delanodoestech

[delanodoestech]

(Week 13)

I can’t believe we have less than 2 weeks to go for this semester. It has been a fun and exciting journey learning how to run a business through 14 weeks. As of this week I went up north (8 hour + drive) since I wasn’t able to do any kind of repairs but I was keeping track on my ads that were posted. I was also looking into other marketing strategies I can use in the future once I master how to solder things so I can offer that kind of service in the future. Overall, I would say I am still proud of my accomplishments with the amount of repairs I have done throughout the 14 weeks. I have posted pictures of my repairs from previous posts. I learned a lot during these 14 weeks that will only help me prepare myself for the future if I continue to peruse this business. I always enjoyed fixing stuff ever since I was younger.

If anyone needs a repair for a device, you can contact me on my Facebook page @DelanoDoesTech 😄

[delanodoestech]

Progress Update (Week 12)

This past week I have been getting a bit more requests for fixing a charger port on a Nintendo Switch and an HDMI port on a PS4. Problem with that is I don't have the experience to feel confident in my abilities. That was something I wanted to get into more was soldering and using a hot air station to fix ports like that for those consoles. I just haven't had the time to continue to perfect it in the future.

Although I don't think I will be reaching my profit goal, but so far the experience so far has been really fun and enjoyable to be honest. I have been learning new things on how to market my business and how I can improve my skills so I can start selling those type of services in the future. All of the money I have received so far has been profits and didn't have to spend much to repair devices for my customers. In the future I am going to continue this as a side business because I enjoy this as a hobby, and if I can make some money from repairing these devices is enjoyable for me.

[delanodoestech]

Progress Update (Week 11)

There not much of an update this week besides I finally got my screen in the mail for my Macbook Pro. Below I will show my progress picture before and after of the Macbook I purchased off eBay.

My next plan was to buying broken electronics off eBay and repairing them back to working condition so I can sell them in a shop online. I do plan on keeping this Macbook since I needed a working laptop, but could easily sell this for a profit. Other than this repair on the Macbook, I did upgrade a friends graphics card and charged him $25 for installing the new hardware for his PC.

So far this has been fun and a great learning experience to learn from. I will continue to purchase broken devices in the future and continue to promote my services.

[delanodoestech]

Business Update (Week 10)

This past week I have installed a new graphic card for a friend this week. I charged him $20 for the install and set up all the drivers necessary to get it working for him. So far I am in processing a broken Mac book screen, just waiting for the screen to come in. I purchased it broken on eBay and then I plan to flip in once I get the new screen and sell it to someone on Kijiji. My next plan is to purchase devices that are somewhat broken and get them repaired so I can sell them in an online shop later on. Everything has been going good, I feel happy with the progress I have made so far and how many repairs I have done for some friends and family. I am hoping to purchase some more broken devices and advertise buying customer's devices off of them.

[delanodoestech]

Week 9 (Update)

So far everything seems to be good, I have been getting more messages from my ads, only have a couple of customers bring their devices to me. I am starting to advertising broken devices I will pay for. That way I can buy the broken devices for cheaper and sell them for a profit depending on the device.

I have gotten a broken GameCube from a friend and bought a broken GameCube from Video Time here in Barrie. I took both consoles apart and used parts from one console and replaced them onto the other console to make a fully working GameCube. I have currently sold that console and was proud of myself to figure out what the issue was and repair what was needed.

The only complaint I have is that I will get messages from people on Facebook specifically but they message me saying "Clicked on it by accident". Not sure if the accounts are bots / fake profiles but it can be frustrating especially if I am paying money for the ad.

Overall, I have been enjoying purchasing broken consoles off eBay and fixing them to their original state and selling them to customers who want them.

This was the broken GameCube that my friend gave to me and used parts from it.

[delanodoestech]

DelanoDoesTech Online Showcase

[delanodoestech]

Week #8 Update

So far everything has been running smoothly. My ads on Facebook and Kjijij seem to be getting more attention with people messaging me about my services. I have made one repair for someones Nintendo Switch Joy con (Joy con drift) so at least I have successfully repaired it for the customer.

