Computer repair shop

Open a small storefront where walk-in customers bring laptops, desktops and tablets for repair.

A technician repairing a laptop on a workbench with tools and circuit boards.
Startup cost$8k to $40k
Monthly revenue$3k to $15k
Time needed35+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • $8k-40k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises

Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.

Official data

4,531 US businesses with employees in this field, -3.1% in a year

NAICS 811212 “Computer and office machine repair and maintenance”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.

What it is

A small retail repair shop with a front counter and back workbench. You handle diagnostics, repairs, upgrades and data transfer, and may sell accessories, refurbished machines and cables.

Your first three steps

  1. Research your local area for foot traffic, competition and rent, and compare small retail or flex space options
  2. Line up suppliers for parts, tools and accessories, and write pricing for your top 10 repair jobs
  3. Plan your launch: register your business, set up a simple point of sale system and promote through a Google Business Profile and local groups
Who pays

Walk-in customers, students, local small businesses and people who want quick, local service.

How it makes money

Repair and diagnostic fees, parts markup, accessory sales and refurbished device sales. Business support contracts can add steady monthly income.

Skills that help
  • Hardware and software repair
  • Customer service at a counter
  • Basic bookkeeping and inventory management
Watch out for
  • Lease terms, deposits and zoning, so check with your city or county before signing
  • Local business license, sales tax registration and any retail permits, checked with your city, county and state
  • General liability, property insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire
  • Data privacy and liability for customer data and devices left in your shop
  • Slow early months while rent and costs continue, so keep a cash buffer

🔒 Full research report for US

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to open a computer repair shop?

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your lease and deposit, shop fit-out, tools, parts inventory and insurance. These are estimates, so get local quotes before you commit to premises.

How much can a computer repair shop earn?

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your location, foot traffic, repair mix and whether you sell accessories or refurbished machines. Treat this as an estimate, and expect slow early months.

What rules should I check before opening a repair shop?

Check lease terms, deposits and zoning with your city or county before signing. Also check local business license, sales tax registration and retail permits, insurance including workers' compensation once you hire, and liability for customer data and devices.

Other ways to run this business

Mobile computer repair and tech help

Fix laptops, desktops and tablets at customers' homes and small offices, so they don't have to haul them anywhere.

  • $500-3k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
4,531 US businesses with employees in this field, -3.1% in a year

Home-based computer repair bench

Repair customers' laptops and desktops from a bench at home, with drop-off, mail-in or local pickup.

  • $400-2.5k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
4,531 US businesses with employees in this field, -3.1% in a year

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Photo: Militiamobiles on Pixabay

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