Era Computers

[SpitFireV12RR]

Hey guys,

I'm trying to start a business. It's going to involve me building computers, maintaining and fixing computers, and installing O/S(Hey, some people don't know how). I just wanted to know what you think of my site. The "About me" section is a little cheesy, but I'm trying to get it out there that I can actually handle this crap. ALOT of people wouldn't trust a 12 year old, probally including some of you. Here it is:

If anyone wants to invest in my business, I'll take your money! ROFL :smile: J/K I really do need some money though to get all this crap copywriten, to get some customers, to get a better web site plan and to get word out there. I'm trying to stay local(Which would be in Orlando)...for now. :smile2:

If you would be so kind, either email me your comment, or submit it in the little form box on the Contact Me page.

Era Computers

 

[robriguez]

Well bud, you got some balls. Thats is not a knock, thats is a compliment. With every Harold, Hakim, Hiroki, Hank, Jesus, etc getting into the computer game its not going to be an easy road.

In the beginning my recomendation is that you push your "Service". You sell the fact that you will help them. You will come to their house. You will show them how to use their computer (possibly). You will be very customer friendly. Your fees will be very cheap because you are just starting out and you want to get your name out more then make some money in the beginning.

Get some flyers made and ask if you can plaster them around school. Pass them out to everyone!!!! Hang out at all the events and hand out the flyers (plays, recitals, baseball games, PTA meetings) plaster them on parked cars in parking lots at food stores, mini malls, down main streets. If you want to be local, BE LOCAL.

Come up with a clean cut pricing structure. Print it on the flyer, post it on your website. I know things can range, print that also, but put a base that everyone can follow. Things like....
--"First time customers get free system check....(spybot, adaware, or like a Trend Micro virus scan)"
--"$25/hour for onsite installation of new components into existing systems billed in 1/2 incremements."
--"$15/hour for all work done in shop."
--"Call for quotes on custom built systems."
etc...
I'm not saying use those numbers...I'm just saying give people an idea of how cheap or expensive it may be.

Be professional. You may be 12 (or 14 according to your profile) but hold yourself in the most professional manner you can. I'm not saying be someone your not. But always speak properly. Never joke around unless the customer makes a joke. Dress properly. I'm sure you know this but it DOES make a difference. I used to have customers REFUSE to work with a couple of my techs just because they didint always present the most prefessional appearence. They were good techs but the customers didnt trust them with their mega $$$ systems.

So, Good luck. If you have any questions that I can help with feel free to ask. Its tough out there, dont be discouraged. You may fall/fail/flail the first few go rounds but dont give up.

 

[sweetdiesel]

Nice jazz piece spit. I would run a spell check on your site, you mis-spelled experience. Robriguez has given you some good pointers on the right track towards success.

Best of luck in your new endeavor.

 

[jetmechG550]

Michael Dell started in his garage and look at him now. Good luck with it. Your big downfall is that your 14. If someone needs support right now, that may be during school hours or they may be clear across town and you can't drive (legally).

 

[SpitFireV12RR]

Thanks for the pointers guys. About the gramatical and spllin(ROFL) errors, this is just a sort of rough draft. If I do get my business actually going and I get a loan from my parents or maybe my aunt/uncle's business, I'm going to buy a plan rather than use the crappy free users stuff.

I was listening to that Jazz piece in the car with my grandpa and thought I should put it on.

Rob, I was thinking of doing the "Install Norton Firewall, Norton Anti-Spam, and Norton system works on every new computer." Or something of that. I also wanted to know what you think I should do for labor prices? I mean...I'm totally lost on the price per hour. If you could give me a good starting range...

And, I wanted to say something else. I'm going to buy almost everything from best buy because I know the General Manger's son, so I get 40% discounts. That way, I can advertise that I charge 20% less on SELECT parts(I've gotta make money somehow with the other 20%.). For all the other stuff(Like stuff BestBuy doesn't carry), do you have a recommendation for a good online store I can order my stuff from?

Oh ya, Jetmech...legally.

Thanks,
Spit

 

[dannyd]

wow spit thats cool and the price isnt bad at all. pretty much what what was said already and you will be good.

