Does diagnosing hardware and software issues come naturally to you?
Then your skills might be a good fit for becoming a phone repair technician or starting a phone repair business.
But fixing phones as a hobbyist and fixing phones as a business are two very different things. Is it the right move for you?
To help you decide, we take a deep dive into the top six things you need to know about fixing phones as a business.
If you’re considering fixing phones professionally, we know you have a knack for all things electronics. But having the skills for phone repair isn’t all there is to a repair business.
Here’s what you need to consider before taking the leap from hobbyist to business owner:
A question we often get is whether or not running a repair business is profitable. The short answer is yes — but you need to do your research.
How profitable your repair store business is can depend on:
Start by looking at other repair shops or independent repair technicians in your area and see what their strengths and weaknesses are. Your ability to profit will come from your ability to run an efficient business and your creativity in standing out from the competition.
Ready to start a smartphone repair business? We love to hear it! CellSmart POS is a huge supporter of independent electronics repair shops.
As you start your journey, here are a few important things to know:
Starting a cell phone repair business doesn’t require any sort of degree or specific certification. In fact, many people start phone repair shops by learning skills online and working out of their houses.
That said, if you don’t have much formal experience or training in electronics repair, a certification might be a good idea. Earning a repair certification can help build trust with your customers and show that you’re knowledgeable about the latest technology and best practices.
Today’s customers need their phones and the faster you can get them repaired, the happier they’ll be.
Staying organized is a must for successful phone repair businesses — but how do you stay efficient with limited resources?
Having an accurate view of your inventory will be vital to keeping up the pace of repairs. Inventory management software helps you optimize inventory levels with features like automated reorder reminders that will trigger whenever stock drops below a certain threshold.
As a phone repair business owner, you’ll constantly juggle parts orders, work orders, status updates, customer payments, and more. The more you use spreadsheets or other manual processes, the more chances that important tasks slip through the cracks.
Investing in the right technology can help. POS systems built for repair professionals come with many useful features to streamline how you track and manage repairs, such as:
Find point of sale software that connects all aspects of your business, from vendor management and inventory to repair tracking and customer communication. A comprehensive software solution will help you stay organized and reduce errors.
Better yet, leverage software with value-added features like customer loyalty and online sales support to offer a better customer experience. Customers expect a modern, convenient experience, so it’s important to invest in the right tools.
When you work as a repair technician, your customer isn’t the device, it’s the device owner. Even if you have the technical knowledge to make quality repairs, customers won’t recommend you if your customer service is lacking.
These days, positive online reviews are more important than ever for small businesses. So ensuring customers have a great experience from the moment they give you their phone to the moment they pick it up is essential.
Use repair management software to gain full visibility over your open tickets. This will allow you to prioritize repairs, send out updates, and ensure that no step in the repair process is forgotten. Using integrated POS and repair management software will also ensure a consistent user experience and accurate inventory tracking.
Keeping customers updated is half the battle. Automated repair status notifications are a great way to keep customers happy and in the know without manually sending messages.
As a small business owner, your survival will depend on word of mouth and referrals. That means you’ll need to take advantage of every marketing tool at your disposal to build your brand and bring in new customers.
Build an attractive website and keep your Google Business Profile up to date. On your website, list all of your services and estimates for common repairs like battery or screen replacements.
You can also use social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube to showcase your skills with repair tips and guides.
Last, use your POS system to offer discounts and create special offers to bring in new customers. Consider offering discounts for common services or product bundles to upsell customers and increase revenue.
If you repair phones professionally, then we don’t need to tell you that technology trends and customer preferences change constantly. Limiting yourself to certain services may be fine in the short term but stifles your ability to grow.
Don’t be afraid to branch out. For example, you could offer repairs for other types of electronics, sell phone accessories, offer training courses, and more. The point is to never get too comfortable and be willing to make changes.
Having a POS system that can handle multiple services and product types is a great way to stay agile as the market changes. When considering a technology partner, look for flexible pricing that allows you to add features as your business grows.
Are you ready to take the leap and start fixing phones as a business? Then it’s vital to find a collaborative technology partner invested in your success.
CellSmart POS specializes in creating powerful, easy-to-use tools that help independent repair shops increase revenue, drive customer loyalty, and boost efficiency. With a dedicated support team and customers across the U.S., we provide everything you need to ensure your business is a success.
Not sure if we’re a good fit? Schedule a free demo and speak to one of our product specialists today.
