Computer Store (Sales and Repair) – My Work Experience

I when I was in grade 5, I loved using my brand new computer my dad got me. I was on it all day. When I turned 14, I wanted to become a computer technician.

I got my chance to work in computers when I got older. I wanted to see if it was right for me. I volunteered in a computer store locally here helping them do web design and graphics design while they taught me how to repair computers.

I realized after 3 months volunteering there, it was something I liked to do. I had fun diagnosing PCs and figuring out what was wrong with them.

PCs could have anything wrong with them. Googling is your friend!

What differs standalone computer stores from big box computer stores is that you can get better more expert advice and source hard to find components.

Slow and busy days are fun. On busy days, there is quite a bit of money to be made and its hectic trying to figure out whats wrong. On slow days, you can clean up and organize the hardware and paperwork. It is fun handling hardware. There is something magical of working with hardware. All the components that make up a computer to make it do just about everything you want is a marvel to behold.

Smaller repair shops can have over 100 suppliers that they source from. I found the prices that smaller companies are alright.

The problem with the computer repair shop business is that not many people use PCs no more. More and more Tablets and Smartphones are replacing general computer usage scenarios. Might be better to sell and repair cell phones in general I think now.

Laptops outsell desktops nowadays and laptops are disposable now rather than to be fixed. Soldered in SSD, RAM and CPUs. Only special repair shops can repair these and usually its too costly to do repair here in North America unless its a Macbook

I quickly understood that you can still make a livable income fixing PCs. You need a side job like repair cell phones if you stay doing this work long term as PCs decline. Everyone has dropped or spilled water on the cell phones so that is something to consider.

There are tons of YouTube videos showing how to repair this or that. You have a free library on the Internet.

The cost to get into computer repair could cost a bit. You need a great location like near a college/university or near a busy supermarket.