Wanting to start small computer business

Hi guys, I am hoping that some of you might be able to pool some creative
juices and help me out. As everyone who's not in a vegetative state knows.
The IT/Computer field is stagnant. Basically my dilemma is that I have been
working or more like it trying to work in the field for the last couple
years. I have been a help desk tech and a SysOp among other things. The
problem is that every IT/computer job I get, I get laid off from. I am tired
of trying to work for the computer field and want to try to make the
computer field work for me. I want to start a small computer business out of
my house. Basically repairs, builds, upgrades, small networking. I have a
million questions regarding this venture as I would suspect anyone starting
out would have. I guess the ones standing out in my mind right now are...If
it's just a small business out of my house, do I still need to get a DBA
name??...Do I need to register that business for sales tax??...Should I get
supplies on a "per build" basis, or keep an inventory?? Who's a good
wholesale supplier, or should I again just look around for the best deal on
components on a "per build" basis?? Should I go talk to someone at the SBA
agency?? I know that these questions are somewhat ambiguous and broad. Also
if anyone can think of any other questions I should be asking myself, i
would appreciate it. Starting my own business is where I eventually wanted
to be in life. But circumstances have arose that make me feel I need to
start now at the age of 22. I would appreciate any help anyone could give
me. This is just a start but hopefully it's one in the right direction.
Thanks So Much!!!

RobNY

Rob

It is always nice to be your own boss, but this industry is really very
competetive now. I am not here to discourage you, but would like to share
some thoughts. I am from Canada, so I am not going to comment on business
registration process.

Here in Canada, you can still make some money in the service business,
fixing PCs, making networks for small businesses and homes. But it takes a
while to build up the customer base.
You should provide the ultimate best service, because you cannot afford to
lose even one customer. But giving best service at a competetive price is
very hard, because there are people here who fix computers for less than $10
an hour. Very many people use pirated softwares and even the OS. Most of the
customers don't have a clue what is happening. All they will ask is why you
are expensive and the next door guy is cheap. It is a nightmare to explain
the whole situation. But, if you can attract the small businesses around
your area (even doctor's offices, law offices, etc) you still have a chance
to win.

Making profint out of building PCs is even tougher. You have to first figure
out all the places where you can find components for very good price. As you
know, Canada is built on Immigrants. So you will see cheap components coming
here from all over the world and it is very hard to compete with them unless
we know some of these places as well. Customer doesn't know,what is inside
except the model of CPU. I have seen P4 computers selling for about $300
here. But if I try to build a computer, the CPU itself will cost be almost
that price. I always wonder how could these people able to sell it for this
price?? Please shed me some light if anyone know??? I even bought one PC
(P3) from these stores, just to try. I opened up the case, and saw most of
the components are made by companies which I have never heard of. But the
CPU was Intel and the hard drive was Maxtor. Just two of these parts will
cost more than the price of the computer!! Do you think that there are
places you can buy fake Intel chip as well? I news is that I bought this PC
about 2 years back and still working without a any hassle. How could you
compete with these guys???? The only thing is they don't installl the OS.
They expect you to get it from your friend!! But if you install the OS, then
you cannot compete with the big giants like Dell!

This is just my opinion and what I have been seeing here. Is it the same
story all around the world????
"Rob" <> wrote in message
news:CHdnb.39637$%...
> Hi guys, I am hoping that some of you might be able to pool some creative
> juices and help me out. As everyone who's not in a vegetative state knows.
> The IT/Computer field is stagnant. Basically my dilemma is that I have
been
> working or more like it trying to work in the field for the last couple
> years. I have been a help desk tech and a SysOp among other things. The
> problem is that every IT/computer job I get, I get laid off from. I am
tired
> of trying to work for the computer field and want to try to make the
> computer field work for me. I want to start a small computer business out
of
> my house. Basically repairs, builds, upgrades, small networking. I have a
> million questions regarding this venture as I would suspect anyone
starting
> out would have. I guess the ones standing out in my mind right now
are...If
> it's just a small business out of my house, do I still need to get a DBA
> name??...Do I need to register that business for sales tax??...Should I
get
> supplies on a "per build" basis, or keep an inventory?? Who's a good
> wholesale supplier, or should I again just look around for the best deal
on
> components on a "per build" basis?? Should I go talk to someone at the SBA
> agency?? I know that these questions are somewhat ambiguous and broad.
Also
> if anyone can think of any other questions I should be asking myself, i
> would appreciate it. Starting my own business is where I eventually wanted
> to be in life. But circumstances have arose that make me feel I need to
> start now at the age of 22. I would appreciate any help anyone could give
> me. This is just a start but hopefully it's one in the right direction.
> Thanks So Much!!!
>
> RobNY
>
>

