Starting a new computer maintinence company

[Thantos]

And i was wondering if anyone has any information on where I can get parts for a cost that is less than retail. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[MrBrotato]

And i was wondering if anyone has any information on where I can get parts for a cost that is less than retail. Any help would be greatly appreciated.Good luck. I have done computer repair locally for years. I order on Newegg. You pretty much have to find a good deal online or at a local warehouse type store (we have a place called Fry's Electronics around here) because unless you are buying technology in bulk there is no real wholesale tech store like there are for other industries (like COSTCO for food as an example).

[Thantos]

Good luck. I have done computer repair locally for years. I order on Newegg. You pretty much have to find a good deal online or at a local warehouse type store (we have a place called Fry's Electronics around here) because unless you are buying technology in bulk there is no real wholesale tech store like there are for other industries (like COSTCO for food as an example).
Someone I used to work for goes through D&H for their materials. It's cheaper, but I know there's somewhere that I can get somethings really cheap. Hopefully bigmatt reads this. I think he's got some connections...

[tryfuhl]

Maintenance.

[tryfuhl]

Inquire with some vendors and/or retailers about a merchant account, they might not do it at your volume though.

[Thantos]

Maintenance.
typo. thanks.

[AwricBawrin]

good luck. keep us updated on how things go.

[upparoom]

prolly gotta learn to spell before you try fixing people's computers

[Thantos]

prolly gotta learn to spell before you try fixing people's computers
My spelling is usually fairly accurate. I just flubbed on that word once. It's not like it's the end of the world. Also, I tend to do rather well with computer problems and spelling really doesn't have much to do with it, so...

[bizee]

How are you getting your name out there?

[Thantos]

Multiple ways...

Word of mouth / references
Add in the PennySaver
Flyers in the parking lots of Best Buy and other places where they service computers for a high price.

Any other suggestions?

Edit: also flyers for door to door business

[upparoom]

Multiple ways...

Word of mouth / references
Add in the PennySaver
Flyers in the parking lots of Best Buy and other places where they service computers for a high price.

Any other suggestions?

Edit: also flyers for door to door business


Ive had good luck with register tapes. You know how on the back of recipts at grocery stores they have those coupons? yep, gold mine.


If you really want to get good prices for hardware, pick a smaller company ( ie not Newegg) to get parts from. Be sure and order from them for a while, get a sales rep. Then always go through your rep for parts. AFter a while, you can get shit like 5% above cost, free overnight delivery, special orders, etc...


edit: as long as you stay in Cali were cool. If you try to hustle in my turf I will stab you in the face and bury you alive. Then I'll let the birds finish what the wolves couldnt eat

[Thantos]

Ive had good luck with register tapes. You know how on the back of recipts at grocery stores they have those coupons? yep, gold mine.


If you really want to get good prices for hardware, pick a smaller company ( ie not Newegg) to get parts from. Be sure and order from them for a while, get a sales rep. Then always go through your rep for parts. AFter a while, you can get shit like 5% above cost, free overnight delivery, special orders, etc...


edit: as long as you stay in Cali were cool. If you try to hustle in my turf I will stab you in the face and bury you alive. Then I'll let the birds finish what the wolves couldnt eat
Nah dude. I'm staying very local. The only thing I might change is I might move to VA. But even then I'd be a great distance from your turf so we should be cool. In fact I could even buy shit from you if the price is right...

[beave]

I just get business by referrals. The only problems I have run into are when you have to take your time if you work out a hourly rate you do not want to be done in 10 min when you should get an 1hrs worth of pay. Another one of my problems is when people will low ball you but when its a friend of a friend or distant relative I just do it and hope to get another referral out of it.

[Thantos]

I just get business by referrals. The only problems I have run into are when you have to take your time if you work out a hourly rate you do not want to be done in 10 min when you should get an 1hrs worth of pay. Another one of my problems is when people will low ball you but when its a friend of a friend or distant relative I just do it and hope to get another referral out of it.
Well, that's why you establish a minimum rate. For example...

To come out, you would be charged a minimum of 30 min. Compared to the Geek Squad, this is a bargain because they charge $150 to come out, and charge you for every hour after that. I have no house call fee, only a minimum work time.

Hourly rates are lower than other businesses with quality work performed. Also, if a mistake is made, I will not charge to come out and fix my own mistakes.

These are the kinds of things that will catch the persons interest.

[upparoom]

Well, that's why you establish a minimum rate. For example...

To come out, you would be charged a minimum of 30 min. Compared to the Geek Squad, this is a bargain because they charge $150 to come out, and charge you for every hour after that. I have no house call fee, only a minimum work time.

Hourly rates are lower than other businesses with quality work performed. Also, if a mistake is made, I will not charge to come out and fix my own mistakes.

These are the kinds of things that will catch the persons interest.

lol Geek Squad.

Funny thing is, Geek Squad is one of my best reffers of sorts.

we get people day in and day out who just came from Geek Squad, or had their PC into Geek Squad and got fed up.

I could post some great stories about Geek Squad :rofl:

[qikenuf]

lol Geek Squad.

Funny thing is, Geek Squad is one of my best reffers of sorts.

we get people day in and day out who just came from Geek Squad, or had their PC into Geek Squad and got fed up.

I could post some great stories about Geek Squad :rofl:


In for stories.

[spawne32]

You probably need to order direct from the companys themselves,

[BOTLD92Z]

I could post some great stories about Geek Squad :rofl:

I had them tell a customer of mine that their cable modem caused the computer to not turn on. It was a bad PSU. Computer wasn't even hooked up to the internet, it was just for their kids to play games on and type up reports. When she told them that they came up with this elaborate story about power through the cable lines then through the power outlets.. It was pretty funny.

[Renegade]

Geeksquad use to be a good company before best buy got involved.

[DISLEX]

I plan on doing the same as soon as I can. Do you have a building?

As far as your questions, I know most places use NewEgg and TigerDirect.