[harrykirkby]

So I am wondering whether it's good to plan on starting my own company in my local area. There is a very minimalistic computer support business locally and the other (PC World) is a waste of time, their support is terrible and they offer poor advice.

What I am aiming to do, is bring my knowledge to the test.
I have two A's at I.T. at GCSE, I have a logo done, work experience in fixing computers and I am just wondering what my next step is. Business cards are designed and ready to be printed, just need to get the £20.00 together to get the 250 printed.

How can I sell myself, any tips?

[ProStacker]

If that is all there is locally, is there a need for someone else?

When it comes to IT repair and support, what can you really cover? Hardware repair? Screen fixing? Operating system upgrades? Virus removal and cleaning? System rebuilds? What warranty can you give the people whose computers you fix?

You need to define what you think you can provide and get someone else to look it over with you - as a start.

[rf1993]

sorry to be really boring but if you genuinely want to start a business you need to register as self employed with HMRC. I work during my uni holidays as a freelance fitness instructor so I have no chance of earning above the tax threshold but I still have to fill in a tax return etc so it is really important - you can be fined for not doing it.

You also need to think about insurance. You haven't said whether you actually have any IT qualifications. What would you do if someone accused you of making the problem worse?

Again, I'm really sorry to sound so boring but it's really important to think about these things. Setting up your own company is serious. Would it be better to try to get experience with a bigger company first?

[Arekkusu]

RF1993, he is talking about the sort of business a schoolkid runs. There's no need to worry about taxes and registration as you will probably not work efficiently enough for the first year at least to earn any proper money. The HMRC aren't going to launch a tax investigation on some kid earning a pittance fixing PCs in his bedroom. If the business takes off, then you will need to start thinking about this sort of thing.

You also need to do some MARKET RESEARCH to find out if your business is even viable. Most people have a friend/son/daughter who knows a thing or two about computers, especially software.

[Architecture-er]

(Original post by Arekkusu)
RF1993, he is talking about the sort of business a schoolkid runs. There's no need to worry about taxes and registration as you will probably not work efficiently enough for the first year at least to earn any proper money. The HMRC aren't going to launch a tax investigation on some kid earning a pittance fixing PCs in his bedroom. If the business takes off, then you will need to start thinking about this sort of thing.

You also need to do some MARKET RESEARCH to find out if your business is even viable. Most people have a friend/son/daughter who knows a thing or two about computers, especially software.

Just as a heads up, you should quote people if you ever want them to read your reply

@OP, are you still at school? I'd imagine that'd be the optimal way to start getting business, adults won't risk their computers with an unqualified minor.. they want it fixed as quickly and competently as possible, the price isn't important to them, since it's relatively cheap anyway

[RROD]

Having been there, done that whilst still at high school - there is no money to be made in fixing computers. The market is too saturated.


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

[M1011]

(Original post by RROD)
Having been there, done that whilst still at high school - there is no money to be made in fixing computers. The market is too saturated.


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

The mere fact that there is a 'saturated market' in this area clearly disproves what you have said. Whether the OP can make money doing it is a different story, but there is certainly money to be made.

[Joana10]

I think it is cool that you're thinking about starting a company. For one thing, you believe the existing service is lousy and you can do a better job. If you are passionate about it you can excel at whatever you do. Good Luck!

[welshwaynejack]

Just my thoughts to add to the already excellent advice...To be honest as everyone has said every tom dick and harry thinks they can start a business fixing computers and your local area may be over saturated. You may think PC World is poor but what actual skills do you have in regards to fixing and supporting customers? If you want to make money in IT support then you will need experience, knowledge of all aspects from fixing laptop screens to setting up a basic network or even low level commands within command prompt. You’re simply not going to be reformatting someone’s system in order to fix it. You can gain knowledge by doing Comptia A+, Network + and maybe one of the Microsoft Support certifications. The other major issue is cost. All work carried out by yourself will need to conform to specific standards and all software will need to be legit. Personally if you want to go down this road then expect to spend alot, if you want to make a little money on the side just create a facebook group, posters, business cards and do a little on the side as fun.

[Zim_]

watch dragons den. it's a good help

[AverageExcellence]

having an A at I.T GCSE will not facilitiate 90% of the average persons computering need. I dont mean to burst your bubble as you seem pretty keen but i dont think itll work.

[fuzznbass]

go for it

[Joana10]

(Original post by RROD)
Having been there, done that whilst still at high school - there is no money to be made in fixing computers. The market is too saturated.

You are right...The market is very saturated with competitive prices being offered.....I think you should reassess your plans and strategy.

[Hanpew]

thinks about competitors, and maybe ask for quotes from customers/work experience.

keep your prices low, as these shall get people more interested. and anyway, (and no offence), when i was 16, all the uni students took the good jobs/services... no-one wants a student with their GCSE's barely secured.

but good luck, never the less.

[InternetGangster]

(Original post by rf1993)
sorry to be really boring but if you genuinely want to start a business you need to register as self employed with HMRC. I work during my uni holidays as a freelance fitness instructor so I have no chance of earning above the tax threshold but I still have to fill in a tax return etc so it is really important - you can be fined for not doing it.

You also need to think about insurance. You haven't said whether you actually have any IT qualifications. What would you do if someone accused you of making the problem worse?

Again, I'm really sorry to sound so boring but it's really important to think about these things. Setting up your own company is serious. Would it be better to try to get experience with a bigger company first?

I suggest reading the original post again.