Dan Dawson

Yep, pretty much the same story everywhere. However, I say f*ck the
undercutters ... you'll still get real customers that want a real
professional working for real rates. The problem is, there are not many real
customers in computer service nowadays. About 80% of the calls I get are
nonsense of one form or another. The best you can do is cut through them,
and perhaps supplement your income with another business (until the pc
service one ever takes off again).
"Dan Dawson" <> wrote in message
news:BRwnb.2785$.. .
> It is always nice to be your own boss, but this industry is really very
> competetive now. I am not here to discourage you, but would like to share
> some thoughts. I am from Canada, so I am not going to comment on business
> registration process.
>
> Here in Canada, you can still make some money in the service business,
> fixing PCs, making networks for small businesses and homes. But it takes a
> while to build up the customer base.
> You should provide the ultimate best service, because you cannot afford to
> lose even one customer. But giving best service at a competetive price is
> very hard, because there are people here who fix computers for less than
$10
> an hour. Very many people use pirated softwares and even the OS. Most of
the
> customers don't have a clue what is happening. All they will ask is why
you
> are expensive and the next door guy is cheap. It is a nightmare to explain
> the whole situation. But, if you can attract the small businesses around
> your area (even doctor's offices, law offices, etc) you still have a
chance
> to win.
>
> Making profint out of building PCs is even tougher. You have to first
figure
> out all the places where you can find components for very good price. As
you
> know, Canada is built on Immigrants. So you will see cheap components
coming
> here from all over the world and it is very hard to compete with them
unless
> we know some of these places as well. Customer doesn't know,what is inside
> except the model of CPU. I have seen P4 computers selling for about $300
> here. But if I try to build a computer, the CPU itself will cost be almost
> that price. I always wonder how could these people able to sell it for
this
> price?? Please shed me some light if anyone know??? I even bought one PC
> (P3) from these stores, just to try. I opened up the case, and saw most of
> the components are made by companies which I have never heard of. But the
> CPU was Intel and the hard drive was Maxtor. Just two of these parts will
> cost more than the price of the computer!! Do you think that there are
> places you can buy fake Intel chip as well? I news is that I bought this
PC
> about 2 years back and still working without a any hassle. How could you
> compete with these guys???? The only thing is they don't installl the OS.
> They expect you to get it from your friend!! But if you install the OS,
then
> you cannot compete with the big giants like Dell!
>
> This is just my opinion and what I have been seeing here. Is it the same
> story all around the world????
> "Rob" <> wrote in message
> news:CHdnb.39637$%...
> > Hi guys, I am hoping that some of you might be able to pool some
creative
> > juices and help me out. As everyone who's not in a vegetative state
knows.
> > The IT/Computer field is stagnant. Basically my dilemma is that I have
> been
> > working or more like it trying to work in the field for the last couple
> > years. I have been a help desk tech and a SysOp among other things. The
> > problem is that every IT/computer job I get, I get laid off from. I am
> tired
> > of trying to work for the computer field and want to try to make the
> > computer field work for me. I want to start a small computer business
out
> of
> > my house. Basically repairs, builds, upgrades, small networking. I have
a
> > million questions regarding this venture as I would suspect anyone
> starting
> > out would have. I guess the ones standing out in my mind right now
> are...If
> > it's just a small business out of my house, do I still need to get a DBA
> > name??...Do I need to register that business for sales tax??...Should I
> get
> > supplies on a "per build" basis, or keep an inventory?? Who's a good
> > wholesale supplier, or should I again just look around for the best deal
> on
> > components on a "per build" basis?? Should I go talk to someone at the
SBA
> > agency?? I know that these questions are somewhat ambiguous and broad.
> Also
> > if anyone can think of any other questions I should be asking myself, i
> > would appreciate it. Starting my own business is where I eventually
wanted
> > to be in life. But circumstances have arose that make me feel I need to
> > start now at the age of 22. I would appreciate any help anyone could
give
> > me. This is just a start but hopefully it's one in the right direction.
> > Thanks So Much!!!
> >
> > RobNY
> >
> >
>
>

techshare

I'd actually like to do the same thing. But here's something you'll
need to know BEOFRE you start. The main thing you need to know to
succeed in business (especially in a competitive sector that's not
really expanding at the moment) is just that...BUSINESS. If you don't
already, learn some accounting, marketing, management, and tax law.
Most small businesses go under because people start them with
knowledge of WORK but little knowledge of BUSINESS. If you've had a
job, you know how to work, but you have to know more than that to run
a business.

