This type of business repairs damaged or malfunctioning equipment such as televisions, stereos, computers, phones, and gaming devices. Repair technicians charge a fixed rate for labor in addition to the cost of new parts.
Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the process with hands-on support.
Tailor Brands ($0 + State Fees)
Start an electronics repair business by following these 10 steps:
- Plan your Electronics Repair Business
- Form your Electronics Repair Business into a Legal Entity
- Register your Electronics Repair Business for Taxes
- Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
- Set up Accounting for your Electronics Repair Business
- Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Electronics Repair Business
- Get Electronics Repair Business Insurance
- Define your Electronics Repair Business Brand
- Create your Electronics Repair Business Website
- Set up your Business Phone System
We have put together this simple guide to starting your electronics repair business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.
Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.
STEP 1: Plan your business
A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:
- What will you name your business?
- What are the startup and ongoing costs?
- Who is your target market?
- How much can you charge customers?
Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.
What will you name your business?
Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Electronics Repair Business Name Generator
If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.
When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:
- Your state’s business records
- Federal and state trademark records
- Social media platforms
- Web domain availability
It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.
What are the costs involved in opening an electronics repair business?
The costs for opening this type of business are lower than many other types. One reason is that this business can be operated out of a home. Many services can also be performed remotely, which further reduces expenses. One of the largest initial expenses is the purchase of tools and testing equipment. Prices for diagnostic tools and software can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. There are also software as a service (SaaS) diagnostic services available that operate in the cloud and charge a monthly or annual fee. Depending upon your location, it may be necessary to obtain a license to perform repairs. If you plan to enter your clients’ homes and businesses, there will also be the cost of liability insurance and bonding.
What are the ongoing expenses for an electronics repair business?
Some of the ongoing expenses of an electronics and computer repair business include:
- Replacing tools
- Continuing education regarding new electronic devices entering the consumer market
- Maintaining license, insurance and bonding
- Staff salaries
- Office supplies
- Vehicle maintenance
Who is the target market?
Preferred customers are economically and environmentally conscious people who want to utilize their devices to the full extent of their capabilities before replacing them. Other preferred customers include busy professionals and small business owners who may not be able to afford full-time IT staff.
How does an electronics repair business make money?
Electronics and computer repair businesses make money by charging a fee for their labor and expertise in repairing various devices. Many of these businesses also purchase used laptops, smartphones, and gaming devices for the purpose of refurbishing and reselling them.
How much can you charge customers?
Rates for repairs on computers and other electronic devices can range from between $10 and $100 per hour, depending on the complexity of the job. Some repair businesses perform the repairs in the client’s home or business, while others require their clients to bring the devices to a repair shop.
How much profit can an electronics repair business make?
An electronics and computer repair business owner can earn from between $27,000 to over $100,000 per year, depending on knowledge and experience. With additional employees specializing in different types of popular devices, profits can increase substantially.
How can you make your business more profitable?
Many electronics and computer repair business owners purchase used laptops, phones, and other devices and refurbish them for resale. Others choose to expand into the recycling business, selling damaged parts for scrap. Another way to generate additional monthly income is by offering small businesses that can’t afford full-time IT staff the opportunity to pay a monthly retainer to have your IT repair services available whenever needed. Selling computer parts and accessories also provides a stable source of revenue. Ironically, successful repairs eliminate some types of repeat business, so success depends on satisfied customers spreading the word. Investing time in cultivating good relationships with existing customers is the best way to ensure future customers.
Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!
STEP 2: Form a legal entity
One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your electronics repair business is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.
This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.
In practice, this means that if your electronics repair business were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.
Ready to Turn Your Business Idea Into a Reality?
Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the formation process with hands-on support — from paperwork and compliance to devising a detailed plan to help you achieve your business goals.
Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our How to Start a Business guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best Business Formation Services review (for those opting for a professional service).
