Certifications for computer building

M

Moocher

New Member
I want to start a Local (at first) business as a computer builder, and I was wondering what types of certifications would be both helpful and look nice to have. I have worked with computers for a while, I can build computers and relatively diagnose them...but certifications would be nice :D

Thanks in advance for the responses, I know this forum is pretty quick with replies
 
Home based small sale businesses don't need licenses. I talked to a computer builder named TJ Harlow on Youtube, and he said that. I also talked to my congressman (overkill) and he says it's no problem as long as you're not acting as if you have a company of more than one person. So if you have a site, like my http://www.scottalot.webs.com/ , you can't say, "We at ScottALot Computers".
 
Moocher said:
I want to start a Local (at first) business as a computer builder, and I was wondering what types of certifications would be both helpful and look nice to have. I have worked with computers for a while, I can build computers and relatively diagnose them...but certifications would be nice :D
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Are you just going to print them up and frame them?

Because the only way to get cert's is to go through schooling.

If you're going through school, ask your Advisor which courses would
best fit your business model. That's what they're there for.
 
Well I want to build pc's, but I figure to compete with other computer stores I would have to offer some sort of diagnostic/warranty on my items... so I was looking at certifications so that the people I build these pc's for know I am capable of fixing them... is that logical?
 
My point was that the only way to get them is to go through schooling.

Is that something you're prepared to do? If so, ask the School's Advisor
which Certifications would best fit what you're looking to do.
 
It doesn't matter if you pass every certification on the globe, if you can't solve computer problems and can't deal with customers then your certifications mean nothing. If word gets around that you are good at what you do, then customers will come to you. When I first started my computer business, I didn't have any certifications, but I was well known in the community for being an expert in computers...and my business grew.

Home based small sale businesses don't need licenses. I talked to a computer builder named TJ Harlow on Youtube, and he said that. I also talked to my congressman (overkill) and he says it's no problem as long as you're not acting as if you have a company of more than one person. So if you have a site, like my http://www.scottalot.webs.com/ , you can't say, "We at ScottALot Computers".
Click to expand...

There is some truth to this and some non-truth to this. Businesses and business regulation is mostly a state issue, not a federal issue, meaning that every state deals with businesses in their own way. Before you start offering services, check with your State Commerce or Business Department and see what licenses you may need, if any. In Michigan, where my firm is located, a computer repair, consulting or sales company does not need to have a license. However it may be different in your state.

Next you need to legally start the company and use a name: Sole Proprietorship, Partnership or Corporation, which is done through your state's Commerce or Business Department. You either need to legally incorporate or do a DBA (Doing Business As) for the business and it's name to be legal. It doesn't matter how many people are in the company...for the business to be legal, the name must be registered with the state This also becomes important when tax times comes...because anything you make will need to be declared in taxes and taxes may need to be paid to the City, County, State and Federal Governments.

Now regarding Texas (where it looks like you are from):
From business.gov:
All businesses in Texas operating under an assumed name bust file an Assumed Name Certificate with the County Clerk's Office in the count which the business primarily located.

Corporations, LLCs, LLPs, and limited partnerships must file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Texas Secretary of State in addition to a separate Assumed Name Certificate with the county in which the registered business' main office is located. Link

Good Resource: Texas Business Advisor (State of Texas Website)
Starting a Business (TexasOnline.com)

Hope that helps!
 
Bodaggit23 said:
My point was that the only way to get them is to go through schooling.

Is that something you're prepared to do? If so, ask the School's Advisor
which Certifications would best fit what you're looking to do.
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A+ Certifications are easy to get if you just study the book.


@Scottalot, you really cannot be selling stuff locally if you do not have an LLC or Inc, as you cannot charge sales tax, which you are required to do if the purchaser is in state.
 
bomberboysk said:
A+ Certifications are easy to get if you just study the book.


@Scottalot, you really cannot be selling stuff locally if you do not have an LLC or Inc, as you cannot charge sales tax, which you are required to do if the purchaser is in state.
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(I don't charge sales tax..)
 
Moocher said:
Well I want to build pc's, but I figure to compete with other computer stores I would have to offer some sort of diagnostic/warranty on my items... so I was looking at certifications so that the people I build these pc's for know I am capable of fixing them... is that logical?
Click to expand...

I'd suggest before spend too much time and money getting certified - that you focus on your business model first. How you plan to advertise and get customers.
* Who are your customers - Friends, Family, Referrals, non-profit - businesses - etc
* Do you want to be web based - or local based ( lease - rent - or home based )
* What's your competitive advantage i.e. why are I doing business with you? ( Warranty - service - your personality - Leasing - Individual marketplace - small business marketplace, etc )
* At what price point will you be able to attract customers / and will that money be repaid?
* Can you get volume discounts on hardware?
* Do you need some credit to get started

Frankly - I don't think whether or not you have a certification will make too much of a difference in the above.

PC building has alot slimmer margins than it did in the early years. I won't say that you can't make some money doing it I'd suggest doing your diligence in market research first.
 
A+ classes are usually free at some high schools or continuation schools or adult schools.. look through your local schools and find out...the only thing that costs money I think is the test.. it has about 1000 questions.... at least that's what my teacher told me..
 
bomberboysk said:
@Scottalot, you really cannot be selling stuff locally if you do not have an LLC or Inc, as you cannot charge sales tax, which you are required to do if the purchaser is in state.
Click to expand...

Exactly what I am saying...even if it is online, it still needs to be registered in your state. And actually it doesn't matter if you are selling it locally, across state lines or online: for it to be legal it need to be registered. The only somewhat legal thing that I could think of is have it as a hobby: You make computers, people write you a check to your name and you just mark it as personal income....

Corporations can be nice: They do protect you with aspect to liability. If you mess up on a computer or something, the customer cannot sue you directly, they must sue the corporation and can only take what the corporation has. If the corporation has minimal $$ and no assets, then that is all they can take.
 
techdude said:
Exactly what I am saying...even if it is online, it still needs to be registered in your state. And actually it doesn't matter if you are selling it locally, across state lines or online: for it to be legal it need to be registered. The only somewhat legal thing that I could think of is have it as a hobby: You make computers, people write you a check to your name and you just mark it as personal income....

Corporations can be nice: They do protect you with aspect to liability. If you mess up on a computer or something, the customer cannot sue you directly, they must sue the corporation and can only take what the corporation has. If the corporation has minimal $$ and no assets, then that is all they can take.
Click to expand...
Yup, with my current site i plan on incorporating. Legalzoom.com has some very nice and low fee's hehe.
 
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