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General Forums => General Discussion => Topic started by: Krazed on April 22, 2009, 08:59:00 pm

Title: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: Krazed on April 22, 2009, 08:59:00 pm
I'm starting up a local computer repair and networking company. I'm not really sure what a good name for it would be, something catchy and my name completely sucks because it's too long. One I thought of was World-Class Computer Repair but I want it to incorporate more than just repair, like include consulting and shit. Shrug, any suggestions are appreciated.
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: rabbit on April 22, 2009, 09:41:04 pm
World Class Computing Repair, Consulting, and Shit


Or just "CompuFix" or something mid-90's like that.
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: truste1 on April 22, 2009, 09:50:02 pm
Well this is definitely a "yellow pages business" so try for something with a preceding number or the letter A so you get top listing.
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: truste1 on April 22, 2009, 10:49:37 pm
Archon Computer Repair
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: Hitmen on April 22, 2009, 11:17:55 pm
Compu global hyper mega net?
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: Blaze on April 23, 2009, 12:38:11 am
Compu global hyper mega net?

I was wondering if anyone was going to say it.
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: Newby on April 23, 2009, 12:54:50 am
Archon Computer Repair

Second.
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: Camel on April 23, 2009, 11:07:23 am
Archon Computer Repair

Power overwhealming!
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: iago on April 23, 2009, 11:13:38 am
Like the name matters.. you'll want to change to a new name in 6 months anyways, and screw up everybody who had you on their AIM lists.
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: truste1 on April 23, 2009, 02:14:50 pm
Like the name matters.. you'll want to change to a new name in 6 months anyways, and screw up everybody who had you on their AIM lists.


lol
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: Joe on April 23, 2009, 04:25:28 pm
Wasn't Krazed's old name Archon anyhow?
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: truste1 on April 23, 2009, 04:31:28 pm
Wasn't Krazed's old name Archon anyhow?

Yes, that's the point.
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: warz on April 23, 2009, 04:34:24 pm
Redundancy Consulting Company of Redundancy of Consulting Company, LLC.
Consulting Company of Consulting, Inc.
Over 9000, llc.
haz issuez? u can haz fix, Inc.
Have You Tried Rebooting, LLC.
2 beeps, 1 beep, 1 beep, 1 beep, Inc.
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: AntiVirus on April 23, 2009, 04:43:33 pm
Redundancy Consulting Company of Redundancy of Consulting Company, LLC.
Consulting Company of Consulting, Inc.
Over 9000, llc.
haz issuez? u can haz fix, Inc.
Have You Tried Rebooting, LLC.
2 beeps, 1 beep, 1 beep, 1 beep, Inc.
rofl, nice.

All things Computer. :D (starts with an A and covers everything!)
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: truste1 on April 23, 2009, 04:44:20 pm
ID-TEN-T Computing
123 Fix'd.
123 Fix Me
1 Snappy Solution
1 QuikFix
Stephen's Software Solutions


But srsly I like All Things Computer
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: warz on April 23, 2009, 06:57:03 pm
Personally, I like company names that use like... nouns. A single name, or something. Or something generic like Beta Technology Group.
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: truste1 on April 23, 2009, 07:28:38 pm
Skyscraper
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: CrAz3D on April 23, 2009, 08:05:54 pm
Ass Kickin Computer Fixin


Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: Quik on April 23, 2009, 09:37:30 pm
1 QuikFix

NICE!
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: truste1 on April 23, 2009, 09:47:40 pm
1 QuikFix

NICE!

 ;)
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: while1 on April 23, 2009, 10:42:04 pm
Penis.
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: Krazed on April 25, 2009, 11:58:33 am
Damn trust, Archon Computer Inc.? Nice fucking call there, I never woulda thought of that
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: truste1 on April 25, 2009, 12:02:44 pm
Thanks. When this goes big and you're the next Geeks Squad hire me as your chief marketing officer.
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: Krazed on April 25, 2009, 12:06:11 pm
Archon Computer Solutions, any good? I can't really use Inc. because if I'm going to be serious Inc. really doesn't fit.
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: Blaze on April 25, 2009, 01:46:04 pm
Archon Computer Solutions, LLC
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: truste1 on April 25, 2009, 01:47:03 pm
Archon Computer Solutions, any good? I can't really use Inc. because if I'm going to be serious Inc. really doesn't fit.

