Is it worth starting a computer business?

Question

i've always been very knowledgable with computers and all my friends and family ask me for computer help when they need it, sometimes hours worth of work...so i think its time i made money off of it.. is this type of industry able to b a career for what i want to do... repairs, troubleshootings, buildin custom comps. ect... any input would be great thanks alot!!

-Eric

Answer 1

Check out this site for assistance with small business setup (non-profit)

http://www.score.org

You can locate an entrepreneur in your area who has been successful and will guide you through the process - usually someone in the same field.

Though, I'll warn you - it is a fair amount of work. The benefits in the long run will surprise you, however.

Answer 2

As a computer tech for over 25 years, I can tell you it is risky. Back in the 80's and 90's it was pretty good, but now, it has changed with so many computers being bought online. Many computer tech jobs are now only temp jobs, and the ones that are not, people usually don't leave it as the field is overcrowded now. Networking is starting to become temp jobs as well.
It depends on the demand in your area and how many people. To support a store, the town needs around 20,000+ ppl plus. But if there a few stores already, it will not be easy at all.
Getting as many certs in the field you can, can help, including at least a tech school (associate degree).

Answer 3

Maybe. I think about that all the time but what stops me is the support calls to follow the service. What I mean is this: you a are knowledgeable and know what you did to fix a computer. The next day you will get a call about something that has absolutely nothing to do with what you did but it will be YOUR fault. In the long run if you measure hours spent plus pay, you don't make much. Just my worries in case you have not thought of it.

Answer 4

Dunno, but i know someone who is starting a computer business and he has pointed to examples of similar things that other people are doing in the area (london) that are doing well.
Dont know about your area but what he is going to do is sell really nice looking PCs.
They look sharp, they are small and they are extremely quiet. They are custom built.
I think the point of this is that
1. people pay a lot for these machines and i think a lot of people (including my dad who bought one) like small, quiet machines built to their own spec.
2. repairs are all well and good but unless there is a hardware failure (a rare thing these days) people will fix their computers themselves using only google. Plus the computer shops in my area are usuall;y more expensive than simply buying a new computer....

Obviously if you have a shop you can do repairs for a little bit of money on the side but i would recommend that idea if you can open such a shop in a city where you live or nearby...