Thinking of starting my own business....

[anti_shrub]

Since I can't get a non-retail job in this wonderful economy, I'm thinking of starting my own PC repair and upgrade shop out of my garage. I'm already getting my game room redone thanks to the homeowner's insurance cleanup of a sewage backup, so all I'd need to do is clean out my garage for a workspace.

I have the tools, I have A+ certification to be a PC tech, so I figure what the hell. I don't expect to make millions, but some extra pocket money would be nice.

I was wondering if any other self employed DU'ers have any tips to throw at me.

[lfairban]

1. Get a good accountant.

Tax laws are a pain.

[sybylla]

2. A couple tips, and remember, you asked for 'em

1. Keep a separate work space so that you always feel like you are going to work and, whenever possible, work regular hours. It is far too easy with a home based business to avoid work. No work - no money.

2. Find a good accountant, one you can trust but who isn't too expensive. You will need advice on forming your business and paying taxes. You may also need their help filing tax forms. Get a couple of referrals from people you trust and make appointments with the people they recommend. Conduct a mini interview, asking questions about what they can do for you and your business and what kinds of prices they charge. Starting out, it's easy to brush this off until tax time, but believe me, there are good ways to set up your business and there are not so good. These people know the difference and they can help. And remember you are self-employed so you will need to stick between a third and a half of your income away for taxes, just to be safe.

3. Charge a fair price for your work and stick to it. A few customers will always try to get you to discount your work for one reason or another but you can't afford it. Do a good job and people will always be willing to pay you a reasonable price. If a particular customer doesn't like the price, they may not come back but you may not want them as a customer anyway. They are likely far too cheap or too picky to be happy with your services.

4. Related to computer work. Speak to your customers in English and avoid sounding condescending. People who own PC's don't always understand what's going on with their computer, but they always recognize when someone is being patronizing or condescending. I speak from experience. I am a tech writer with my own controls engineering firm and even though I know what I'm talking about, I can walk into a computer store and get treated like dirt just about every time.

5. Invest in a good accounting software package. I'd recommend QuickBooks, but you may want to use a program your accountant is familiar with, as they can help you out when you have trouble. These programs save you gobs of trouble and you don't have to know anything about accounting to use them.

Here's my five cents. Went into business with my hubby 7 years ago and we have had a good time. Been lucky to be able to keep busy and it has been great to be able to set our own schedule around our family events.

Good Luck, anti_shrub!

[cally]

3. I agree with what others said above

You need a good accountant. I always did my own taxes but I do not now. Don't hire anyone unless you have someone else do your payroll. It's very confusing and just too easy to get into trouble.

Set up a good invoice system. If you are not paid within a week or two, then send another invoice. Include language in the original invoice, that you charge interest after a set time, then do it. When we first started our business a few large businesses did not pay for 6 months. It was horrible. We've also had to take a few to court for non-payment.

I would recommend consulting for small business. Most of us need help with the computer systems. For our business, we do use a one man computer repair and maintenance person. We run a consulting business and sometimes we have deadlines to meet and our computers fail. Tempers get very short and we call this pleasant man who comes to our rescue. We've gone through a few and I will tell you why we settled on him. First, he solved our problem with a virus. He listened to us and took in all the information we gave. He took time to try to explain it to us without sounding condescending. He also knows when to stop explaining because we really don't want all the information. He comes over quickly when we have major problems like our network failed. He's able to ignore all of us and just work on the problem when we're going nuts but at other times we talk endlessly. He acknowledges sometimes when he is having problems solving something and tells us what how he is trying to get information. He is very honest and let's us know when he's going on vacation and when he will be back. He doesn't recommend the latest gadgetry, but just what we need for our business.

I think your idea of this business is great. I can't tell you how many other business owners are desperately seeking computer help. It's hard to find someone good and reliable.

[anti_shrub]

5. I've been thinking about this for a while

I've put in my time in retail, so I can talk to people who are technology-challenged without sounding snobbish.

I'd like to have a separate workspace, but I don't have anywhere near the funds to do that yet. I've been on unemployment since January and I'm working part time at my college to make ends meet.

The guy you talk about is the type of guy I think I would be: No BS, just tell you what you need to do what you want to do.

Since the job market is so slanted towards the employers, it seems like a good way to get some form of income.

[Melsky]

4. Stay off DU

when you should be working, like I am supposed to be working now........yikes!

Try to collect the money at the time of service instead of having running accounts whenever possible. I had to use a computer guy several times, and just gave him a check before he left my studio. I never thought of asking for credit, and it was much easier to do it that way then dealing with paying a bill later on.