if u want to open a computer shop, u really really need to know how to repair pc specially laptops, with the economy down, the sales are not that good, i work at a computer store, and it has the best prices in montreal, all the resellers use to buy from there and resell them at their store. but recently they are not buying as much as they use to, because sales are down, BUT theirs alot of reparation,and when i say reparation im not saying changing memory or hard drive, i mean changing the plug on motherboard, if its dark screen and its not the screen or inverter u need to know what it is, stuff like that, or else u wont survive.

Do not keep a lot of hardware or software in stock. These become obsolete and/or overpriced (compared to what's currently in the market) really fast. And a negative side-effect is, when you advise a customer of yours e.g. to 'buy this hdd' and they see you have a whole bunch of the very same hdd's lying around, they become quite skeptical if you are genuinely suggesting the best option for them or you simply want to get rid of your stock or if this is the hdd where you are given a heftier margin.   It is far better to create the idea that you're only advising based on what's best for them, not for you. If you've successfully worked out a co-operation with hardware providers, then you can guarantee lead times and you show them you care enough to tailor your suggestions to their individual case.

And since you'll be marketing your computer repair business locally, be sure to register your new business with Google so you show up in Google Maps (for example, when a person types 'computer repair 02124', you'll get a listing of the top 10 computer repair business in Boston in that zip code.   Also, look into advertising your business using Google Local, where you use Google ads for computer repair related keywords within a given radius of where you live and serve customers.   Good luck with it!

Hi, Apart from licence and permit there are also several aspects you have to consider like The first step that you must take when you are thinking of starting a business is to set the right price for your service. Time is money, and you will probably charge by the hour.You need to market your business by sending mailers or distributing flyers. You can also promote your business on the Internet, by email marketing. You need to establish trust with the client because they are giving a computer that may have a Social Security number, credit card numbers, and so on. The technician should supply his credentials, so that the client is assured that the techie can do the job. There are very good service center in the market like Computer repairs sheffield where costomers get full satisfaction with affordable price . ---This post was edited to remove a commercial link. Read our discussion policies for more Community best practices.

markboston - For information on licenses/permits, taxes, and general start-up resources, please see the Massachusetts Small Business Guide. Here you'll find information to comply with federal, state, and local regulations. Hope you find this helpful and good luck to you!

Couple of things - find a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in your area - their services are free and they can help you with all your state's requirements. You can also find information about your state's requirements at http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ For tax information for small businesses - (Federal) try the IRS's website: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/index.html - You may also have state tax requirements - Start with the free service in your area (SBDC).

You'll need to setup a DBA or LLC if you don't plan on using the business strictly in your name; you'll need to get a FEIN for the LLC unless you make it a pass through entity. Most likely your county and\or city will require a special permit\licence to do computer work in that given area. Quicken for Small Businesses is an excellent invoicing tool.