If you have computer skills, why not put them to use and earn some money? This is a great and relatively easy way to earn some extra money because many people are not computer gurus.
How to start
The first thing you’ll want to do is start small. While it may seem difficult to find people experiencing computer problems in public, placing an ad in a newspaper won’t bring you many customers because this field is often so saturated with competition. So the best way to start is by printing brochures detailing your service. Will you focus only on the software aspects of a computer, the hardware part, or both? Remember that repairing computers is rarely rocket science, and if you can’t find a solution on your own, the Internet can work wonders (as you already know).
A great place to post your flyers is in public areas (where allowed). Check with local businesses and ask if you can post flyers in their building. The key is to target your primary audience, which is typically middle-aged and older people.
The best way to get clients is to use your age to your advantage. Most people with computer problems will be much older than you and will most likely equate computer literate people to young people like you. Saying you’re 16 and you want to help fix someone’s computer for half the price of the pro shops, they’ll call you.
Prices
Computer repair prices vary and most often companies charge by the hour or simply charge a flat fee. The easiest thing is to stay negotiable. Compare your prices with other repair shops and cut them in half. The lower you go, the better chance you have of a customer coming back.
Another item to think about is whether you will be working from your residence or making house calls. While the former may seem easier on your part, you may not get as many customers as if you were offering to come to their residence and fix the problem for them. And think about other people who live with you. Do you like people coming up with computer parts all the time? The latter is probably the best option when it comes to business, however, it also requires a means of transportation.
Lastly, print some nice business cards and watch the cash roll in.