Well I didn't say Inc. in mine but yeah Solutions sounds fine.
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: Krazed on April 26, 2009, 09:36:54 am
Archon Computer Solutions, any good? I can't really use Inc. because if I'm going to be serious Inc. really doesn't fit.

Well I didn't say Inc. in mine but yeah Solutions sounds fine.

Haha, I know. Thanks a lot. I appreciate it, just made up 250 business cards so hopefully this goes good. =)
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: Krazed on April 26, 2009, 09:45:02 am
Archon Computer Solutions, any good? I can't really use Inc. because if I'm going to be serious Inc. really doesn't fit.

Well I didn't say Inc. in mine but yeah Solutions sounds fine.

Haha, I know. Thanks a lot. I appreciate it, just made up 250 business cards so hopefully this goes good. =)

(http://krazed.javaop.com/public/cards.jpg)
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: deadly7 on April 26, 2009, 12:05:12 pm
http://krazed.javaop.com/public/cards.jpg
No offense, but as a potential customer, I would not look at that business card and go "Oh Archon Computer Solutions.. these guys seem really knowledgeable!" You should consider having a design-oriented person make your business card, if you're very serious about this. It's a worthwhile investment, because appearance is a *LOT* in how people view your business before becoming a customer.
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: MyndFyre on April 26, 2009, 05:01:08 pm
I would consider changing your email to be something like steven@acs.net or something along those lines as well.

It's a good thing that you didn't stick with ", Inc." at the end of your name.  A lot of states' corporation commissions have very specific laws about naming conventions; LLCs and Corporations are required to have suffixes, so that people understand the kinds of risks they assume when they engage in business (for example, a sole proprietorship could allow its owner's assets to be at risk when the business is sued, whereas a LLC or LLP limits its principals from liability, hence its name).
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: Krazed on April 27, 2009, 10:59:15 am
Yeah, I'm working on getting the domain/putting up a site but eh. And yeah, Inc and LLC are reserved for special corporations with shareholders and shit.

I would consider changing your email to be something like steven@acs.net or something along those lines as well.

It's a good thing that you didn't stick with ", Inc." at the end of your name.  A lot of states' corporation commissions have very specific laws about naming conventions; LLCs and Corporations are required to have suffixes, so that people understand the kinds of risks they assume when they engage in business (for example, a sole proprietorship could allow its owner's assets to be at risk when the business is sued, whereas a LLC or LLP limits its principals from liability, hence its name).
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: warz on April 27, 2009, 01:41:03 pm
Yeah, I'm working on getting the domain/putting up a site but eh. And yeah, Inc and LLC are reserved for special corporations with shareholders and shit.

Not necesarilly. It's actually really easy to register your company as a limited liability company. You just want to make sure it benefits you and your company. (it does in a lot of scenarios)
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: Blaze on April 27, 2009, 01:58:28 pm
Yeah, I'm working on getting the domain/putting up a site but eh. And yeah, Inc and LLC are reserved for special corporations with shareholders and shit.

Not necesarilly. It's actually really easy to register your company as a limited liability company. You just want to make sure it benefits you and your company. (it does in a lot of scenarios)

Agreed.
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: truste1 on April 27, 2009, 02:33:26 pm
http://krazed.javaop.com/public/cards.jpg
No offense, but as a potential customer, I would not look at that business card and go "Oh Archon Computer Solutions.. these guys seem really knowledgeable!" You should consider having a design-oriented person make your business card, if you're very serious about this. It's a worthwhile investment, because appearance is a *LOT* in how people view your business before becoming a customer.

Somehow I looked over this last night...this is really good advice. If you're serious you shouldn't skimp on the business cards. Everybody uses the free card services, so you're not going to differentiate yourself. I'd suggest investing in a more unique business card.
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: AntiVirus on April 29, 2009, 12:03:02 am
http://krazed.javaop.com/public/cards.jpg
No offense, but as a potential customer, I would not look at that business card and go "Oh Archon Computer Solutions.. these guys seem really knowledgeable!" You should consider having a design-oriented person make your business card, if you're very serious about this. It's a worthwhile investment, because appearance is a *LOT* in how people view your business before becoming a customer.

