Home computer help on call-out
Visit households to fix slow computers, set up Wi-Fi and printers, and remove viruses.
- C$300-2k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
Friendly, practical tech help at people's homes: troubleshooting slow or infected computers, setting up new devices, fixing Wi-Fi and printers, backing up photos and teaching basics.
Your first three steps
- Check local rates for tech help and set a call-out fee and hourly price
- Put together a toolkit: bootable USB drives, cables, an external drive and trusted software licences
- Post in local community groups and offer a first visit to a few neighbours in exchange for reviews
Who pays
Older adults, busy families, home workers and anyone who finds technology stressful.
How it makes money
Hourly rate or flat fee per visit, often with a minimum call-out charge. Repeat customers and word of mouth drive most of the work.
Skills that help
- Solid troubleshooting of Windows, Mac and common devices
- Patient, clear explanations without jargon
- Trustworthy and tidy when working in someone's home
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability insurance, ideally with cover for data loss or errors and omissions, check with a broker
- Home-based business licence rules from your municipality, if you run the business from home
- Privacy: be careful with customers' personal files and passwords, and agree what you will and will not access
- Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and check any provincial sales tax rules
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a home computer support business?
Startup costs are estimated at typically around $300 to $2,000, depending on tools, software and insurance. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $500 to $4,000, depending on how many households you visit.
What should I check before offering home computer support in Canada?
Check commercial general liability insurance, ideally with cover for data loss or errors and omissions, and home-based business licence rules from your municipality. Also check GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, plus any provincial sales tax rules.
What skills do I need to help people with computers at home?
You need solid troubleshooting of Windows, Mac and common devices, clear explanations without jargon, and to be trustworthy and tidy in customers' homes. Agree what files you will and will not access. The estimates suggest at least about 8 hours a week.
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