Computers are a standard part of every household and are the primary tool used by a majority of today’s businesses. Most of us, however, have little to no knowledge when it comes to fixing these gadgets when an issue arises. Tech support companies provide support for consumers on an as-needed basis. Both small and large organizations hire tech support companies to provide ongoing maintenance as part of their preventative maintenance strategy, in addition to handling any current obstacles. Services include: installation and maintenance of equipment, software installation, system networking, system auditing, troubleshooting and repair, and training. With the right technical background and equipment, many issues can be solved remotely, eliminating travel time and reducing the overall time it takes to complete the repair.
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Start a tech support business by following these 10 steps:
- Plan your Tech Support Business
- Form your Tech Support Business into a Legal Entity
- Register your Tech Support Business for Taxes
- Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
- Set up Accounting for your Tech Support Business
- Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Tech Support Business
- Get Tech Support Business Insurance
- Define your Tech Support Business Brand
- Create your Tech Support Business Website
- Set up your Business Phone System
We have put together this simple guide to starting your tech support 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 Tech Support 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 a tech support business?
Initial investment in this line of business is fairly minimal. You will need the software and hardware required to operate your business, including a high performance computer and at least one monitor. High-speed Internet and a decided phone line should also be budgeted for. If you plan to make house calls, make sure you have reliable transportation. A website and a sound marketing strategy, including online and printed material, should also be a part of your initial investment. General liability business insurance will set you back between $300 to $1500 per year, depending upon the specifics of your company. Experienced professionals recommend budgeting for $12,000 to $28,000, with an additional $10,000 if you decide to franchise.
What are the ongoing expenses for a tech support business?
Much like your start-up costs, ongoing expenses are fairly minimal. Your largest expense, aside from payroll costs, will be continuing education. It is critical, however, that you keep your skills current, so do not try to use this as a way to trim the budget. Additionally, you will want to invest in websites such as Microsoft’s Experts Exchange, where you can ask for assistance when you run into a roadblock. Fees will set you back approximately $99 annually. Travel expenses, insurance, website maintenance, and business insurance should also be budgeted for.
Who is the target market?
New business owners are cautioned against defining their target market as “anyone that has a computer issue.” This is too broad. Define your ideal customer based on your skills and experience, as well as what is needed in your area. Since residential clients are often on a tighter budget, consider targeting small businesses. Many tech support business owners have found success focusing on remote PC support.
How does a tech support business make money?
Tech support companies generate revenue from the services they offer, including management of servers, computers, and networks. Clients are billed by the hour.
How much can you charge customers?
Hourly rates vary based on region and services provided. The national average is $100 per hour, with rates going as high as $160. It is standard to charge an additional fee for holiday, after-hours, and emergency assignments.
How much profit can a tech support business make?
If you are the sole employee and plan to work fifty weeks out of the year, your business will draw in $150,000 per year with just twenty hours of work per week. When determining your hourly rate, be sure to factor in ongoing expenses.
How can you make your business more profitable?
As previously mentioned, gaining additional certification stands to significantly increase your business’ profits, as does hiring team members with varying skills and experience. If you possess strong communication skills and are well-versed on the subject, offering training and basic computer classes could be a great way to increase your enterprise’s profits.
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 tech support 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 tech support 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 state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC 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 permits and licenses may be needed to operate a tech support business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.
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.
Certificate of Occupancy
A tech support business is generally run out of a home or office. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.
- If you plan to lease a location:
- It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
- Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a tech support business.
- After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
- If you plan to purchase or build a location:
- You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
- Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your tech support business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.
Service Contracts
Tech support businesses should consider requiring clients to sign a services agreement before starting a new project. This agreement should clarify client expectations and minimize risk of legal disputes by setting out payment terms and conditions, service level expectations, and so on.
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 Tech Support Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Tech Support 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 a tech support business
Advertising your business’ services should include a variety of strategies. Many have found success advertising in community periodicals, local newspapers and magazines, computer stores, and at community centers. Ads on social media sites and search engines should also be part of your strategy. Attend business trade conferences and chamber of commerce meetings, networking with as many professionals as you can. One successful tech support business owner indicates that pounding the pavement and educating businesses on the services he offers has generated the greatest number of clients.
How to keep customers coming back
In addition to delivering strong customer service on each job, stress the value of a preventative maintenance plan. Clients will see a reduction in downtime and you will gain steady work.
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?
Are you the person your friends and family call whenever they have a computer or software problem? Do you enjoy working with computers? Have you received any official training or considered obtaining certification? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this business venture could be the perfect fit for you.
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 a tech support business?
Your days will largely be spent troubleshooting and fixing your client’s computer and software issues. The specifics of what this entails vary, depending upon the services you offer. If your work is done on-site, part of each day will be spent traveling from site to site. Additionally, you will need to spend five to ten hours each week networking and marketing and taking care of any other administrative duties that require your attention. This is an ever-evolving industry, so it is also critical that you remain abreast of the latest trends and regularly add to your arsenal of certifications.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful tech support business?
In this industry, professional training and certification is critical to your success. You must be able to work with a variety of systems and do so quickly and efficiently. A+ certification and Network + certification are both highly recommended. Having strong computer skills, however, is only part of the equation. You must be able to communicate with clients and possess the interpersonal and leadership skills required to network, market, and manage a business. If this is not a part of your skill set, it is recommended that you attend business and/or marketing classes at your local community college or hire a professional to assist you.
What is the growth potential for a tech support business?
Recent reports reveal that the computer services industry generates more than $47 billion annually. The employees you hire and your team’s education and background are, ultimately, what will define your organization’s long-term success.
Not sure if a tech support business is right for you? Try our free Business Idea Generator and find your perfect idea.
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 a tech support business?
Since this is a recession-proof industry where there will always be a need, it is recommended that you carefully map out your business strategy. Those who fail to do so often dissolve their business within the first year. Experienced tech support entrepreneurs offer the following advice:
- Clearly define your workflow and stick to it with each client.
- Use a time tracker to ensure you are billing for the correct number of hours. Failing to do so could result in lost money.
- Be confident in the recommendations you make to clients. While there will be times where your suggestions are met with resistance, it’s important to keep in mind that you are the expert. Work with customers who value your hard work and professional experience.
- Clearly define your hours. Make yourself available during the hours your target market would most require your services.
- Make sure you draw up a contract for each client and make sure it has a strong indemnification clause. Work with a lawyer when drawing up your contract.
- Get as much certification as possible.
- Have a sound system for generating invoices and make payment for services as painless as possible for your customers. Make sure your clients understand when payment is expected.
How and when to build a team
For many, an attorney and bookkeeper are a critical part of their team. When it is time to start building, carefully consider each candidate. Hire staff that is well-trained, has worked in the industry, and possesses the education required to complete the work. Hiring staff that is certified in areas that you are not is also a good strategy, as it expands the pool of customers you can service.