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  1. #1

    I want to start a computer shop

    Anything things I should know before I start my own computer shop?

    Thanks for your input!!

  2. #2
    Questions you need to ask yourself.

    1. Are you going to get a LLC for your business?
    2. Are you going to do one online?
    3. Are you selling used computers or selling new computers?
    4. Are you doing computer repair?
    5. Are you going to have employees?
    6. Do you have income to run this type of business?

    I can not think of any more questions at this time.

  3. #3
    Hello,

    Thank you for your respond

    To answer the questions:
    1) I will get a LLC
    2) Not sure where I will get it
    3) I will be selling used computer (I have been doing this for 3-4 months now, last couple months I sold around 15 computers)
    4) I will offer computer services such as computer repair, virus removal, upgrade...etc
    5) I won't have any employees....yet
    6) I have some fund, around 10-15 K

    anymore suggestions

  4. #4
    If you are opening your shop just ont the idea that you sold 15 computers in the last coople of months, dont open it. See how many computer shops are in your city, what do they offer and then decide on doing it.

  5. #5
    of course that selling just computers cannot maintain the shop. I'm not sure if computer services can provide a stable income including selling computers

  6. #6
    Is your community quite big? If not, I would get web hosting and do services online for the surrounding communities or worldwide. Just use a CMS or a Shopping Cart or both so that people can pay for services and products.

  7. #7
    I live in Denver, so I guess the location is an important factor. My plan is to selling computer, services and web design/hosting. Do you know anyone has success doing this?

    Thanks!

  8. #8
    Join Date
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    There's actually a lot of little mom an pop computer shops that do well off computer sales/web design/web hosting/repairs. The more you are able to offer, the better.

  9. #9
    Quote Originally Posted by 12ozmedia View Post
    I live in Denver, so I guess the location is an important factor. My plan is to selling computer, services and web design/hosting. Do you know anyone has success doing this?

    Thanks!
    I do not know anybody close to the Denver area but I know quite a few people.

  10. #10
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by 12ozmedia View Post
    of course that selling just computers cannot maintain the shop. I'm not sure if computer services can provide a stable income including selling computers
    rather, first define what is needed in your community, and then set up shop to satisfiy that need.

    ie, if there is a considerable need for a shop that sells used top notch gaming rigs, go for it. if there is a need for 2nd hand office supplies, go for it.

    advertise appropriately to that end. ie advertise to your niche. provide the side services that that niche needs. etc.

    thats the way you can set up a stable shop.

    also, conserve on everything at the start. get a small 5-6m2 shop. small rent. little equipment. do economic advertising. (distribute your hand flyers or visit nearby businesses yourself).

    get 2 different gsm numbers and phones. one, give to everyone including the clients and business associates. one, keep it as your personal number for your family and friends etc. never give out personal number to clients.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
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    Ha Noi
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    I have a friend, he have a company shop, but this shop sell only second-hand computer.

  12. #12
    Thank you everyone for your input. Anyone in here has a shop of your own?

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Chicago, IL
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    Good luck man. Computer shops are a tough business if you don't have a big name, but I dont see any reason why it wouldn't work if done right
    Jeremy Miller - Account Executive
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  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by 12ozmedia View Post
    I live in Denver, so I guess the location is an important factor. My plan is to selling computer, services and web design/hosting. Do you know anyone has success doing this?

    Thanks!
    My Dad started such a business 4 years ago, but only serving clients in the local area, and all that by recommendations from other clients.

    It takes time to establish a userbase that will come back for more.

    Today, he has a client base in the 100's, but still working alone. He can't complain, he gets enough money for the house, bills, 2 cars, and 3 dogs. Oh, and can't forget the hamsters.

  15. #15
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by unity100 View Post
    rather, first define what is needed in your community, and then set up shop to satisfy that need.
    Excellent advice, unity. Define the need, and then find a way to fill it.

    -mike
    Mike G. - Limestone Networks - Account Specialist
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  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by 12ozmedia View Post
    Anything things I should know before I start my own computer shop?
    I'd be very careful about opening a shop these days - there were once dozens in my region and nearly all have folded due to the Internet, Dell, etc. The margins on the hardware business are simply too thin to make it worthwhile for most folks.

    That said I have been noticing that a couple shops in my near proximity seem to be carving a good niche. One local shop has locations in three local cities.

    I think if you can provide great service and build a strong clientele over time there is a good chance of survival at least. The key would be to provide better, more personal, and more responsive service than the Geek Squads of the world.

    In any case I'd be VERY careful about bringing on the overhead of a storefront, which is quite significant. It may help your customers feel more connected to you and they'll feel you have a stake in the community - vs. say just doing it out of your home - but I'd be sure I have solid ongoing revenue before making that kind of investment.

  17. #17
    Do you plan to provide any other service other than selling computers? Like computer repair service, software installation, customization of one's computer, skin design (laptop/keyboard/CPU) etc?

    Should also see how many computer shops available in that area you planned to open your shop. Check out what they offer and you try to provide a better service and package
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  18. #18
    thank you everyone for your valuable comments and suggestions. I'll do more research before I make my decision to whether open one or not.

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