Somehow I looked over this last night...this is really good advice. If you're serious you shouldn't skimp on the business cards. Everybody uses the free card services, so you're not going to differentiate yourself. I'd suggest investing in a more unique business card.
Needs more Pokemon.  Can't ever get enough. :)
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: Blaze on April 29, 2009, 12:04:35 am
Needs more Pokemon.  Can't ever get enough. :)

Wait... what?
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: leet_muffin on April 29, 2009, 01:46:01 am
LLC is pretty easy to set up, but I don't think the cost would be worth the benefit in this case. The co-owner of my cajon company decided to go LLC against my wish, but he's picking up the yearly cost of that, so eh... dumb move on his part, doesn't effect me.
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: warz on April 29, 2009, 02:26:15 am
LLC is pretty easy to set up, but I don't think the cost would be worth the benefit in this case. The co-owner of my cajon company decided to go LLC against my wish, but he's picking up the yearly cost of that, so eh... dumb move on his part, doesn't effect me.

I don't know if the cost for this is different in every state - I'm guessing it is. Forming an LLC is pretty cheap in Texas. There's like a $300 filing fee, and then you're subject to a franchise tax. Not too bad.

Edit: I've also heard that our filing fee is higher than most states. I think the average might be somewhere around $125, or something. We talked about this in one of my classes a few years ago, so I don't really know if this is all still true.
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: AntiVirus on April 29, 2009, 12:52:32 pm
Needs more Pokemon.  Can't ever get enough. :)

Wait... what?
Like this: http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/8915/cardswithpokemon.png

Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: truste1 on April 29, 2009, 02:43:24 pm
If you want to do this legit I can put together a marketing/advertising plan for you.

Obviously I don't think this would be something you could really do now, but after you've gotten a couple of customers and have money to advertise. Right now you'd pretty much just start doing jobs for neighbors, get referrals, family friends, etc.
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: Krazed on April 29, 2009, 03:10:06 pm
If you want to do this legit I can put together a marketing/advertising plan for you.

Obviously I don't think this would be something you could really do now, but after you've gotten a couple of customers and have money to advertise. Right now you'd pretty much just start doing jobs for neighbors, get referrals, family friends, etc.

Exactly. And, I have to decide how marketable this really is. Basically, why come to me instead of bestbuy or some other in-home service guys.
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: truste1 on April 29, 2009, 04:27:50 pm
If you want to do this legit I can put together a marketing/advertising plan for you.

Obviously I don't think this would be something you could really do now, but after you've gotten a couple of customers and have money to advertise. Right now you'd pretty much just start doing jobs for neighbors, get referrals, family friends, etc.

Exactly. And, I have to decide how marketable this really is. Basically, why come to me instead of bestbuy or some other in-home service guys.

Your comparative advantage over Best Buy is that you're small, more customer-focused. This will be a huge asset in building customer relations. Maintain strong contact with customers, handwritten follow up post cards or Christmas cards or something. Be flexible with pricing to some extent (a dynamic pricing model) and for stronger customers throw in a part for free or at cost. The computer repair guy my mom uses for her work is just a small family business but they stick with him because "he takes care of her."

As for in home service people those are your biggest competition. People that are going to use Best Buy are going to use Best Buy anyway. You really have to rely on building a referral base, and getting your card into as many hands as possible. Do an exceptional job where you don't cut corners, put in the extra 5% to customer relations and being very personable, and you'll eventually build a following.

In any industry there are barriers to entry, and most companies have to deal with older competition at some point in their lifespan. If you can provide a comparable, (but ideally superior) service, and are just as if not more knowledgeable than your competition then you should be fine. Cut deals to your first few clients so you can actually get hired.

With each client leave 5 business cards to hand out to friends. Tell them that for each client they refer they'll get, say, 3-5% off their next service fee. (So they can get 15-25% off if they a) refer their friends and b) come to you again). By doing that you'll make client A a repeat customer, and gain 5 more. Do the same, Now you've got 6 repeat customers and potentially 25 new customers. Rinse and repeat. Now you're ready to hire another employee. A few more referrals down the line and you're ready to hire a marketing agency.  *wink* *wink*

And with that I must stress how important it is to provide top quality service, turn around time, etc. to your customers. It pays you back 5-fold in referrals.
Title: Re: Starting a local computer repair company..
Post by: iago on April 29, 2009, 05:15:03 pm
I've noticed that it's really easy to find customers whose computers need fixing, as long as you're honest, nice, and do a good job.