Network. Get to know others in the industry. You'd be surprised what
people in your industry who know how to make money will tell you if
you just ask them. Have you worked at a business that does the same
thing you'd like for yours to do? Keep those connections, and the
customers. They will remember you when you start on your own.

I'm planning to start my own computer repair shop AND my own coffee
shop. My business partner managed a computer repair shop (and I
worked there), so I know the ins and outs of that business. I've
worked at 5 different coffee shop locations for three companies
(managing at 4 of them), so I know the ins and outs of that business
as well. I keep all connections open, and know my customers well.
They all know that I'm going to open my own place, and they can't
WAIT. What's even better is that MANY of my coffee shop customers are
good people to know: they've got money. I have three of them
CONSIDERING to help me start up. I'm not yet sure if I can convince
them, but I'm thrilled to have any connections whatsoever!

From this point on... untill you're ready to start up... make sure
that any job you take, you don't take for a paycheck. Only take a job
for what you can learn and for networking opportunities. Often in
business, it's not WHAT you know, it's WHO you know.

You CAN succeed. But don't dive into something you don't know
anything about. Study business. I'm not saying go get an MBA. But a
tech can't start a business. It takes a business person to start a
business. So you have to be a techie AND a business person.
Knowledge of business will make all the difference in the world.

On Mon, 3 Nov 2003 18:10:14 -0500, "techshare" <>
wrote:

>Yep, pretty much the same story everywhere. However, I say f*ck the
>undercutters ... you'll still get real customers that want a real
>professional working for real rates. The problem is, there are not many real
>customers in computer service nowadays. About 80% of the calls I get are
>nonsense of one form or another. The best you can do is cut through them,
>and perhaps supplement your income with another business (until the pc
>service one ever takes off again).
>"Dan Dawson" <> wrote in message
>news:BRwnb.2785$. ..
>> It is always nice to be your own boss, but this industry is really very
>> competetive now. I am not here to discourage you, but would like to share
>> some thoughts. I am from Canada, so I am not going to comment on business
>> registration process.
>>
>> Here in Canada, you can still make some money in the service business,
>> fixing PCs, making networks for small businesses and homes. But it takes a
>> while to build up the customer base.
>> You should provide the ultimate best service, because you cannot afford to
>> lose even one customer. But giving best service at a competetive price is
>> very hard, because there are people here who fix computers for less than
>$10
>> an hour. Very many people use pirated softwares and even the OS. Most of
>the
>> customers don't have a clue what is happening. All they will ask is why
>you
>> are expensive and the next door guy is cheap. It is a nightmare to explain
>> the whole situation. But, if you can attract the small businesses around
>> your area (even doctor's offices, law offices, etc) you still have a
>chance
>> to win.
>>
>> Making profint out of building PCs is even tougher. You have to first
>figure
>> out all the places where you can find components for very good price. As
>you
>> know, Canada is built on Immigrants. So you will see cheap components
>coming
>> here from all over the world and it is very hard to compete with them
>unless
>> we know some of these places as well. Customer doesn't know,what is inside
>> except the model of CPU. I have seen P4 computers selling for about $300
>> here. But if I try to build a computer, the CPU itself will cost be almost
>> that price. I always wonder how could these people able to sell it for
>this
>> price?? Please shed me some light if anyone know??? I even bought one PC
>> (P3) from these stores, just to try. I opened up the case, and saw most of
>> the components are made by companies which I have never heard of. But the
>> CPU was Intel and the hard drive was Maxtor. Just two of these parts will
>> cost more than the price of the computer!! Do you think that there are
>> places you can buy fake Intel chip as well? I news is that I bought this
>PC
>> about 2 years back and still working without a any hassle. How could you
>> compete with these guys???? The only thing is they don't installl the OS.
>> They expect you to get it from your friend!! But if you install the OS,
>then
>> you cannot compete with the big giants like Dell!
>>
>> This is just my opinion and what I have been seeing here. Is it the same
>> story all around the world????
>> "Rob" <> wrote in message
>> news:CHdnb.39637$%...
>> > Hi guys, I am hoping that some of you might be able to pool some
>creative
>> > juices and help me out. As everyone who's not in a vegetative state
>knows.
>> > The IT/Computer field is stagnant. Basically my dilemma is that I have
>> been
>> > working or more like it trying to work in the field for the last couple
>> > years. I have been a help desk tech and a SysOp among other things. The
>> > problem is that every IT/computer job I get, I get laid off from. I am
>> tired
>> > of trying to work for the computer field and want to try to make the
>> > computer field work for me. I want to start a small computer business
>out
>> of
>> > my house. Basically repairs, builds, upgrades, small networking. I have
>a
>> > million questions regarding this venture as I would suspect anyone
>> starting
>> > out would have. I guess the ones standing out in my mind right now
>> are...If
>> > it's just a small business out of my house, do I still need to get a DBA
>> > name??...Do I need to register that business for sales tax??...Should I
>> get
>> > supplies on a "per build" basis, or keep an inventory?? Who's a good
>> > wholesale supplier, or should I again just look around for the best deal
>> on
>> > components on a "per build" basis?? Should I go talk to someone at the
>SBA
>> > agency?? I know that these questions are somewhat ambiguous and broad.
>> Also
>> > if anyone can think of any other questions I should be asking myself, i
>> > would appreciate it. Starting my own business is where I eventually
>wanted
>> > to be in life. But circumstances have arose that make me feel I need to
>> > start now at the age of 22. I would appreciate any help anyone could
>give
>> > me. This is just a start but hopefully it's one in the right direction.
>> > Thanks So Much!!!
>> >
>> > RobNY
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>

