Local Computer Shop with Setup Help

Home users, students, gamers, small businesses and older people who want advice from someone local.

Margin on hardware and accessories, plus paid services such as setup, data transfer, upgrades and repairs. Service work often earns better margins than hardware.

• Good knowledge of computer hardware
• Explaining tech in plain language
• Stock and supplier management
• Customer service

• Commercial general liability and contents insurance, check what covers stock theft
• Hardware margins can be thin against big chains and online sellers, so plan for services too
• Lease terms and rent, check how long you are committed before you know if it works
• GST/HST or PST registration and how it applies in your province
• Stock tied up in unsold items, and rapid price drops on older models
• Rules on handling customers' personal data and on electronics recycling fees, check your provincial rules
• Municipal business licence and signage rules, check with your municipality

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and opening stock. Check lease terms and how long you are committed before you know whether the shop works.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on stock, location and services. Hardware margins can be thin against big chains and online sellers, so plan for setup and troubleshooting services too.

Check your municipal business licence and signage rules, GST/HST or PST registration in your province, and rules on handling customers' personal data. Also check electronics recycling fees under your provincial rules, and commercial general liability and contents insurance, including stock theft.