subject: How To Start A Computer Business on the Correct Managed Service Model [print this page] 2. So if you're doing Maintenance Plans... how do you keep things running smoothly?
You monitor the systems around the clock using inexpensive utilities like GFI Max. For about $13/mo per server, you can get instant alerts for just about any problem that's occurring on the server.
Then, when a problem pops up, you log in remotely using a cheap or even free utility like LogMeIn to resolve the issue from your kitchen table.
When users have problems, you log in remotely the same way and help them instantly. They get instant support (much better than waiting for you to make an office visit) and again, you can work in your pajamas.
With constant monitoring and remote access, you can definitely keep the problems in a small office environment to a minimum.
3. What happens if a problem occurs where you MUST get down there? You go down there and charge an additional hourly rate for any calls that must be performed on-site. You want to keep these to a minimum (the bulk of your income comes from your flat rates. You don't rely on these extra hours to survive). They want you to keep these calls to a minimum too. The less they occur, the happier everyone is.
4. How many clients will you need? One of the most important considerations you'll need to work out when figuring out how to start a computer business that charges flat-fees is deciding exactly how to structure your pricing.
As an example of what works for me, if you offer a maintenance plan where you charge a flat-fee of $149 per server and $49 per workstation per month, plus $125/hr for on-site work (these are the rates I charge in NY - scale for your area and needs accordingly), you're looking at a monthly income of about $1389 for each 10-workstation client.
For each client of this size, you should expect to dedicate about 3 hours work per week. That's about 1.5 hours on-site and an average of 15 min. per day remote work.
Get yourself 4 clients, and you're looking at a salary of over $66K working around 10 hours a week.
If you learn how to start a computer business on the correct model of providing managed support to small businesses, you are setting yourself up for some very fast, enjoyable success!
How To Start A Computer Business on the Correct Managed Service Model
