Expanding scope of work - e.g. TV repair - Need more ideas!

[LordX]

Hey all - I love doing computer work - but my area can go through dry spells where I need more options to keep the $$$ flowing.

I do TV board replacements with SCT - which I don't mind. But would love some recommendations from others who have worked for different companies.

If you work for a TV nationwide repair company, or restaurant POS break fix company - I would love some recommendations. I currently do some work for NCR (from the old Radiant Systems side) - but there are so many other companies that do restaurant POS stuff. These companies would need to be able to accept 1099 work, or be part of one of the online platforms like OnForce/Workmarket etc.

ALSO - anyone gotten into board replacements on appliances? I was seriously considering adding this to my skill set if anyone can give some insight - e.g. if I can do TV board replacements, should appliances be as easy?

Any and all ideas are GREATLY appreciated!

 

[sapphirescales]

I've heard from quite a few people that older appliance repair is easy as pie. Unfortunately those new appliances are really crappy quality so they break all the time, and the parts are REALLY expensive so there's not much margin. And on top of all that, they're more difficult to repair. Sounds like a dying business to me. And I don't know about you, but I have absolutely NO desire to pick up and deliver heavy appliances for $50 to $100 profit apiece. There are much easier ways to make a living.

 

[timeshifter]

I've repaired one or two TVs. Couldn't be easier. Lay them flat on their face. Take off the back panel with a bunch of big screws. Swap a board. ... Profit. It's like working on a laptop, but it's giant!

Now, if I could find parts easily. That's the difficulty. In fact, I've got a nice Sony 55" that's mine to keep, but it needs a board that I couldn't find when I got it.

 

[LordX]

I wouldn't be repairing appliances as part of my business, but rather doing the warranty calls.

It is somewhat the same with TV repair. People just buy new Televisions... but while they are under warranty (or extended warranty) I get paid.

Was just putting this out there to see if people knew companies that handle the warranty claims so I can contact them and get on board.

 

[mr m]

I've repaired one or two TVs. Couldn't be easier. Lay them flat on their face. Take off the back panel with a bunch of big screws. Swap a board. ... Profit. It's like working on a laptop, but it's giant!

Yeah, my wife and I just fixed our 55" Samsung. Couldn't be easier. With only 3 main components troubleshooting was a breeze. My biggest surprise was that my wife wanted to help!

The controller board looks like a modern multi-layer mobo with SMD technology. The power supply module looks like it was out of a 40 year old TV! Old style caps and resistors that were widely spaced.

To the OP. Go for it. Since it is warranty work you don't have to worry about stocking or buying parts, especially electrical that can't be returned Brush up on your plumbing skills and be prepared to work in tight spaces. Oh yeah, I hope you have a strong back!

 

[River Valley Computer]

I've repaired one or two TVs. Couldn't be easier. Lay them flat on their face. Take off the back panel with a bunch of big screws. Swap a board. ... Profit. It's like working on a laptop, but it's giant!

Now, if I could find parts easily. That's the difficulty. In fact, I've got a nice Sony 55" that's mine to keep, but it needs a board that I couldn't find when I got it.

Have you tried shopjimmy.com ? They have almost everything and will work with you on returns.

 

[timeshifter]

Yeah, my wife and I just fixed our 55" Samsung.

What did you repair / replace?

Have you tried shopjimmy.com ? They have almost everything and will work with you on returns.

They have a listing for almost everything, but it seems like they're always out of stock on what I need. I like them and like doing business with them.

 

[mr m]

What did you repair / replace?

I replaced the controller board. The symptom was the TV refused to power up. I did see the LED backlights come on every time but no display. About 1 in 5 attempts I would see the Samsung logo flash for a second and then the panel would go dark. There is an idiot light that was flashing. I measured voltage at the outputs of the PS module so that left the main control board.

 

[Paul Rodgers]

I’ve done the warranty work and it isn’t worth it. The companies pay net 60+ and by the time you’re finished you haven’t made any money. They also don’t reimburse miles.

I wouldn't be repairing appliances as part of my business, but rather doing the warranty calls.

It is somewhat the same with TV repair. People just buy new Televisions... but while they are under warranty (or extended warranty) I get paid.

Was just putting this out there to see if people knew companies that handle the warranty claims so I can contact them and get on board.

 

[timeshifter]

The companies pay net 60+ and by the time you’re finished you haven’t made any money.

Amen to that. I've done work for national IT firms in the past. They'll send you out on a few projects they have. I made money and got paid on a few of them. On one it became a collection nightmare. Eventually had to write most of it off. A few years ago I go a call to install something at a local stylist training studio, from a national firm. I think I had to install a projector bulb or something simple. Had about $150 in labor total to bill. BUT, all their paperwork and crap they wanted me to fill out and the hoops I had to jump through I just let it linger and never even billed them.

 

[Wayne Barahona]

We kind of stumbled in to Cell Phone Repair a few years ago. Being in a rural area, there arent a lot of options and we were sick of turning money away....so we learned and grew (and maybe ended up buying a phone or two for a customer) and now its a solid 35-40% of our business!

 

[Moltuae]

Any and all ideas are GREATLY appreciated!

Without wishing to sound like I'm banging the cryptocurrencies drum again, have you considered building, selling and maintaining mining rigs? It can be a VERY lucrative side-line.

I don't want to hijack this thread so, if it is something that interests you, it's probably best we discuss it in the cryptocurrencies thread.

 

[Bryce W]

Hey all - I love doing computer work - but my area can go through dry spells where I need more options to keep the $$$ flowing.

Do you believe the work doesnt exist in your service area for anyone (including your competitors) at certain times? or do you believe its there, but you're not getting it at certain times?

 

[LordX]

Just wanted to update this - I was lucky enough to land a contract servicing Pitney Bowes equipment in my area - so that should net 25-30k extra per year minimum. Exactly what I needed to flesh out my business. Thank you all for your ideas and comments!