Want to start a cell phone repair business? This guide will help you get started by walking through everything you need to know.
A recent study revealed that a cell phone breaks every two seconds worldwide. Considering the number of people and the growing number of smartphones, that’s a huge problem.
The demand for smartphone repairs is growing, but there are not enough experts to fix them.
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10 Steps to Start a Cell Phone Repair Business
1. Learn About Cell Phone Repairing Basics
If you lack experience in smartphone repairs, it can be beneficial to join a school or work for someone who does. This will provide the necessary training to perfect your skills.
It is suggested that prior to getting involved professionally in the cell phone refurbishment business, you acquire some phones for practice.
There are lots of exercise telephones listed for purchase on web-based marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay that cost very little. Obtain one handset at a time and perfect the art of fixing each phone.
As you work towards becoming an expert in repairing phones, start by fixing those of your family and friends. This will provide the necessary confidence to get into the business.
With online courses, you can pick up new skills or brush up on existing talents from home. There are a variety of classes both beginner and advanced available.
2. Choosing A Business Model for Cell Phone Repairing Business
Typically, there are four ways of opening a cell phone repair shop:
- Establish a cell phone store featuring a phone repair service.
- Offer phone repair services directly at the customer’s location.
- Set up a mobile phone repair business from home.
- Start a cell phone repair business with a physical store.
If you’re first starting out, it’s better to focus on one area such as repairs. Although profit margins may not be high in this area, you can always expand your business down the line. For example, getting into mobile sales is a possibility when you have the resources.
If you’re just getting started, it’s best to start small and work from home. Investing in a retail store should be done after you’ve built up a customer base.
3. Cost of Starting Mobile Repairing Business
One of the main advantages of running a smartphone repair business is its low start-up costs. You can begin by offering screen repairs, hardware parts, or part replacements and upgrade your stock according to demand.
You’ll need to invest in some tools and machinery to begin with. You can purchase mobile repair kits both online and offline.
To do basic soldering, you’ll need to buy items such as a soldering iron, solder wire, multimeter, ESD-Safe strap, and more. These supplies can cost up to $600.
To repair different models of cell phones, you must buy their replacement parts in addition to other items.
4. Create a Business Plan
Having a defined business plan will give you a clear set of goals. For example, if you are beginning with repair services and wish to move into smartphone sales within the next few years, this can assist you in making better decisions for your repair venture.
Essential elements for a successful cell phone repair business include:
- What initial and ongoing expenses are involved?
- Who is your primary audience?
- What is the name of your cell phone store?
- Your Pricing Strategy
- What salary are you expecting?
5. Choosing The Location
Where you locate your business will be based on its model. Operating out of a physical store ensures maximum visibility.
If you choose to run a business from home, your startup costs are minimal. To give a professional impression to customers, make sure your home setup looks the part.
Sign up on different websites where individuals from your area can book a service. You can also provide pick-up and home delivery services for enhanced customer satisfaction.
6. Decide on What Cell Phones to Repair
Smartphones come in many sizes and brands. iPhones are relatively easy to fix, as you don’t require a lot of parts and tools for repairs.
As you gain expertise, you can gradually move into other brands. As a first step, you can provide screen replacements, component repairs, hardware repairs, and system updates.
7. Inventory Management
As a service provider in the area of smartphone repair, it is necessary to be well-supplied with components to meet demands.
Keeping multiple parts at the ready is essential for this line of work. Depending on availability and orders taken, the adequate stock should be held without over-provisioning.
To optimize repair work, it’s recommended to keep 5-20 parts of the most commonly requested items on hand at all times.
8. The Legalities of Cell Phone Repairing Business
Opening a shop, other than from home, entails following the official process and providing a government ID to register for the necessary taxes. As you are offering a service, additional tax may apply and this will be based on the country.
Most areas of the world don’t require you to have a special license or permit to begin a home-based cell phone repair business.
9. Regular Technology Upgrade
This is an advancing area of business. Technology is constantly improving and as a provider, you will have to stay up-to-date.
You can opt for a specialized field to focus on. Pick your own domain, and deliver services in connection with it. Staying current with the most recent technicalities is fundamental in the phone updating trade.
10. Promoting Cell phone Repairing Business
Having established your business, it is now time to disseminate news of its existence. You must advertise and make people aware of your services.
In today’s world, every person has a smartphone, hence you have access to a massive market in your vicinity. Begun with brochures and signs at various communal functions and closed stores.
The most favorable place to promote your business is near or around cellphone shops and technical centers.
A cell phone repair business offers huge profits and flexible working hours, making it a lucrative venture with one of the highest returns in business.
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