Starting a small business.

[Naethyn]

For the last eight years I have diagnosed, repaired, and built computers for friends and family as a side job. Recently, I've put a lot of thought into making it into a real business. Does anyone have any experience in this process? I plan to buy a book or two on the subject. There is probably a lot more involved than I realize, but it's something I'm good and and I also enjoy it greatly. Any suggestions welcome.

[Maeya]

I have a friend that is very experienced in getting small businesses & LLCs up and running. I'd be happy to relay questions to her that you have. I think the exact laws & regulations vary a bit state to state, and we're in Georgia, but her experience should still carry over pretty well.

[ClakarEQ]

My personal opinion would be to not do it. The market IMHO does not seem to leave much room for what I call mom and pop computer shops.

I don't mean to say it can't be done so don't take it wrong.

I've not attempted what you're looking to do but from what I know, I wouldn't plan to make much money at it for several years. I think the statistics would say something like 5 years before you go black but this is probably more in regards to a larger operation than a one man shop.

Couple suggestions / advice I do have:
- Service level agreements
- Talk with a lawyer about your risk exposure
- Make sure folks pay all or at least partial up front
- Be prepared to lose a lot of money and close up shop

[Tikker]

For the last eight years I have diagnosed, repaired, and built computers for friends and family as a side job. Recently, I've put a lot of thought into making it into a real business. Does anyone have any experience in this process? I plan to buy a book or two on the subject. There is probably a lot more involved than I realize, but it's something I'm good and and I also enjoy it greatly. Any suggestions welcome.

find an existing mom and pop shop that's already doing this and has a storefront of some sort

parter up

I dunno what it's like around there, but we used to have about 5-6 little 1 or 2 man operations here that were all doing not bad

they started to run into issues where they started getting so many service calls, that the retail side suffered

so 2 of the smarter ones banded together, combined their business and ended up tripling the volume of customers they had (now they could have 1 guy full time do house calls, and 1 guy full time man the store. they didn't have to pay someone to babysit the store while they did support)

they also ended up being able to get better margin on parts cause of the volume of stuff they were selling

[Xaiveir]

Actually one of the greatest tools out there is the "How to start a small business for dummies" book.

There is a TON of information in there that could be quite helpful to you.

[Eziekial]

Are you planning to do this full time or on the side?