Used Computer Shop with Repair Counter

Local households, students, small businesses, schools and nonprofits looking for affordable, working computers with local support.

Margin on each machine and part sold, repair and upgrade fees, data transfer and setup services, and trade-ins that supply more stock.

• Computer repair and troubleshooting
• Buying and pricing used stock
• Retail and customer service
• Basic bookkeeping

• Commercial lease terms and rent, which can be your biggest fixed cost
• Check your state for sales tax registration and any secondhand dealer or electronics resale rules
• Check with your city or county about a business license and zoning for retail
• Securely wipe customer data and handle customer devices carefully, so check insurance for property in your care
• General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire
• Check rules on disposing of e-waste and old batteries
• Stock can lose value quickly as models age

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your lease, stock and equipment. These are estimates. Commercial lease terms and rent can be your biggest fixed cost, so review them carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your location, stock, repair work and pricing. These are estimates. Stock can lose value quickly as models age, which is worth factoring in.

Check your state for sales tax registration and any secondhand dealer or electronics resale rules. Also check your city or county business license and retail zoning, insurance for customers' property, and e-waste and battery disposal rules.