 

[daakeung]

all the information you have is GOOD STUFF, if you need help with any web development I can lend a helping hand. Just hit me up at daakeung(at)d2networx(dot)com

 

[HeartBreak]

Parts are easy to come by. I'd recommend flea markets, older 'mom n pop' type computer shops, and if you're lucky enough to have one in the area, a computer shop that specializes in older electronics (got one here that has OLD stuff, like the old Mac Performa computers). Sometimes you can even strike a deal with people that buy out storage sheds (call the local storage shed facilities, and attend a buyout auction. Make it clear that if there is any computer stuff in the shed, that you'll buy it for a reasonable price from the winning bidder. Sometimes they'll even GIVE you the stuff for free). The guy down the road does that as a hobby, and he gives me anything computer-related. Including a Dreamcast Keyboard.

As for software, if you're really in a pinch, you can sometimes pick some up from yard sales. But just remember; the best tools you can use are free. Prime example;

My favorite tools disc has a bootable image of Dos 7.1 on it (installable), with a dos-level CDROM driver, windows 3.1 (considered abandoned/dead by microsoft), AVG 6 and 7, Spybot, Adaware, Intels NIC Cleaner (hard to find, but EXTREMELY handy), Zonealarm, XP Service Pack 2 (235mb "network admin" download edition), the 6 XP Boot floppy makers, and a handful of other tools. I created it using MagicISO, then burned out to a standard CD.

Now, as for stuff to carry in a binder, I carry CD's of Linux (just in case someone wants it; ya never know), Floppies with the XP boot images, a dos boot floppy with a cdrom driver, dos 6, norton ghost emergency floppy (for installing larger drives without having to reinstall everything), and a handfull of other programs.

As you go from call-to-call, you'll find that you might need a tool, and it'll get added to your arsenal.

Now, for actual tools; needle nose pliers, screw drivers (an all-in-one kit with Torx, Phillips, Flat, and Allen types), standard pliers, and a can of compressed air.

Finally, a good thing to carry in your toolbag are the following parts; a couple drive ribbons, cables like printer, monitor, and power, a mouse (ya never know), a pill bottle with jumpers in it, another with screws and misc case fittings (plastic standoffs, metal lugs, etc), and blanking plates for option cards.

Now, as for the rest of the bag, don't forget a small portfolio with receipts, flyers, and biz cards.

Most of all, the most important thing is your image. Clean cut and leave the 'stick it to the man' shirt at home. Later on, when you get a car, make sure to turn the stereo down before you get near their house. Nothing puts a client in a bad mood like a ground-pound stereo (experience talkin here).

Good luck, and remember; the first couple years are the toughest. Don't expect to turn a huge profit right off.

Oh, and do everything by-the-books. It's too easy to take a shortcut, and have a client wig out on you, resulting in a call from the IRS or the local business license office.

 

[jon2]

What is Computer Repair/Maitenence?

 

[SpitFireV12RR]

Wow heartbreak...do we have an expert on our hands? You might be recieving quite a few PMs. Jon2, Maintence is like if someone doesn't have anti-virus, doing a virus scan, ummm...maybe reformatting a hard drive, disk clean-up, defragmentation, all that crap that a retard can do but most people either 1.) Don't feel like doing it or 2.) Don't know HOW to do it.

 

[jon2]

I know what Maintenance is but Maitenance? Check your site for spelling errors.

 

[HeartBreak]

I don't know if you'd call me an expert, but I do know my way around the windows structure, and can salvage almost any installation, and recover data in most situations with relative ease (hence the reason for carrying an XP "live CD" in my toolbag).

I agree tho, most people are too $#%#$ lazy to defragment a disk, altho in XP, it's hardly needed (well, compared to 98/ME), but they won't hesitate to click on those flashing 'youve won!!!' banners. One of my clients is a freebie junkie. He clicks anything that flashes, says 'your a winner', or free stuff here. He's got a good heart, but extremely naive. Almost got scammed by nigerians (that's part of the business; I educate people about scammers on the net).

It's all common sense.

 

[SpitFireV12RR]

SHUTUP Jon2...I didn't ace spelling! Me = :loser: at Spelling

LOL As I said before, this is a rough draft. Does anyone make websites for a living? Daakeung, I saw what you said there...

