Tips, guides, and honest advice for running a repair shop. Written by techs, for techs.
A free, copy-and-print device check-in form for phone, computer and electronics repair shops: what to record at the counter, the four condition checks that settle most damage disputes, and how to handle passcodes safely.
Most repair shop software is priced and built for a team of five. If you are the owner, the tech and the front counter, here is what you actually need, what you can ignore, and what it should cost.
Computer repair runs on a bench, not a counter. Here's what to look for in software built for multi-day jobs, diagnosis-before-quote, parts you order per job, and the backup conversation that protects you.
The cheapest price on a repair software pricing page is often the one billed a year in advance. Here is how to read the two numbers, what cancelling actually looks like, and the question to ask before you hand over a card.
Most shops stay on software they have stopped liking because they think their customer list is trapped inside it. It usually is not. Here is the exact file to ask for, the exact columns that matter, and what actually moves versus what you rebuild.
Hiring your second tech can raise your software bill by 59%, by 100%, or by nothing at all, depending entirely on which system you picked as a solo operator. Here is what twenty vendors actually charge, and the seven who will not tell you.
Most bench advice is a shopping list. The bench that actually works is one where you can read the state of every device on it from the doorway, without touching anything.
A franchise sells you a system, not a brand. Once you know which parts of that system you can build yourself in a weekend, the fee stops looking like a shortcut and starts looking like a number you can compare.
The first office, church or clinic that hires you does not behave like a consumer, and running them on the consumer workflow is how shops lose their best account in the first ninety days.
The repair is done, the bill is written, and the customer has never seen it. An unsent invoice looks exactly like an unpaid one on your screen, and only one of them is the customer's fault.
The device went home and the money came in. If nothing recorded that second part, your open invoice list is fiction and you will find out by chasing a customer who already paid.
A quote is a promise about a part you have not bought yet. When that part comes from a marketplace instead of a distributor, three of the things backing that promise quietly disappear.
You quoted $120. You opened it, and it is $210. How you handle the next ten minutes decides whether you get paid, get argued with, or eat the difference.
Most shops work out what a job costs at the counter, from memory, with a customer waiting. That is the wrong moment. Here is why, and what to do instead.
Finished work that never turns into an invoice is the quietest leak in a repair shop. Here is why it happens, and the process that closes it.
Every repair shop has a shelf of devices nobody came back for. Here's the policy, the paper trail, and the process that keeps that shelf empty.
A practical guide to finding, interviewing, and retaining skilled repair technicians for your shop, without overpaying or getting burned.
Standard operating procedures turn your repair shop from a one-person show into a scalable business. Here's how to write SOPs that your team will actually follow.
How to choose the right payment processing for your repair shop. Compare fees, integrations, and what actually matters for getting paid faster.
No-shows cost repair shops thousands a year. Here are 5 practical strategies to cut missed appointments and keep your bench full.
Google reviews are the #1 way repair shops get new customers. Here's how to ask for them without being pushy, and what to do when you get a bad one.
Not everything in your repair shop should be automated. Here's what to automate first for maximum impact, and what still needs a human touch.
There are 20+ repair shop software options. Most are overpriced, over-complicated, or built for the wrong business. Here's how to cut through the noise and pick the right one.
Stop fielding 'is my laptop ready?' calls. A customer portal lets your customers check repair status themselves: no app, no account, no phone tag.
Phone repair shops have different needs than general IT shops. Here's what to look for in software built for phone and tablet repair, from IMEI tracking to parts inventory to customer communication.
Most repair shops run on gut feeling. Here are the 8 KPIs that actually matter, turnaround time, revenue per tech, repeat rate, and more, and how to use them to make better decisions.
Everything you need to open a repair shop in 2026, from business licenses to software to your first customer. A practical guide from people who've done it.
Stop answering 'is it ready yet?' calls. Learn how automated repair status updates via SMS keep customers informed, reduce interruptions, and make your shop run smoother.
Not every repair shop needs a traditional POS system. Here's an honest look at what a repair shop POS system actually does, where it falls short, and what you should use instead.
A practical guide to managing employees at your repair shop, from writing your first job post to building a team that sticks around.
Repair tickets prevent lost jobs, speed up communication, and make your shop look professional. Here's what to look for in a ticket system.
A proven repair shop workflow that reduces turnaround time, prevents lost devices, and keeps customers informed at every stage.
Breaking down what you actually get with free repair shop tools versus paid software, and when it makes sense to upgrade.
Practical management advice for repair shop owners, from hiring your first tech to handling the books.
Practical methods for tracking repair jobs, from whiteboards to software, and how to pick the right system for your shop's size.
A practical guide to launching a computer repair business, from getting your first customers to choosing the right tools and software.
A no-BS breakdown of what RepairShopr, Syncro, RepairDesk, and techsbox actually cost. Hidden fees, ticket caps, and per-user traps explained.
A complete guide to professional repair shop invoices. What every invoice needs, common mistakes, and how to get paid faster.
A bad estimate loses the job before you touch a screwdriver. Here's how to write repair estimates that build trust, set expectations, and convert browsers into paying customers.
Every repair shop has them: the price hagglers, the 'my kid could fix this' crowd, the ones who call six times a day. Here's how to deal without burning out or burning bridges.
You don't need a marketing budget to get customers. You need a system. Here are 9 free strategies that actually work for local repair shops.
Acquiring a new customer costs 5x more than keeping one. Here's how the best repair shops build loyalty and turn one-time fixes into lifetime relationships.
No credit card. No commitment. Here's exactly what you can do with TechsBox during your free trial, and why most shops never look back.
Customers expect to book appointments online. Here's why adding online booking to your repair shop can increase business and reduce phone interruptions.
Comparing the three most popular repair shop software options: pricing, features, and who each one is actually built for.
Not all shop management software is created equal. Here's what actually matters when choosing a system for your repair business.
Proven growth strategies for repair shop owners: referrals, local SEO, customer retention, and smart marketing that doesn't break the bank.
A clear warranty policy builds trust and protects your business. Here's how to create one that works for both you and your customers.
A bad intake process loses customers and creates chaos. Here's exactly how to build one that captures every detail and sets the right expectations.
How to track parts, manage stock levels, and stop the bleeding from lost or misplaced inventory in your repair shop.
How keeping customers informed during repairs builds trust, reduces no-shows, and drives repeat business for your repair shop.
A practical guide to pricing computer, phone, and console repairs. Flat rate vs. hourly, when to charge for diagnostics, and how to stay competitive.
Why repair shops lose money with whiteboards, spreadsheets, and sticky notes, and what to use instead.
Opening a computer or phone repair shop? Here's what you actually need to get started: no fluff, no $10K equipment lists.
Everything you need to open a phone, computer, or electronics repair shop, from business registration to your first customer.