Finding parts isn't too hard and for a decent price. I usually purchase my supplies from eSourceParts as they are based in Canada with fast shipping and good quality parts. Some parts were kind of hard like a Mac Book screen since they are really expense to purchase a new screen for.

I have been enjoying this project so far. Fixing things are just fun and satisfying to me seeing the device pretty much brand new to an extent. I am learning that it takes a lot of work just getting your services out there and trying to gain more trust from people is the main thing. So far with customers I have had from the ads they were satisfied with the repair.

Seeing that I can repair something for someone and to see their reaction makes me feel more confident in myself. Other than that I am pretty good with organizing things either being time management or desk space, but so far I am happy with my progress.

[delanodoestech]

Progress Update

So far things have been progressing, I have had a customer's PC build and working no issues. I have been getting some more messages off my ads I have posted, so that is a good sign so far haha.

What is working?

My ads have been getting more popular which is a good sign since more people are able to see it. I have been posting more ads across social media platforms to gain more attraction. Other than that my customers that so far that have received services from me have appreciated it and look forward for more services in the future.

What isn't working?

I think so far everything has been good, but I would say my ads are working but not working as good as I thought. I just think the main issue is that my pages aren't as popular in the search, which is something I am still working on to promote more through these upcoming weeks.

How do I feel the project is coming?

I am feeling pretty good and confident at the moment, I have build a Custom PC for a friend and is running flawlessly. I haven't been stressed at all, since I am confident in my abilities so that has been helping a lot. Seeing a customers face when they received my services was something that made me more motivated to push my services out there more.

What I am learning about running a business?

I would say gaining trust and getting your voice out there is probably the toughest thing to be honest. My family and friends know that I am capable with doing this type of business and have helped share it around. Other than that I am learning that you should have a good business plan, and researching your competition around you to obtain that part of the market.

What I am learning about myself?

I would say I am noticing how confident I have been since this is something I am passionate about. I enjoy fixing things or building things for people they will enjoy. I usually am putting myself down so being more confident has helped keep things positive for me.

[delanodoestech]

Financial Sources

For my future business start-up I think that a personal investment and potentially love money would be the type of financing choice for myself. I have had a lot of family and friend support that want their computers fixed or building it for them. Showing your work off and putting all your hard work into your business shows your clients and potential investors what money can be made with this type of business. Although I haven't asked family or friends but they helped me by sharing my work to others so they know the services I am able to achieve. To me that is all I would care about is for them to support me and broadcast my services to their friends. My expenses are charged by the type of device / difficulty of the repair, and building a PC since it would be a fixed price. So I would earn money back quickly just from building a PC for someone. This is something I enjoy doing for myself and others, so I would try and pursue this business after the 14 week duration of the course.

[delanodoestech]

Business Operation Plans

Suppliers

My main supplier for my services would be eSourceParts. eSourceParts has all of the parts I would need for any gaming console, phones or other devices at an affordable cost. If I am also looking to build a PC for someone, parts would have to come from the manufacturer or places like Canada Computers (My Competitor). I wouldn't have to worry to much on my main supplier because I would also purchase broken devices / consoles on eBay so I have used but working parts.

Location

I plan to run my business at my house in the basement, I have all the tools and work station needed to get the job done. I think this is the best option at the moment especially during COVID. I will offer, delivery (Only in Barrie), shipping, and curbside pick-up as well. The link to my services are here. Feel free to message if you have any broken devices that need repairs :)

Licenses & Permits

For this type of business I am not required to obtain a permit or a license.

Time / Resources

As for time, I work during the week but always have time after or before work and weekends. Shipping can be kind of slow during these times but I don't think it would ruin anything for getting the parts I need. There are some options in Barrie, where I've seen broken devices in a bin that I can purchase for cheap and work on them to get them in working order. So getting the resources I need at an affordable cost won't be too hard to be honest.

