> I have been involved in the IT industry for
> about 10 years. I have worked for small to
> mid-sized companies (50 to 1500 employees)
> as their hardware/network support technician
> and as the Systems Administrator.

> My last couple of employers sold out their
> databases/business to the local competition
> and closed the doors. I have just relocated
> to Delaware and am considering opening up my
> own pc repair, systems support and remote
> backup service company.

> After opening up the “yellow” pages I
> discovered about 30 current businesses doing
> roughly the same thing. Nobody is doing any
> kind of “good” marketing that I can
> discover.

> My questions to the board are:

> 1. Have any of you or are you currently
> using a local pc technical service?
> 2. What are the main issues you've had with
> your local service?
> 3. What would you like to have seen offered
> or changed about the way they did business
> with you?

> Thank you, I appreciate any/all answers to
> my questions.

> Jeff

Jeff,

One of my businesses sold and repaired PC's...mostly to the consumer market.

Let me say (hopefully no 'consumers' are reading this!) that the consumer market for PC repair is absolutely brutal. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. Not only do consumers want their PC's fixed immediately they do not want to pay a thing. And to top it off the moment something doesn't work they equate it to a hardware failure and blame you as opposed to most of the time it being a software failure that you have no responsibility for. Phone support ate our lunch. Everyone wanted info for free. We found dealing with businesses as opposed to consumers being much more palatable and profitable. And I don't consider myself to be anti-consumer. We also own a florist shop and I can tell you that customers attitudes are much, much different...it is a far easier business when it comes to dealing with the customer.

Take care,

Mike Winicki