Crapulax

One thing that I'd recommend is to keep your primary focus on doing
'outside' repair work & service...go to businesses and offer computer
repair, networking services, etc as much as possible. The market for
the mom & pop computer repair shop - where they don't do any outside
work - has dried up alot over the last few years. You might do well in
your local market...but I know that in Dallas over 75% (if not more)
of all the mom & pop computer shops are now gone. The smart ones kept
their retail presence to a minimum...and provided on-site
repair/support services as well OR in lieu of a retail business
altogether...and have done really well. Anyway, that's just my 2
cents. Good luck with it & I wish you the best!

Crapulax <> wrote in message news:<>. ..
> I'd actually like to do the same thing. But here's something you'll
> need to know BEOFRE you start. The main thing you need to know to
> succeed in business (especially in a competitive sector that's not
> really expanding at the moment) is just that...BUSINESS. If you don't
> already, learn some accounting, marketing, management, and tax law.
> Most small businesses go under because people start them with
> knowledge of WORK but little knowledge of BUSINESS. If you've had a
> job, you know how to work, but you have to know more than that to run
> a business.
>
> Network. Get to know others in the industry. You'd be surprised what
> people in your industry who know how to make money will tell you if
> you just ask them. Have you worked at a business that does the same
> thing you'd like for yours to do? Keep those connections, and the
> customers. They will remember you when you start on your own.
>
> I'm planning to start my own computer repair shop AND my own coffee
> shop. My business partner managed a computer repair shop (and I
> worked there), so I know the ins and outs of that business. I've
> worked at 5 different coffee shop locations for three companies
> (managing at 4 of them), so I know the ins and outs of that business
> as well. I keep all connections open, and know my customers well.
> They all know that I'm going to open my own place, and they can't
> WAIT. What's even better is that MANY of my coffee shop customers are
> good people to know: they've got money. I have three of them
> CONSIDERING to help me start up. I'm not yet sure if I can convince
> them, but I'm thrilled to have any connections whatsoever!
>
> From this point on... untill you're ready to start up... make sure
> that any job you take, you don't take for a paycheck. Only take a job
> for what you can learn and for networking opportunities. Often in
> business, it's not WHAT you know, it's WHO you know.
>
> You CAN succeed. But don't dive into something you don't know
> anything about. Study business. I'm not saying go get an MBA. But a
> tech can't start a business. It takes a business person to start a
> business. So you have to be a techie AND a business person.
> Knowledge of business will make all the difference in the world.
>
> On Mon, 3 Nov 2003 18:10:14 -0500, "techshare" <>
> wrote:
>
> >Yep, pretty much the same story everywhere. However, I say f*ck the
> >undercutters ... you'll still get real customers that want a real
> >professional working for real rates. The problem is, there are not many real
> >customers in computer service nowadays. About 80% of the calls I get are
> >nonsense of one form or another. The best you can do is cut through them,
> >and perhaps supplement your income with another business (until the pc
> >service one ever takes off again).
> >"Dan Dawson" <> wrote in message
> >news:BRwnb.2785$. ..
> >> It is always nice to be your own boss, but this industry is really very
> >> competetive now. I am not here to discourage you, but would like to share
> >> some thoughts. I am from Canada, so I am not going to comment on business
> >> registration process.
> >>
> >> Here in Canada, you can still make some money in the service business,
> >> fixing PCs, making networks for small businesses and homes. But it takes a
> >> while to build up the customer base.