 

[Monkey Wrench]

As a professional seller in the technology sector (and a damn good one too) here are some additional tips to incorporate into your new enterprise:

1) Present a professional appearance! I know it's been mentioned but it cannot be overstated enough! It may mean you going against the grain a tad in terms of "latest fashions" but you can buy all the baggy jeans and hooptie sneakers you want when you're making the money. Invest in a couple pairs of khaki pants and nice, button down shirts and get them cleaned and pressed on a regular basis. Oh, get yourself some Altoids! Last thing you want to have happen is have your client hurl as soon as you open your mouth.

2) Underpromise and overdeliver. It's all about customer service these days, so don't set unreasonable expectations with your clients. If you can't do something they are asking, admit it! Don't push one thing over another because it may be easier for you. Starting out, referrals are going to be your lifeblood and here's a statistic you can take to the bank. A person that has a bad experience will tell no less than ten people without being prompted. This is a fact. If you screw one client, you will have screwed ten potential ones.

3) Don't 'push' anything on your clients. Talk to them, find out what their pain points are and present solutions that address those pain points. If a client is needing a virus protection application, don't start pushing some media application either. I'm not implying you should not upsell, but use some tact. If you see they have "X" application isntalled and you know it's crap, ask them how their experience has been. If it's negative, present an alternative and point out why it's better.

4) Be professional in every aspect of the sales cycle. You are selling yourself first, then your service second.

5) Do not make snap judgements based on first impressions. About four years ago we had our basement finished and, as is the norm, I wanted a big screen TV and a surround sound system. So, I go to HH Gregg and I have my Harley leather jacket on, my steel toe boots, jeans, sweatshirt and hat. I walk in and out of the three or four salespeople on the floor, only one came up and asked me if he could help me. Turns out, he hit his monthly quota on me alone! I spent probably a good $7000.00 on a TV, speakers, amps, receivers, etc. and I know that the other salespeople thought I was probably in "just looking". Just goes to show you, don't ASSUME because it'll end making an ASS out of U and ME!

6) Did I mention presenting yourself professionally?

 

[SpitFireV12RR]

Wow...I didn't expect so much help! Anyhow, I was planning on wearing my khaki(I dunno how to spell that!) pants, and my button down striped shirts. I also have some nice dress shoes. I hate baggy clothes...I only own one pair and that was because my mom bought them at a garage sale when I said I needed Jeans.

So, I'm getting from all of you guys that I should carry a binder/briefcase type thing which I carry all my tools in? I'm going to call my aunt in awhile to see if she'll give me a loan from her business...maybe get word out internationally(She and my uncle own a trucking business). I was also wondering whether anyone could teach me about Macs...I don't know a damn thing about them...I've never owned one or really used one.

Do you think that one of you guys could email me at [email protected] and ask for a quote on any computer system you could think of and see how I respond and maybe give me some pointers on that?

Thanks,
Spit

 

[WoodiE]

Just a few things regarding your website:

1. Lose the background music - nothing is worse then having a page load up and some music that you might not like automatically starts playing or even worse (such as in your case) no way to even turn OFF the music if the user wants to. You're not a band, you're an IT professional - show me one major IT site that plays music when you goto their page...exactly you can't, ok next point.
2. Lose the Tripod website. The ads are super tacky and the vast majority of your content is hidden away by the ads. www.Godaddy.com lets you buy your own domain for $9 a year and you can find extremely cheap webhosting for $3-5 a month. There's no need to use the free crap.
3. Re-arrange your content. Make it as easy as possible for your clients or future clients to move around your website as possible. The easier it is for them to find what they are looking for and to see what you have to offer the better for the both of you.
4. SPELL Check, spell check, spell check, and spell check. If you have MS Word or Word perfect then copy your content to word, spell check it and have it correct any errors then copy the text back to your new website - it's as easy as that.

Good luck!


-Michael

 

[robriguez]

2) Underpromise and overdeliver. It's all about customer service these days, so don't set unreasonable expectations with your clients. If you can't do something they are asking, admit it! Don't push one thing over another because it may be easier for you.

Truer words have never been spoken. We have an outside sales rep at my company that I just love cutting the legs out from under. I am by no means a "sales guy". Not that I'm not good at it, i just dont like Schmoozing customers. I dont like selling something that is not needed to someone who doesn't want it. I'm a tech guy.

So I have alot of customers that will simply NOT deal with that particular sales rep at all any more. She constantly tells people we will have stuff for them knowing there is no way in hell it can be ready in time. She promises we will do things for them without checking schedules. The best was one time she had myself and another tech scheduled to fly to California on a monday morning and never told anyone. LOL Needless to say the customer was pissed and took their business somewhere else.

