[joenational]

hello, I didn't really know where to place this question so I placed it here. I work for a medium sized company and I run the NYC office in regards to Telecom and networking. I have recently noticed a lot of users coming up to me with issues at their home. Now it got me to think about starting up a small service company nothing big just something out of my house that I can do either late nights or weekends but I really dont know where to start. How do I charge, where do I get my software from stuff like that. Can anybody please steer me in the right direction to at least start to look around that would be great. I have never given this good thought until very recently once again something small maybe a few extra hundred a month or so.

Thanks,
Joe.

[loserOlimbs]

Specific hardware, software and services would help us out.

Its hard to say whats needed when we don't know exactly what you need to do.

[joenational]

Oh, I apologize. Well it would be all PC based services, repairs, builds, building small home or office networks etc... Either onsite or at my house (building/reparing a personal machine for delivery or drop off). Once again nothing huge not looking to get rich but I do see a small market in my area for this as I do have a reg salary job in this field. I have recently noticed a lot of future clients asking me a lot of questions, some of which asked if I could do it. I could capitalize on this a little bit I feel.

The main questions I have are basically where do I really start. In other words how do I get my hands on windows OS's that I can install on client machines or other related software. Also hardware, is it normal to buy out of pocket first or have the customer pick it up(I guess it would depend on the situation and how much the client would know) I know where to get it but is there a cut in price for Small biz's or could I get licenses for it, if so where? I guess normal start up questions.

Thanks,

[kiwiguy]

Not sure where you are or what local or federal legislation that applies, but if you are building (assembling) from parts, in some countries you will have to meet compliance with EMI/EFI, which means having a compliance program (only using certified parts) to ensure FCC type emissions and radiation are complied with.

Also in some countries, as PC's are an "electrical appliance" you need a minimum level of electrical registration or training, sufficient to ensure safety.

While you can usually DIY when its not for sale, or work under an "employer licence" regime in a larger company, do check what you can legally do in your own right as a retailing business.

Also make sure that if this is similar work to what you do for a salary that you are not in breach of your employment contract if you do it as a sideline in opposition to your employer.

Sounds pedantic, and I am sure you will have covered this, but I have seen people financially hurt by the oversights in these basic areas.

[joenational]

Yes, you are right, I want this to be as legal as it can be. My first hurdle besdies getting all of my licenses for my software out of the way is to start and get a small client base. So before I go and pay for any licenses to run the biz I want to see if I can capitalize on this first.

Once again does anybody know how to get a hold of OEM software or licenses so that when a client says I dont have the OS I want to make sure that I perform a legal installation so that I can update them with any and all windows patches. Also hardware, is it normal for the client/user to bring you the hardware they want or need or is it best to pick it up out of pocket and then charge them the price of the part. Dont want to be a reseller just want to be paid for my time, service and knowledge.

Thanks,
Joe.

[kiwiguy]

Normally a client would not be sufficiently skilled to buy the hardware and supply it to you, as if they were they would probably assemble it themselves. Also if they buy the bits, and as you have to support the final build, RMA's etc become tricky as the receipts and purchaser identity become problematic.

My expectation would be that you would agree on the specifications for the PC and buy and assemble, then sell. If they will front all purchase costs thats a decision between you and them.

It is not uncommon for a trusted partnership to exist where the client pays a % up front to you, in order to defray the overheads. Remember though, if the computer has a problem, you will have to provide the warranty service, the costs should be factored in somewhere.

As it sounds like you are dealing with a trusted and trusting client base that could be quite possible and practical.

You should talk to Microsoft re purchasing OEM Windows however. Also remember that OEM means that you will have to provide the support for Windows as well, not Microsoft.

[joenational]

Yes, that makes perfect sense. Supporting the product would not be an issue since that will be part of what I provide. I feel the best way in regards to hardware would be to show the client what it is that they need and have them purchase it with their money, or buy it for them but using their money. However I dont plan to make my money that way but with the service that I will provide. I will research the OEM software so that whatever I do is as legal as possible. Thanks for the tips. I just need to gain a client base so that I can start the ball rolling.

Thanks again. All tips or advice is welcome as you can never have enough information on one topic.

[kiwiguy]

I think your advantage will lie in that you have a trusting client base.
That would allow your business to grow without too much risk.

But do not ignore the regulatory issues, which will depend on the country you operate in.
Even if the customers are paying for all the bits, you are the person assembling and selling an electrical appliance and you alone have to meet the compliance and are liable for any non compliance. With any issue covered by state or federal law, you cannot contract around it.

[gurutech]

I started my own "side business" here in NJ, and there's really not a lot that needs to be done to get things "legal". You will need to contact your local (state) chamber of commerce to find out if you need any type of business license. In NJ, for a PC repair tech/builder you don't need a license, but you do need to let the state know you have the business. Next step is to get a tax ID # and resale forms (so you can pick up parts and not have to pay sales tax on them, since you will be charging your customers sales tax.)

As far as what Kiwiguy is saying, regarding FCC licensing, it's my understanding that you don't have to be 100% "FCC compliant" if the PC is going to a "home". If it will be for a customer using it for business, then it needs to be compliant.

What I have done in a couple instances is print out a quote sheet for the customer and list the parts that they will need, with specific part #'s, etc... and let them order the parts themselves, and when they come in, I assemble them and install the OS, etc...

The way I am running my business (since I already have a full time dayjob), is that I charge whatever I pay for parts and shipping, and then charge a flat fee for setting everything up.

Of course I am not allowed to solicit personal work at my day job (since networking and system admin is my day job), so what I have done is get business cards printed up, and when someone at work asks if I can build them a PC or fix their home PC, I hand them a card and ask that they call me after work. I know I can sound like a d**k sometimes, but I explain that I can't solicit or accept solicitations from co-workers if it means that the company will be losing business. They understand and usually call me right after work....

And when I go to do the work, I hand out a few extra cards, so they can refer me to their friends or family members. Word of mouth advertising is a heckofalot cheaper than traditional advertising! And the business cards were paid for after my first customer!

Hope it all works out for you! Good luck!

[joenational]

Yes Yes, This is exactly what I was looking for. We are neighbors as I am in NY and do the same as my dayjob. You are doing exactly what I want to start doing. Now you say you have them get the hardware after you give them a spec sheet which is exactly what I was thinking of doing now what do you do about software though and the VLK's. Do you have a license or do you have extra keys lying around?

Thanks for the input. Making me really get excited to start this.

[gurutech]

You can't use a VLK unless all of the licenses will be used at the same place (or at least the same organization - such as your "Day Job")

If you send me a private message with your email address, I can send you some links I have for Microsoft to get started as a "reseller", to be able to get discounts and such....