Provide hardware and software solutions for individuals and local businesses
Time: Evenings and weekends; 5-15 hours per week
Local consumers and small businesses pay you to resolve hardware failures and software glitches. You earn money by charging a fixed diagnostic fee plus a markup on parts and an hourly labor rate for repairs like cracked iPhone screens, failing laptop batteries, and virus removals. Most profit comes from labor-intensive tasks that require specialized tools and precision. By offering mobile services or drop-off convenience, you compete with big-box retailers that often have long turnaround times.
Purchase an iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit for approximately $110 CAD to ensure you have the precision bits and prying tools needed for modern smartphones and ultrabooks.
Establish accounts with Canadian suppliers like MobileSentrix Canada or Injured Gadgets to source high-quality iPhone screens typically costing between $40 and $120 CAD depending on the model.
Create an ESD-safe environment with an anti-static mat and grounded wrist strap, costing roughly $60 CAD, to prevent damaging sensitive CMOS components during repair.
List your services on Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace, highlighting specific repairs like 'MacBook Battery Replacement' for a $75 CAD labor fee plus the cost of parts.
Charge a non-refundable $30 to $50 CAD diagnostic fee that is applied toward the final repair cost to protect your time against unfixable devices.
Document before-and-after photos of screen replacements and cleanings to build trust, aiming for 10 positive Google Business Profile reviews to attract local traffic.
Essential for free, detailed repair guides and difficulty ratings for almost every consumer electronic device.
A primary Canadian source for wholesale smartphone and laptop parts with domestic shipping to avoid duties.
The most effective platform for finding local clients looking for affordable, non-warranty tech repairs.
Useful for monitoring competitor pricing to ensure your local rates remain attractive to budget-conscious Canadians.
Important for understanding how to track parts expenses and income for Canadian tax reporting.