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In 2021, we are not looking backward. In our house, we refer to 2020 as Voldemort, the “year that must not be named.” Of course, we cannot completely avoid the pandemic's curse, but we don’t want to invite more problems, either.
On the other hand, the pandemic has created positive opportunities, too.
We’ve rediscovered puzzles and coloring, for starters, but we’ve also seen a spectacular increase in remote work. And therein lies the franchise opportunity for computer repair franchises.
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A recent Gallup poll found that the number of employees working from home nearly doubled, meaning that the demand for computer and technology assistance will also nearly double. People need to be productive with their computers, phones, and other technology. Business relies on fluid meetings, conversations, and document sharing to keep operations running smoothly. And most importantly, security of company data and employees is critical to manage.
We heavily rely on our computers and phones.
And you know that the device you need most is the one that craps out just when you need it. Need to confirm things in a zoom call? The internet router acts up. Want to share final documents before the big meeting? Then be prepared for broken links. Ready to put a final presentation together? Count on the printer crapping out or losing its wireless connection.
Everyone has been through these ordeals, but if you’re anything like me, you won’t be interested in a computer or home tech repair business. Why? Because I can drive. Let me explain: while I’m adept at “operating” the computer (and the car), I do not care how they work. They just need to work. Right now, please. Believe me when I say that I make good use of both mechanics and technology experts.
If you are savvy about the inner workings of home technology, then you are the one to call.
The growing market for your expertise is just the foundation for your future franchise success. Here are other good reasons to consider a computer and home tech repair franchise:
- Growing customer base. Thank the pandemic for this. There is room in the market for more people who can help those who cannot help themselves (like me).
- Increased need for connectivity. With more people at home, there are more tele-meetings and more conversations online, shared documents, and project plans. So, of course, that will cause more snafus in the technology.
- Increased need for IT security. As more people work from home, businesses need to protect data from hackers and support their employee’s privacy and productivity. As a local IT franchise, you ensure that security is tight and networks as coordinated.
- Small business needs. Smaller businesses do not usually have the infrastructure to support an IT department. WFH is probably a new aspect of their business model, and owners are looking for reliable and local tech support.
- More personal online needs. After we complete our work, we are watching more movies and TV series. And we need our computers and phones to order groceries and provide online purchases.
- Home-based and mobile franchise opportunity. Since your customers and their needs are in the homes, you won’t need a retail location. You can work from home, avoid overhead, and maybe even get a tax deduction.
- Lower start-up costs. Technology and repair franchises like CMIT require less than $100K to get started. Financing assistance and SBA support are also available for many computer-related franchises.
As a techie or someone who appreciates how home office technology works, a computer and technology repair franchise could be a good match for you. I’m not sure how Harry Potter would conjure a spell to fix a computer.
Still, I’m pretty sure that if computers and connectivity are what you enjoy, then 2021 will be a winning year—free from cursed dementors and filled with rewarding franchise opportunities.
Anne Daniells is a co-owner of Enterprising Solutions, a professional services firm specializing in corporate communication and financial improvement for businesses where she shares decades of corporate and entrepreneurial experience—including franchise ownership—in her writings on business culture. She has authored hundreds of articles for publications including AllBusiness.com, TweakYourBiz.com, and MSN.com. Reach out via her website for more on where corporate culture, communication, and human architecture collide.