As a modern-day repair tech, there are some ‘usuals’ of the trade you can’t ignore. I’m talking things like a decent repair premises, hardware, parts suppliers, and marketing. Then, of course, there’s the engine that runs the whole show. Computer repair shop software, as we refer to it in our narrow line of work, and the like.
With the fast pace of everyday living, there’s simply no bypassing these things. Not when there’s a deluge of orders to get through. A wealth of inventory, suppliers, and working techs to see to. And currency streams, paid in every transferable way imaginable, to record and exchange.
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Ode to the Modern-Day Repair Facilitator
Repair shop software is the compound that binds all these things. The end-to-end interface that makes sure everything’s accounted for – and synced. Confirming that there are no gaps in auditing – that things check out by the number. Also ensuring that there are no processing lags – making way for timely workflow executions.
But when considering computer repair shop software – what I’m interested in here – there is such a thing as price evaluation. Meaning: You don’t want a subscription that comes loaded with a crazed amount of features. Each of which contributes to the total expense. Very few of which, further, make for any real usage utility. ‘What is all waste’ – in other words!
Also, not every type of repair utility is suited for every fix-venture; for these have to be tailored to the requirements of each.
For instance, you don’t want to have to deal with a $400 monthly subscription plan if you’re a corner repair shop. Here, you’re certainly not looking for the full suite of:
- Point of Sales (POS) Features
- Payments Integrations
- Inventory Management
- Accounts Management
- Employees Management
- Customer Outreach Solution
All wrapped in the same system.
What you need is a turnkey – exactly customized to your workflow – arrangement. Maybe even a panacea that only comes with POS and Inventory Management integrations.
As a field up-and-comer, you can surely manage the other issues on spreadsheets (as most entrants do).
Mapping Justifiable Subscription Costs with Utility
Paying for the above system attributes only makes sense if you’re a repair heavy-hitter in your locale. Because it’s only with a hefty, sustained revenue flow that you can justify their cost.
So, for beginners in repair, aiming for a monthly software subscription of $30-50 is more pragmatic.
The recommended subscription ballpark figure for mid-tier repair businesses is between $100-$200. Anything more, and they’d be in for a loss.
With some new-age repair software, you can actually pick your features. Say you only want the POS (plus hardware attachments) + SMS features. Here, with a good credit rating, you might even stand the chance to bargain the terms. Gain a subscription agreement at a discounted price point.
In summation, you want to make sure you’re only paying for the facilities that you’re using. Any cost highs and lows that fall beyond this range will result in eventual expense. So make your choice carefully – don’t come in to splurge.
Check for any Agreement Strings or Hidden Expense
This advice might seem obvious, but it’s something that’s totally worth restating.
Whenever you’re signing up for a repair subscription, you definitely don’t want to skip the fine print. Because this is where our devil – the hidden costs – is hidden. Listed in plain sight, yet purposefully ‘hazed’ by the providing company. All for the obvious reason that it doesn’t make good marketing/sales practice to blare them openly (and turn off customers).
You don’t want to be caught off-guard during payment time. Severely under budget by a few double-digits.
Some hidden costs you specifically want to watch out for include:
- Federal/State Taxes
- Transaction Costs
- Receipt/Statement Printing Costs
- One-Time ‘Setting Up’ Costs
- Customer Service Charges
- Special Technician Charges (a recent tier)
Since I work in the US, I’ve listed the expenses that usually come my way. But in all respects, these pointers pretty much cover the tricky costs you can expect in virtually every other country.
Now, it’s no secret that a vast majority of the globe gains inspiration from American professional customs.
I, for one, can vouch for the fact that we’ve got some of the most sophisticated price tricksters in our neck of the woods. All doing legit business, of course – but still operating in a wily league of their own (totally intent on suffering ‘their’ fools).
Make It Your Own to Reap Fruit
Just like with any software utility, you want to give your chosen suite a consistent run before passing judgment. Say an intense operational-go for 2-3 months; after which you’ll be fully attuned to its intimate working. Understanding, as it were, of what makes the system tick – both broadly and in its nitty.
In this timeframe, you also stand a good chance of devising your own interface hacks. Shortcuts you can use to execute quality in a minimal period.
If you do choose to continue with your plan beyond this season, its flow will become second nature. A ‘reflex proposition’ grounded in your neural circuitry. Something natural that would require no bodily energy investment – as is the case with all habits.
To a large extent, this familiarity is responsible for begetting the ‘competitive advantage’ so coveted by businesses. All down to an organized workflow managed by workers with enviable performance. An advantage that the right repair software can gift you – should you truly become one with its operation.
Be Open to Migration
Sometimes, a repair or POS software serves you well for a time. But then you come across a better contender. Providing a cost or features’ benefit over your original subscription. In such cases, especially if your default doesn’t boast full business acculturation (user-friendliness endorsed by every worker), you might want to consider a migration.
Every software is an inanimate construct – incapable of mustering thoughts or feelings. So, in cases when all the above criteria are met, there shouldn’t be a problem with any such shifts.
And for those techs or repair shop owners who do consider this movement a stretch, here’s my argument:
You don’t have any qualms about replacing an old employee with a better fit.
So why should this case be any different?
