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Self-Employed Servicing Repairing Appliances

by Appliance University Distance Learning Program

If you are mechanically inclined, you may have thought about starting an appliance repair business. Think about the following questions:

Do you have the skills and knowledge to make the repairs? No? Gaining knowledge=experience=skill to do appliance repair by Appliance University interactive TUTORIALS: Distance learning Appliance Repair courses.

Like the idea of being your own boss?

If you are mechanically inclined, you may have thought about starting an appliance repair business. Think about the following questions:

Do you have the skills and knowledge to make the repairs? No?

A Service repair business may be the perfect way for you to own your own small business.

Setting your own hours, working at your own pace, and enjoying what you do are all great reasons to start your own appliance repair business. Skilled appliance repair technicians are in great demand.

LOW START UP COST

Start with a financial and organizational plan. Set up a space for your business in your garage, shed, or basement. Much of your business will be conducted in the homes of customers, so purchase a reliable van or truck, and set it up with the necessary tools. Buy professional grade tools. Professional tools will last longer, and build customer confidence. It will cost more at first, but you will save in replacements costs over time.

IDEAS TO KICK-START YOUR SERVICE BUSINESS

Sell used appliances, pick them up free in local neighbourhoods, or go to local Sears stores. Speak with the sales person, and give them your business card to pass out to their customers who bought new appliannces and have them call you to pick up the old one free of charge. Another great idea is to check out and repair the used appliances you pick up, and then rent them out

Decide about the kind of appliance repair service to offer: HOME LAUNDRY, REFRIGERATION, HVAC/R. Many appliance repair business owners specialize in particular kinds of appliances. One niche, or specialization, might be retail for new or used appliances, or rental washers & dryers. Larger items, like repair of refrigerators, washers, dryers, and dishwashers is another option. Your choice depends on your own knowledge and skills, and local competition. Try to find an area that is not being serviced by other businesses.

LICENSES

Obtain the necessary business local and state licenses(in some states, service companys need to be resistered), and obtain liability insurance  to acquire adequate coverage.

DO GOOD DO WELL

A reputation as an honest, dependable, and skilled mechanic wil generate referrals. Collect testimonials from satisfied customers, and offer discounts for new customer referrals. Advertise your services in free online listings such as Craigslist, Facebook, and other social networks. Make use of the Yellow Pages, and classified advertising in local newspapers. In todays world, a domain name is very important, so purchase one from Godaddy.com. Godaddy.com has comparable hosting plans for websites. 

NETWORK

Develop relationships with part suppliers so that you and your customers do not have to wait weeks for parts to arrive. Before accepting a job, make sure you will be able to find parts. Some appliances may be so old and outdated that parts cannot be found. In most cases, you can determine whether or not parts will be available by asking questions about make, model, and year in the initial phone call.

If you will be unable to find the needed parts, explain to the customer before making the service call. You will lose money in the short-term, but the customer will appreciate your honesty and remember you for future jobs.

Expanding Your Appliance Repair Business

Starting an appliance repair business is just the first step. Making it successful and expanding can take your business to the next level. Some ways to expand include:

  • Take on more work Hire skilled professionals
  • Branch out into areas that you don’t currently offer
  • Teach classes about appliance maintenance
  • Include other brands, other types, HVAC/R
  • Start an appliance rental busines

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