracts in place. A well thought-out service agreement program is mutually beneficial. It gives your clients peace of mind and you the opportunity to know where your next paycheck is coming from at all times.
