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How to get Technical Experience? Rate my idea.

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  • Business Computing
Last response: in Opinions and Experiences
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Is this a good idea?

Total: 2 votes

  • Yes
  • 0 %
  • No
  • 50 %
  • Yes, but changes should be made. (Describe your opinions on changes please)
  • 50 %
May 24, 2014 2:29:54 PM

So I am looking for opinions and advice on the following idea for side work and experience.

So I've been thinking for a while now of trying to get a job as like a help desk tech. Something for a small to large business that does the internal work on their PCs and such ya know, then kind of expand off that later down the road and learn networking etc. But usually they want a degree or something like a year or two hands on experience. I have technical knowledge and have worked in tech support, but that was over the phone for companies like Dell and Sprint (Not computer related I know but technical) but nothing hands on. So I would also want to make some money on the side so I started thinking of maybe doing work from my apartment or going to people's houses and working on their PC/laptop's but that would be a little difficult to charge for because of the lack of experience I have. I thought about posting on Craigslist as well and offering to fix any problems for a flat fee of like $40 or something. But again, with no experience it may turn off most everyone. Maybe it could get me a few people a month which would be nice, but who knows. But here's the other main idea I am fooling around with and the one I am most interested in getting the advice on. I was considering posting on Craigslist and offering to fix and repair PC's/Laptops for free, but toss in the whole 'Tips not necessary but appreciated' deal. That way this would be very appealing to most and I might get people who would be interested. And in return gain experience and working hands on with actual hardware on a consistent basis and put this on any resume. Also, I honestly can imagine that at least some people would tip if the work is done right and well. Even if its just like 5-20 bucks. To me, there's not much down side to this other than my time, but honestly I will be working a full time job as is and this would just be on the side so any additional income would be helpful, but no extra income wouldn't be detrimental. I can be upfront and honest with people and let them know if I feel I can fix their specific issue or not, or suggest to them that I could try and if unable to fix it, there's obviously no charge associated so win/win for everyone. Another idea to pair up with the idea of listing on craigslist for free would be to maybe print up some cards, stick them in peoples doors at my apartment complex and offer the exact same services but maybe just say that there's a $5 dollar charge for the visit, or charge all the way up to $20 for any repair but again let them know I may not be able to do some things.

In saying all this, I have 2 main concerns and would like people to weigh in on them. One of them would be not wanting to get sued or have legal issues if I screw something up, or delete data they wanted on accident or whatever. I'm no moron, but mistakes can be made. So Im curious if a document that they can sigh and what information may be in that kind of document to absolve me of all responsibility. The second issue would be that in doing this, I am just looking for additional income and don't really want to have to pay taxes on it or claim it. Because honestly, with it being free and based on Tips, the idea would mainly to be a free service for the experience, but any additional cash would be nice. I just don't want to have to pay Uncle Sam for the little money I might make, unless it turns out to be very profitable (which I doubt, until I gathered the experience to actually charge say $50 for all repairs etc.)

So there it is, sorry its quite long, but I appreciate anyone who took the time to read through this and offer their opinion!


TL;DR, Would starting a FREE PC Repair service to gain hands on experience, while suggesting tips appreciated (Mainly its for the experience) be worth doing, and if so, how do I avoid legal troubles if something goes wrong, and would skipping out on claiming the money be unwise?

More about : technical experience rate idea

May 28, 2014 10:14:02 AM

I would get something like a Comptia A+ certification. This will open up quite a few opportunities, because it shows you know what you are doing. Craigslist/door ads can work, but just charge a half hourly rate of something like $25. You'll get most things done in half an hour to an hour, and that's much cheaper than taking it to the store to have it fixed. Charge the $25 if it takes 5 minutes, just for the cost of getting there in the first place. There may also be small computer stores or internet cafes in your area, they'd be likely to take you if they're hiring.
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