Do customers consider home-based businesses legit?

LCpl Mark Lefler — Tue, 05 May 2015 18:01:55 -0400

I was thinking of buying the tools and parts to start a homebase business to fix cell phones. The one thing I can't get passed is the idea that without a storefront or a kiosk in a mall people wouldnt be interested even if they needed the service. Maybe I'm over thinking it, but I'm not sure.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 5 at 2015 6:14 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Tue, 05 May 2015 18:14:46 -0400

You can always set up a PO Box or a "Come to you" model.

I work Heating & Air Conditioning, and many "One Truck" Companies are ran out of people's basements.

If people don't need to know where you are based, why share?

Response by Capt Richard I P. made May 5 at 2015 6:15 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Tue, 05 May 2015 18:15:49 -0400

It's not a home business to customers, it's an 'on demand at your location' 'by appointment at your location' or mail order business. Get professional business cards and a website of some sort and no one has to know its a home business.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made May 5 at 2015 6:23 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Tue, 05 May 2015 18:23:26 -0400

The word will spread quickly if you do competent, timely repairs for a attractive price. One of my grandsons solicits phones to be repaired, he ships to a place w/ quick turnaround and half ? the market rate for repairs, then he gets his cut.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made May 5 at 2015 6:40 PM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Tue, 05 May 2015 18:40:58 -0400

i guess part of the issue i cant stock the parts, the screens for a samsung are wholesale about 140.00 each, so i'd have to order it for the person which is like 2 days to get the part, but i wouldnt want to order it without payment but not sure people would make a payment ahead of time without a store of somekind.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made May 5 at 2015 6:45 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Tue, 05 May 2015 18:45:41 -0400

Like others have said, if you go to the customer, where you base is irrelevant. I would avoid bringing them to you. The trust issue can't be ignored and it's healthy to never allow customers to know where you live. Some people are..irrational when they're unhappy over something and that that will invariably happen.

Response by TSgt David Holman made May 5 at 2015 7:00 PM

TSgt David Holman — Tue, 05 May 2015 19:00:11 -0400

Home based business is ok, but you have to consider what the perception is. If it is a home based cell phone repair, you might get looked at in a shady light (regardless of if you have ill intent or not). Seeing the kiosk gives at least the perception that you have taken the business seriously enough to pursue getting some kind of legitimacy to the service. Just my .02.

Response by SSgt J.J. Guajardo made May 5 at 2015 11:54 PM

SSgt J.J. Guajardo — Tue, 05 May 2015 23:54:01 -0400

Try the Internet, then you'll have too much work. Start local then go world wide Web! !

Response by SPC David Shaffer made May 6 at 2015 12:06 AM

SPC David Shaffer — Wed, 06 May 2015 00:06:02 -0400

You can always sell your services on eBay. A lot of people make big money fixing phone screens. You should also get into fixing tablet screens.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 3:40 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 May 2015 03:40:09 -0400

If i was looking to get my cellphone repaired the first thing I would do is go to google, look up reputable cellphone repair business. then I'd start my research to find one with good reviews and a professional website.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 10:21 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 10:21:15 -0400

Well, being a home based business would require a much more aggressive marketing campaign where a brick and mortar business would allow your physical presence to serve as part of your advertising.

As far as whether people think it is ok? I don't think I'd judge it negatively. Repairs can take time and I could understand wanting to do it at home so you wouldn't lose family time. But I'm just one guy also.

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 14 at 2015 4:10 AM

PO1 John Miller — Thu, 14 May 2015 04:10:55 -0400

I recently utilized a business just like this in Tucson, though they do have a storefront and maybe 3 employees. Owner, technician, and receptionist.

Anyway, they actually keep stock on hand for the more common phones, iPhone, Samsung, and tablets. They keep costs very low (I needed a new screen on my Samsung Galaxy S4 and I was charged only $55) by replacing just the glass and not both the glass and LCD screen, using ultraviolet glue to put the replacement glass on your phone. The technician who fixed my phone said that he uses a card (like a business card or playing card) to separate the old broken glass from your phone's LCD screen and then lays the glue down. They even have a video on Facebook showing how they install new glass. Look up Cell Medics 911.

I was quoted 2 hours for repair, and it was done in just over an hour. So not only very affordable (other places were going to replace the glass and LCD and charge me well over $100) but very fast service too.

Other great advice here, particularly building a good web page and getting good, positive reviews on something like Yelp. I would also suggest making a Facebook page to advertise your business, and maybe getting your friends and family to "like" your page to help it grow.