The year 2020 has so far been a challenging one for computer repair professionals. Not only are we facing a global crisis due to COVID-19, we are now looking at a spiraling global economy that will cripple thousands of businesses worldwide. However, while you may be relegated to trouble with work, this may also serve as a chance to enhance your skills.
Believe it or not, you can still improve your computer repair service in the current global climate. Let’s look at all the ways that you can better your craft and help your business continue to flourish.
Remember, these tips aren’t only for the year 2020, but can also serve to help you in the future when we get back to normal (whenever that is). Be sure to check out our other tips for running your business.
Take online computer repair courses
Our first tip relates to educating yourself during the current downtime. Because of COVID-19, a lot of people now work from home, and even if you aren’t, there’s a bit more time on your hands. This is the perfect opportunity to learn how computer repair works in 2020, and how you can manage it best.
You can enroll in a computer repair technician degree program or even get professional computer repair certification through online services. Some of these like Udemy, Coursera, Skillshare and LinkedIn Learning offer excellent value for the investment, allowing you to get up-to-date on how to repair computers in 2020. There are even free online courses provided by renowned universities such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Carnegie Mellon that you can take. These get you up to speed on PC software, hardware, circuits and electronics, and basic electrical engineering. It’s a great resource to visit during your downtime.
Update your computer repair management system
Your computer repair service is only as good as the management system you use to keep track of everything. While most repair shops or enterprises usually forego any POS system, it is the smartest thing to invest in one. The benefits a POS system brings are immensely greater in scope than your standard documents and spreadsheets.
With a sophisticated computer repair management system, you’ll be able to not only track your repairs, but also track your inventory, manage your employees, get better sales overviews, and generally improve on your repair service from top to bottom. A holistic solution like RepairDesk allows you to stay in touch with your customers through email and SMS, add a loyalty program, offer store credit, and collect payments without any hassle. It’s always a great idea to invest in a repair management software that can save you loads of time and make running your repair store or service a whole lot easier.
Get the tools that you need
Bring able to repair anything requires the right kind of equipment, tools and parts. Now is as good a time as any to see what your repair service needs and stock up on it. With the right tools for the job, you’ll be able to process your computer repair jobs faster and more efficiently.
A good idea would be to first do an inventory count on your own tools and check to see which ones are short or in need to replacement. Once you’ve done that, you can search for places where you can buy said tools. Since dropshipping is now more common than ever, you’ll be able to receive your items easily and in due time. Amazon may have most of the general stuff that you require such as thermal paste or digital multimeters, though for more specific tools, you might want to look into someone that specializes in it.
One of the most common places to find repair tools is iFixit. A website known for its excellent guides, great tools and a thriving community, iFixit can help you repair whatever you need with the right tools for the job. They also offer manuals, step-by-step guides, and even score machines in terms of repairability. Whether you’re a cellphone or computer repair business, iFixit can help you out with what you need.
Don’t forget to get the most popular computer accessories in stock at your computer repair shop. Investing in the accessory range will pay off since people are working from home and need the best tools to improve their productivity.
Bonus: redo your premises
If you run a repair shop, make a COVID-19 safety checklist now because it is the time to work on your premises and spruce it up. You can tinker with the display area, install plastic sheeting to protect yourself and your workers, and mark designated areas for customers.
This is important, since the COVID-19 pandemic is still at large, and people are continuing to fall ill. Best to keep yourself safe during this situation. Make sure you have enough soap, hand sanitizer and cleaning alcohol for everyone. Your employees should also have the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) for the job.
Final Words
Improving your computer repair business is a responsibility you will need to take at some point. If you’re looking towards growth, doing the best that you can for your enterprise is a no-brainer. Be sure to invest in your business, your people and yourself, so you can continue to flourish and become even better.
If you’re still looking to soar high, consider choosing RepairDesk for your computer repair shops. Our management software is an all-in-one solution for everything you need. Check out this free 14-day trial.