Getting Started

I have posted ads across social media such as Facebook, Kjijiji promoting my services for free since I can easily share it to people on my friends list, etc. I have already purchased some broken devices for extra parts, I have all the necessary tools needed to perform the repair. My main focus for the upcoming weeks is to promote my services to friends and family to get it out there more. I also have a spreadsheet of purchases I made for what devices to keep track of the parts I have. That will be a big help so I know what parts I have so I don't have to purchase extra.

[delanodoestech]

Creative Advertising

Introducing the "Ez-Pair - Sock Pairing made Easy!"

Tired of looking for the pair of socks that match when doing your laundry? When looking in your sock drawer and can't find your pair of socks? Then Ez-Pair is the tool you need to easily find your pair of socks, once they come out of the dryer. The Ez-Pair is as easy as locking the pair of socks together after being used and throwing them into the washer. It's locking mechanism is secure and won't get unhook while in the washer for easy sorting when doing your laundry.

The Ez-Pair is designed for all ages, even your kids can do their part by using the Ez-Pair! For only $3.99 you can get a pack of 6 Ez-Pairs. So save the hassle finding the pair in your laundry and start pairing them today with Ez-Pair.

[delanodoestech]

Customer Persona

About

The ideal customers we would provide our services to are students, and families. They all manage their work loads differently and things tend to break accidentally around the house. They all look for cheaper options around Barrie but couldn't find something that fits around their budget.

Use Case

My customers would use my services to fix controllers, devices, and other electronics that will use good quality parts and finishing the repair right the first time. Everyone uses their phones today, and when they drop their phone and it cracks they are looking for someone to repair it at a reasonable cost. When it does get repaired, they will be wanting their device back in their hands restored as if they just bought it that day.

Previous Solutions

My customers would usually buy a new phone because their contract was up or pay more money for the repair, and not be satisfied with the quality of the screen or not feel the same.

Benefits

The services they receive will be the highest quality, and reliable so the customer doesn't have to worry about their important information on their phone being deleted or not the device not functioning the same.

Buying Trigger

Usually what would trigger them to purchase my service is that they are looking for a cheaper alternative that is fast, reliable and something close to home to get their devices running back to factory standards.

Buying Process

They can head to our website that presents you with what device they are looking to repair, the problem (Cracked screen, no power on controller, etc.), shipping or curbside option, then I will personally look through the requests and confirm the repair. That way I know what parts I'll need, and have direct contact with the customer in case they have questions or concerns. Will also have Kjiji, Facebook, and Instagram ads posted as a secondary option.

Choice Factors

When choosing what sort of services you are looking for, depends on what device you want the repair done on. Each device has different costs and can be harder to repair, so its all up to you.

[delanodoestech]

Local Competition Analysis

[delanodoestech]

Message Map for Microsoft

The company I chose for my message map was Microsoft. I own most of their devices, always reliable and always use Windows on a daily for school work, and other side projects. They offer lower prices for students and even partnered up with Georgian College for free licenses so that its accessible for all students. Microsoft is always looking for something new to bring to the table which is something you can always appreciate, and shows how they care about their consumers.

[delanodoestech]

Strengths & Weaknesses

When reflecting about my own strengths and weaknesses,it has always been something I struggle with most of the time. I know I can think of them but sometimes I freeze and can’t think of everything.

One of my strengths are that I am very organized. I always place things in noticeable spots for quick and easy access. Some of my other strengths include: working well in time-sensitive projects, problem-solving, and being flexible. I enjoy the challenges that come with time-sensitive projects because they make you think, and work more efficient on the fly. Having that as a strength is a valuable asset to have in any project or corporation.

Some of my weaknesses are: Negotiating and just sales in general. I haven’t really had experience with that so when  it comes down to thinking about how much to value my services, I wouldn’t know an exact price tag. I would want it affordable but also a way to make profit. Something I would have to work on is probably being more confident, I know I do a great job with what I am handed but often seem like I could have done something better. That is something I am working on currently and hopefully by the end of this semester I will accomplish my goal.