Becoming an Entrepreneur
Starting a Cell Phone Repair & Installation Business
Starting a cell phone repair and installation business is an excellent entrepreneurial opportunity if you have the creativity and tenacity necessary to be a successful entrepreneur. This article contains tips and advice that demystifies what it takes to be successful.
Thinking about opening a cell phone repair and installation business? We tell you what you need to know to get started.
Cell Phone Repair Overview
According to recent estimates, there are more than 290 million cell phones in use in the U.S. Sooner or later, many of these phones will need to be repaired, but if they are out of warranty, the cell phone companies aren't anxious to repair them. Why? Because it's in their best interest to incentivize users to buy a new phone rather than repair their current one.
Since replacement phones are expensive, most users are willing to pay someone to fix their broken devices -- and that's where cell phone repair businesses enter the picture. Small, independent repair shops fill a critical gap in the marketplace and are positioned for substantial growth in the years ahead, particularly in the area of smartphone repair.
Startup costs for a cell phone repair shop are minimal compared to other types of startup opportunities. A working knowledge of cell phone repair techniques, a small workspace, basic tools and a supply of parts for the most popular device models is all it takes to get your company off the ground.
Some Useful Tips
A key piece of the puzzle is the development of relationships with parts distributors. Cell phone repair customers are generally impatient -- they want their phones fixed now. To minimize wait times, you'll need to generate timely ordering and delivery processes to augment your parts inventory.
You may want to acquire repair certifications to establish credibility with your base. But whether you are certified or not, the unrelenting pace of new technologies and product releases means that you'll need to be deliberate about educating yourself about new products and device features.
Successful Business Plans for Cell Phone Repair & Installation Businesses
As a startup small business owner, you need to have a business plan you can rely on for both external and internal purposes.
A shoddy business plan is a major misstep for a startup cell phone repair and installation business. Even though it takes time to write a high quality plan, there are a lot of arguments why your company can't succeed without an effective business plan.
From a business ownership perspective, that makes business planning your first priority - and not a task that can be assigned to the back burner.
Don't Overlook Competitors
Prior to launching a cell phone repair and installation business in your area, it's worthwhile to find out how you will fit in the competitive landscape. Use the link below to generate a list of competitors in your area. After clicking on the link, type in your city, state and zip code to get a list of cell phone repair and installation businesses near you.
How tough is the competition in the market you are considering? If the competition is too tough, you may need to think about starting the business in a different area or even start a completely different business instead.
Studying the Market
As part of your due diligence on opening a cell phone repair and installation business, it's a smart move to have a conversation with someone who is in the business. Local competitors are not going to give you the time of day, mind you. The last thing they want to do is help you to be a better competitor.
Thankfully, an owner of a a cell phone repair and installation business in a location that is not competitive to you may be more than happy to give you a few tips, given that you don't compete with them in their area. In fact, they are often very willing to share startup advice with you. It can take a while to find an entrepreneur who is willing to talk, but it's well worth the effort.
Do you know how to find an entrepreneur who is running a cell phone repair and installation business in another city who you can speak with?
We can help. Follow the link below, try a few city/state combos or zipcodes, and then start calling!
Business Brokerage for Cell Phone Repair & Installation Business Entrepreneurs
Business owners are decision makers. And the first decision you'll need to make is between a cell phone repair and installation business startup and an acquisition. Unless you have specific business objectives that require a startup approach, you're probably better off trying to buy an established cell phone repair and installation business.
If a business purchase seems like the right move, your first step should be to contact a qualified business broker. Why? Because business brokers offer several advantages to cell phone repair and installation business entrepreneurs.
By leveraging the skills, expertise and network of a first-rate business broker, you eliminate the hassles commonly associated with the business buying experience.
Explore Franchising Options
Your chances of achieving the entrepreneurial goal of doing well with your venture are much greater if you decide to franchise and benefit from the prior work of others and their lessons learned.
Before opening a cell phone repair and installation business, a smart move is to assess whether franchise opportunities in your space might help you avoid common entrepreneurial mistakes.
The link below gives you access to our franchise directory so you can see if there's a franchise opportunity for you. You might even find something that points you in a completely different direction.
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