KangoChad

Hi all,

Tried to find a 'Introduce Yourself' section on the forum but couldn't find one. So, instead i'll just tell you all a little about myself as it's my first post.

My name is Chad and I live in Staffordshire, UK. I used to be an Electrician but lost my job there. I have also worked as an aerial rigger dealing with customers in my area that have problems with their aerials, cable or satellite etc..

My new venture is a partnership with me, my friend and my partners step-dad. We are looking to start up a home pc repair company. We are at the stage now where we are gathering stock together to do on jobs. So far I have, for me::-

1 wireless g access point
2 x toolkits for pc's
3 x wireless g cable routers
3 x wireless g adsl routers
10 x wireless g usb adapters
5 x 10/100 PCI network cards
5 x 1m network cable
2 x 5m ""
2 x 10m ""
2 x 15m ""
2 x external hard drives for data backups
Various blanking plates
Various screws etc...
Network cable tester

The above stock is what I will keep on the van. stock such as various ram and graphics cards etc.. will be ordered when needed.

My questions is a relatively simple one aimed at people who work in the trade.

Is there anything else I would need?

Any replies are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Chad.

bilbus

Not really, good luck with that.

When i did home / Small Buisness consulting, i also had to do wiring up ethernet cables (in walls) So i had to drill, run bulk cable, and all that.

So i had a box of 1000ft of cable, drills, crimpers, and trace toner.

As for video cards, dont buy great ones, buy the $20 entry level ones, people who are not gamers dont like to spend cash on that.

Did not think there was much of a market for pc repair .. perhas it better in the uk.

KangoChad

Bilbus, thanks for your reply. It's much appreciated.

Cat.5 isn't a problem. I also work in the Aerial, Satellite and Cable industry with a relative round here, and sometimes have to help out with cables etc.

I'll take your advice on the graphics cards, I'll order those in a minute or two.

As for the market, we believe we have a unique method for our area. With some fantastic ideas to get jobs.. We knock on the door, force our way in and create a problem with their pc.. only joking. Seriously though we believe we can get our foot in this market, especially round my area with some good marketing techniques and help. We'll have to suck it and see how it goes.. No harm in trying I suppose.

Thank you again for your reply.

All the best,

Chad.

bilbus

good luck

m_fridman

Hey, new here and just taking a look at the posts.

I agree with bilbus, you don't need much to get started. In fact, I started with almost nothing at all. Most of the work that needed to be done was virus/spyware removal and data recovery.

I recommend staying away from selling computers as the prices are so low at all major stores that it's not worth the headache. If people want recommendations, then you can help them out for a price.

Also, if you have grown the business enough or have the finances to do so (for legal purposes) focus on small businesses in your area. Get some contract work with them, it'll get the money rolling right in each month.

Good luck!