> >> You should provide the ultimate best service, because you cannot afford to
> >> lose even one customer. But giving best service at a competetive price is
> >> very hard, because there are people here who fix computers for less than
> $10
> >> an hour. Very many people use pirated softwares and even the OS. Most of
> the
> >> customers don't have a clue what is happening. All they will ask is why
> you
> >> are expensive and the next door guy is cheap. It is a nightmare to explain
> >> the whole situation. But, if you can attract the small businesses around
> >> your area (even doctor's offices, law offices, etc) you still have a
> chance
> >> to win.
> >>
> >> Making profint out of building PCs is even tougher. You have to first
> figure
> >> out all the places where you can find components for very good price. As
> you
> >> know, Canada is built on Immigrants. So you will see cheap components
> coming
> >> here from all over the world and it is very hard to compete with them
> unless
> >> we know some of these places as well. Customer doesn't know,what is inside
> >> except the model of CPU. I have seen P4 computers selling for about $300
> >> here. But if I try to build a computer, the CPU itself will cost be almost
> >> that price. I always wonder how could these people able to sell it for
> this
> >> price?? Please shed me some light if anyone know??? I even bought one PC
> >> (P3) from these stores, just to try. I opened up the case, and saw most of
> >> the components are made by companies which I have never heard of. But the
> >> CPU was Intel and the hard drive was Maxtor. Just two of these parts will
> >> cost more than the price of the computer!! Do you think that there are
> >> places you can buy fake Intel chip as well? I news is that I bought this
> PC
> >> about 2 years back and still working without a any hassle. How could you
> >> compete with these guys???? The only thing is they don't installl the OS.
> >> They expect you to get it from your friend!! But if you install the OS,
> then
> >> you cannot compete with the big giants like Dell!
> >>
> >> This is just my opinion and what I have been seeing here. Is it the same
> >> story all around the world????
> >> "Rob" <> wrote in message
> >> news:CHdnb.39637$%...
> >> > Hi guys, I am hoping that some of you might be able to pool some
> creative
> >> > juices and help me out. As everyone who's not in a vegetative state
> knows.
> >> > The IT/Computer field is stagnant. Basically my dilemma is that I have
> been
> >> > working or more like it trying to work in the field for the last couple
> >> > years. I have been a help desk tech and a SysOp among other things. The
> >> > problem is that every IT/computer job I get, I get laid off from. I am
> tired
> >> > of trying to work for the computer field and want to try to make the
> >> > computer field work for me. I want to start a small computer business
> out
> of
> >> > my house. Basically repairs, builds, upgrades, small networking. I have
> a
> >> > million questions regarding this venture as I would suspect anyone
> starting
> >> > out would have. I guess the ones standing out in my mind right now
> are...If
> >> > it's just a small business out of my house, do I still need to get a DBA
> >> > name??...Do I need to register that business for sales tax??...Should I
> get
> >> > supplies on a "per build" basis, or keep an inventory?? Who's a good
> >> > wholesale supplier, or should I again just look around for the best deal
> on
> >> > components on a "per build" basis?? Should I go talk to someone at the
> SBA
> >> > agency?? I know that these questions are somewhat ambiguous and broad.
> Also
> >> > if anyone can think of any other questions I should be asking myself, i
> >> > would appreciate it. Starting my own business is where I eventually
> wanted
> >> > to be in life. But circumstances have arose that make me feel I need to
> >> > start now at the age of 22. I would appreciate any help anyone could
> give
> >> > me. This is just a start but hopefully it's one in the right direction.
> >> > Thanks So Much!!!
> >> >
> >> > RobNY
> >> >
> >> >
> >>
> >>
> >

Steve