STEP 3: Register for taxes
You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.
In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!
You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?
There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.
STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card
Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.
When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.
Open a business bank account
Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:
- Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
- Makes accounting and tax filing easier.
Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.
Get a business credit card
Getting a business credit card helps you:
- Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business’ expenses all in one place.
- Build your company’s credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.
Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.
STEP 5: Set up business accounting
Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.
Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.
STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses
Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.
State & Local Business Licensing Requirements
Certain state business permits or licenses may be needed to go into business as an Electronics and Computer Repair Business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.
In order to charge customers to work on their electronic devices, you may need some form of electronics repair license. If there is a plan for secondhand sales of the used electronic devices, a general secondhand dealer license or pawnbroker license would also be required.
Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.
STEP 7: Get business insurance
Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.
There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.
Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.
Find out what types of insurance your Electronics Repair Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Electronics Repair Business.
STEP 8: Define your brand
Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.
If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.
How to promote & market an electronics repair business
The first step in successfully promoting your business is thoroughly researching the local competition. That research will enable you to create the right business logo and offer specialized services that aren’t offered elsewhere. The second step in promoting and marketing a new electronics and computer repair business is creating opportunities to demonstrate your superior knowledge and skills to the local community.
How to keep customers coming back
Offering discounts for first-time customers in local newspapers, magazines and industry publications is one of the most effective marketing tools available. For example, one owner offered local small businesses vouchers worth two hours of free computer repairs to introduce their business to the local community. Satisfied customers discussing the quality of your work on social networks is also an inexpensive and highly effective form of advertising. Creating social media pages that encourage communication is a great investment.
STEP 9: Create your business website
After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.
While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.
Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:
- All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
- Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
- Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.
Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.
Other popular website builders are: WordPress, WIX, Weebly, Squarespace, and Shopify.
STEP 10: Set up your business phone system
Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.
There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.
Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com
Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.
Is this Business Right For You?
This business is right for those who enjoy learning about technology and the challenge of restoring damaged items to like-new condition. Professionals in this business help conserve natural resources while helping customers preserve treasured photos and online communications as well as valuable software and digital content such as games, books, and music.
Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?
Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!
What happens during a typical day at an electronics repair business?
- Attending workshops and participating in webinars to stay on the cutting edge of new technology
- Testing computers and electronic devices with diagnostic tools to determine which parts require replacement
- Reinstalling operating systems in response to hard disk failures
- Repairing computer hardware and associated peripherals.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful electronics repair business?
- Analytical skills for determining the best resolution of an issue
- Communication skills for explaining processes and procedures to customers
- IT skills including experience in using diagnostic equipment and monitoring computer systems
- Physical dexterity for making repairs
- Troubleshooting skills for addressing potential problems
What is the growth potential for an electronics repair business?
There is a lot of growth potential for an electronics and computer repair business. Many owners of these types of businesses also work as computer consultants. They assist clients in setting up new computer systems as well as trouble-shooting existing systems. Other services they may provide include purchasing software and training employees on how to use it effectively.
Take the Next Step
Find a business mentor
One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.
Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.
Learn from other business owners
Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.
Resources to Help Women in Business
There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:
- Funding
- Events
- Guides
- Support
If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.
What are some insider tips for jump starting an electronics repair business?
An electronics and computer repair business relies a great deal on providing the kind of superior service that inspires satisfied customers to recommend your services to others. Building that reputation takes time, which is why some industry insiders recommend taking advantage of franchise opportunities, which can enable a new store to begin earning revenue much more quickly.
How and when to build a team
It’s a good idea to take advantage of the expertise of industry professionals by joining organizations such as ARCBO, (Association of Computer Repair Business Owners). The benefits of membership include workshops and webinars dedicated to the continuing so necessary to stay on the cutting edge in this business. With the vast number of electronic devices on the market, having a team with members who specialize in the repair of a number of specific devices can greatly increase your businesses’ customer base.