This book delves into the business of camera repair. It everything from the size of your shop to tools you may need. It will not make you a businessperson but it can give you insight into this field and help you make a educated business plan. We try to answer every possible question in detail using our experience and the experience of many others in this field. We try to let you know what works and what does not. Since most of our students are interested in developing their own business, we keep the information in this book practicle and current. Only you can determine the direction of your own business but we try to give you the information you will need.

 

Subjects:

Operating Your Camera Repair Business  open_booksicon

Starting Up
Starting
History of the Camera Repair Business
Customers and Building the Base
Summing it Up

The Industry

Repairs Then and Now
Repairs Changed
Electronics Create Changes
Repair Dollars
Brands
What Do They Shoot
Digital SLR Sales are Hot
Where You Fit In
New Trends
Emerging Repair Market

Buy-Now

 

The Shop

Retail Location
Home Office
Inside Your Shop
The Chair
The Workbench
Floor Coverings
Storage
Computer Station
Lighting
Test Equipment


Tools & Equipment

The Love of Tools
Tools for Camera Service
Equipment
Absolutely Necessary
Take our Advise
Tools for Digital Cameras


Getting Started

What Do You Want to Fix
A Common Mistake
A Warning
Specializing
Pro vs. Amateurs
Types of Professional Clients
Becoming a Warranty Station
Pricing and Income
What Else Can You Fix
Minimum Charge
Evolving Business Models
Knowing What to Fix
Repair Life
Age & Use
Keeping Current
Geographic Problems
Production Lot Problems
When to Ship it Back
Bailouts
Water Damage


Parts

Important Tips
What You Should Stock
How to Start Ordering Parts
Ordering Tips
When to Order
Storage & Organization
Buy a Body
Costing your Parts
Making a Part
One Last Word


The Business of Business

What's In a Name
Forms and Other Paperwork
Keeping Your Books
Setting Up Your Books
Payroll
Paying Bills
Licenses
Initial Investment
Getting to Know your Banker
Money Going Out
Going After Business
Billing
Pick Up and Delivery
Your Warranty
Re-Repairs
FAX Machines
Email
Web Pages
Computers and your Business


The Day to Day

Shop Hours
Your Personal Schedule
Telephone & Email
How to Fall Asleep at your Bench
Exercise
At the Bench
Time Off
Your Shipping Department


Customer Relations

Things the Cause Hard Feelings
Fighting Over Warranty
Long Repair Times
Changing Estimates
Confidence with Customers
Leaving the Customer Feeling Good
Advice for the Shy Person
The Hostile Customer
Summing it Up


Getting Bigger

Hiring a Counter Person
SOP
Hiring another Tech
What it costs to Hire Someone
Intangible Costs
Can You Manage
Should You Incorporate
Retirement Plans
Extra Money Makers
OSHA


Shop Lore

Adhesives
Solvents and Cleaners
Lubricants
Solders and Soldering Aids
Electronic Components
Tips and Tricks
Liquid Damage
Ways to Lose Money
Ways to Make
Money Sources


Overall Business Strategy

The Business of Business
Marketing
Advertising
Super Size
Evolve your Business Model
Know what sells Repairs
Offer New Services
Get Excited and start shooting
Digital
Offer Training
Business Spotlight


Typical Time Required: 13 hours

Updated 2010

 
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