A potential repair/sales business

[chrisbrown]

Attn All London, ON computer geeks:
I am currently exploring the feasibility of a small computer repair business located somewhere within London. Although currently in the preliminary concept stage, if enough interest is generated, this could very well have to potential to become a respectable business. I will post updates as they occur if I get any interest from my favourite online community

Contact Chris Brown at: hownowbrowntown (AT) rogers (DOT) com

Until a site can be set up, I would like to use this thread as my official news feed

The current objective:
To provide London with the most affordable computer repair available, with emphasis on clients feeling secure that their property is in capable hands. By employing dedicated staff with strong technological knowledge and excellent communication skills, clients will develop trust in our services due to a very open communication between themselves and our staff.

The plan:
Phase 1: Generate potential staff interest; handle all necessary pre-startup admin work; instantiate a website (details to follow)
Phase 2: Open to public; generate client base; focus on cheap system repair; reduce any debts incurred
Phase 3: Expand service to include system sales; design online store; further client base; eliminate any outstanding debts

The Values:
1) The number one goal is fun and socializing. Nobody likes a boring job. Any employee is expected to socialize and bond with fellow co-workers. The staff will ideally consist of students and young adults who share a passion for computers and technology.

2) By creating a community of friends, it is hoped that work will not be considered work, but instead a time of productive socializing. At this time, details are fuzzy, but I am considering a share-the-wealth system based on performance and efficiency, as opposed to hours logged. As such, wages will not be as high as some may prefer, but this has one key advantage, being:

3) The lowest price in the city. Profit is a secondary matter. Through advertisements and client referrals, it is hoped that growth will be fast, after which profit will follow.

4) By working for a relatively low wage, I can assure staff a workplace that focuses on comfort and security. My ultimate goal is to provide a technological alternative to those with little patience for fast food or grocery stores.

5) By promoting to customers a nothing-to-lose philosophy, client satisfaction is expected to be high. Essentially, we want clients to feel assured of an honest, up-front price scheme, knowing full well that if their request cannot be handled, no costs will be incurred. On the other hand, those tasks that can be handled must come to a grand total not greater than the lowest available quote from the competition.

6) Communication is critical between client and employee. It is hoped that the staff will be able to clearly express a plan of action with respect to their system. Before any action is taken, the tech must first confirm his/her intentions with the client.

At This Point:
Our current budget is $0.00. I fully understand the financial situation of students is generally not what could be called abundant, but if anybody knows of a willing investor, contact info would be greatly appreciated.

We have a long way to go and I humbly request your compliance and services with no guarantee of success. However, I am certain that if everyone is willing to help, this could very well be the best job of your life.

[Geminias]

Computer service repair stores are funny. They depend on clients who use Windows and become infected with all the pollutant software aimed at Windows, and then when their system grinds to a screeching halt they realize how valuable their data was, and come strolling through those service and repair doors with high hopes.

The hands they fall in are often amateurs trained to use partition magic to format a hard disk and reinstall windows... *Cough* Computer XS

[Tony]

Heh, BestBuy / Futureshop / etc repairs are set up in such a way that that their recommended services: inspect, format, install, sell some security package.

runs just close enough to the price of a brand new, lower end (yet just a little bit better than what was brought in) system.

Its funny when a solution to a software problem is to get new hardware, but oftentimes that's the case.

[chrisbrown]

Quote:

Heh, BestBuy / Futureshop / etc repairs are set up in such a way that that their recommended services ... runs just close enough to the price of a brand new, lower end ... system.

It was my hope to provide the same services for a fraction of the cost. Unfortunately, any new business immediately becomes one of the hundreds already in place the area. It really is a shame when those with some skills are willing to put in the time and effort, but are thwarted by those who are trained but have no clue as to why they are doing what they are.

[chrisbrown]

Well, here's my current situation: I have no money but a lot of free time, so I have set up a forum for computer repair. I realize that there are already zillions of these in place, but I don't care. At this point I'm just getting myself heard, spreading the word, etc... If you are interested in joining a new community, head on over to http://fixmycomp.freehostia.com/forum. I will continue to update the site as time progresses...hopefully I will see some of you over there.

[Aziz]

Broken link. Even if you take out the '.' at the end.

[chrisbrown]

Sorry, my mistake: http://fixmycomp.freehostia.com/forum/

[Dan]

I think the biggest thing your plan is missing is how you are going to get money. Starting a buisness costs money and need an investor of some kind. Most likey in this case you whould need that investor to be in the froum of a bank loan, however if you have no credit rating and no property to put up for it, very few banks will give you anything.

Your best bet for now might be to work for an exisiting computer repair shop and learn the business more and save up money.

[Aziz]

I believe he mentioned that he needs investors, and he's looking for some...

[Dan]

Aziz @ 15th August 2007, 2:24 pm wrote:

I believe he mentioned that he needs investors, and he's looking for some...

Yes i saw that, but my point was that with out any credit, repuation, business education, money of your own, proptery of your own, and being young and inexpcired no one is going to invest in it.

Running a business of any kind takes alot of work and money. It is not as simple as just renting a space and puting up a sing.

[agnivohneb]

I like your idea and I am very interested only I don't live in or even near London.

A few friends and I had a similar idea only with in home repair. If it is unable to be repaired there then take it back with us and repair as required. The only problem with this was none of us could drive, at least not alone. I will be able to in September when I get my G2 and plan to start, even if it was only me at the start. Until my friends get there licenses.

I did try to setup a forum for computer repair like you did but not one (real) post all spam in the 6 months that I had it running. I am doing much better with my hosting though.

I hope you do great with your biz and I hope you do better with the forum than I did.