Mobile computer repair and help

Households, older people, home workers, sole traders and small offices that want help without taking a computer to a shop.

A call-out fee or hourly rate, plus parts at a fair mark-up. Fixed prices for common jobs like set-ups and data transfers work well.

• Diagnosing hardware and software faults
• Patient, clear explanations for non-technical people
• Reliable time keeping and driving locally

• Public liability insurance, and check whether you also need professional indemnity cover
• Data protection: you may see private files, so check your UK GDPR duties and whether you need to register with the ICO
• Software licences: only install properly licensed software
• Risk of data loss during repairs, so back up first and agree this in writing

Startup costs are typically around £300 to £2,000, depending on the tools, spare parts and insurance you choose to buy. These are estimates, so build your own budget based on the services you plan to offer.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £3,500, depending on how many jobs you take and how far you travel. The estimates start from about 8 hours a week, so it can begin part time.

Check public liability insurance and whether you also need professional indemnity cover. Check your UK GDPR duties and whether you must register with the ICO. Only install properly licensed software, and agree backups in writing before any repair.