Anyway, so they call me alot of the time when they just want to order a couple things here or there. They know that I'm going to tell them exactly what will work and what will not. They know that if something is going to be expensive I'm going to tell them it will. If it will be cheap, I usually still tell them it "may" be expensive but will most likely come out cheap as long as we dont run into problems. It about setting customer expectations. If your all, "Yeah we can do that, sure no problem, anything you want." then hit them with a 5k bill they are going to hit the roof. Take your time with your customers and explain why one thing is better than another. Tell them why you are suggesting product X instead of what they came and asked you about. Or, if they ask you about something you would suggest, tell them that. Let them know you agree with them and you think its a great idea. You have to find the niche. the thing that puts you above the rest. The reason that these people come to YOU and not the gyu down the block. Even if the two of you offer the same everything, make your customers "FEEL" there is a reason they come to you.

 

[Monkey Wrench]

After having looked at the site in a bit more detail, I'd like to offer these additional suggestions, if I may:

1) As Woodie mentioned, drop the music and look into a hosted solution for your site. The ads make it tough to get to the content.

2) In addition to the spelling, you need to tighten the grammar up as well. You intersperse the pronouns "we" and "I" throughout your content. You need to pick one or the other.

3) You point out that a lot of the services you offer are relatively easy, going so far as to say, "In current times, an idiot could slap a few computer components together and it would run." My question is, then, why call you? Try to view this from a buyer's eyes. If I have a PC problem and it's easy to do, be it install an OS or a DVD writer, and I'm an idiot, why call Era? Era says it's easy! My point is twofold. One, the tone is a bit elitist and two, you're selling me on doing it myself.

4) I'd lose that "About Me" page in its entirety. I know it's a template from Tripod, but you don't have to use it. Again, from a buyer's perspective, I don't care that you're 12 (although I'b be disinclined to give you my business knowing that up front) or that you scored a 144 on an IQ test and that you've been interested in computers since you were 2 and blah, blah, blah. You want to give potential clients a reason to contact you, not reasons to not contact you. Personal information is useless in a business environment until you have estabished a relationship with your client. Once you establish repore with your client, that's when you can share some personal information. Until then, keep it to yourself.

Robriguez makes a superb point by his comment on not wanting to be in sales because you have to schmooz clients. I hate it, I don't do it and I won't be baited by a client into playing that game! I have given clients tickets to NFL games, Indy 500, Brickyard 400, taken a few golfing, but it was AFTER the sale, AFTER the solution had been implemented and AFTER any and all issues were cleared. I took them to THANK them for trusting me with their business, NOT to earn it. I've had counterparts look at me like I had lobsters coming out of my ears because I wouldn't give them to a potential client. What I couldn't understand is why they would! Why would you give tickets to an in demand event to someone that has no skin in the game? Makes no sense and it never makes sense to try and "buy" the business. Sure, it may work in the short term, but over the long haul, it'll come back to haunt you!

It's like I try to tell every new sales professional I meet, work smarter, not harder!

 

[SpitFireV12RR]

The tripod thing DOES get annoying...very, very annoying. I don't have microsoft Frontpage and I can't afford dreamweaver so I think I'm going to have to call someone after I get my actual business going. I was planning to upgrade to tripod webmaster where I have to pay like $11 but I get a domain name and alot more GB for bandwidth and alot more MB for files and stuff. http://www.tripod.lycos.com/compare/compare.html and NO ads! It's the WEBMASTER one, in yellow(Well for me anyways)

Umm...I'll lose the About Me page then and fix some of the "an idiot can do this".

I haven't had a chance to actually work on the website so I'll go do that today after school.

 

[msly]

All of the pointers you are getting are dead on... but since you are young... make sure you do not get in over your head.... start out slow and as you get more experienced you can start setting up networks for small business etc.

You should just start out fixing peoples home computers. There are so many people out there that have no clue about fixing common computer problems.... I would imagine you could really start making money fixing spyware problems and setting up wireless networks.... I probably get asked to do that kind of work from the people I work with several times a month.... Do a lot of research on how to setup various computers and wireless networks... there is a wealth of info on the net....

when I first started getting into this business the best thing i did was setup test networks at my house using older computers..... Practice makes perfect...

good luck

sLY