Starting a computer business center is another viable option to break into the world of entrepreneurship and make good money in the process.
Many potential entrepreneurs have submitted requests on this blog to have a computer center business plan written out and made available for public consumption.
Computer business centre in Nigeria is open to offer several services such photocopying, typing and printing project work, letters, correspondence, memoir, spiral binding and laminating of paper materials, scanning of documents, instant passport photographing, typesetting, installation of systems, computer training, internet services (for computer business centre with cybercafé ).
Other
services that can go alongside a computer business centre includes sales and
repair of computers, sales of examination scratch cards like WAEC, NECO, JAMB,
sales of recharge cards, computer training services, sales of computer
accessories, etc.
A computer
Business Center is literally a money making venture here in Nigeria. Its
lucrativeness can’t be over-emphasised and can fetch thousands of Naira just
within few weeks of establishing the business.
The demand for computer services is high especially in tertiary institutions. If you check the school environments, you will notice small canopies with laptops and printers in them, positioned at different places around the school premises. All they do is check results for students; help them pay school fees online, type and print assignments, projects’, register courses and other school needs involving the use of computers and that’s how they make money in the business.
The demand for computer services is high especially in tertiary institutions. If you check the school environments, you will notice small canopies with laptops and printers in them, positioned at different places around the school premises. All they do is check results for students; help them pay school fees online, type and print assignments, projects’, register courses and other school needs involving the use of computers and that’s how they make money in the business.
You can actually go into this kind of business but not like those done in schools. The computer service shop you are going to pull out will be different from those seen in schools premises, you need to give your business a brand, make adverts if possible and provide quality services which would make your customers to recommend their friends to your business center.
You can start this business and be established. You don’t need to be a computer geek nor the world fastest typist.
HOW
TO ESTABLISH A COMPUTER BUSINESS CENTER IN NIGERIA.
How do you
go about establishing a computer business center in Nigeria? The template is
very simple, we have compiled some practical tips to follow. Here are they:
1. ACQUIRE ALL
NECESSARY COMPUTER SKILLS, TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION.
If you don’t have any computer skill yet, don’t
worry. With computer schools cluttered everywhere in every street, you’ll get
the skills you required.
It is not a bad idea to attend a computer training class where you will acquire both basic and professional skills that will enable you to run your business successfully.
Depending on how fast you learn, you might be able to learn the required packages within 6 months or a year. Try as much as possible to be a professional in Microsoft Word, Microsoft excel and CorelDraw.
It is not a bad idea to attend a computer training class where you will acquire both basic and professional skills that will enable you to run your business successfully.
Depending on how fast you learn, you might be able to learn the required packages within 6 months or a year. Try as much as possible to be a professional in Microsoft Word, Microsoft excel and CorelDraw.
2. FIND A SUITABLE LOCATION FOR YOUR
BUSINESS.
There’s a high chance that the appropriate and suitable location for a business center should be close to offices, school environment or university campuses, hospitals, banks, Electricity Company, shopping complex etc. Post office or local government headquarters is usually a normal domain for any computer business. This will guarantee a lot of turnover for you.
It doesn’t matter if someone is already doing the same business there, what matters is that you’ll always make your sale and go home happy.
There’s a high chance that the appropriate and suitable location for a business center should be close to offices, school environment or university campuses, hospitals, banks, Electricity Company, shopping complex etc. Post office or local government headquarters is usually a normal domain for any computer business. This will guarantee a lot of turnover for you.
It doesn’t matter if someone is already doing the same business there, what matters is that you’ll always make your sale and go home happy.
3. REGISTER YOUR
BUSINESS NAME
Consider starting your computer business centre as a registered company rather than as unregistered company. Choose a business name for your computer business centre and then register it. The reason why many businesses never go too far is because they fail to register their business name. I will suggest you register your business. For those of you in Nigeria who wish to register their company can register it now on CAC online business registration portal.
Consider starting your computer business centre as a registered company rather than as unregistered company. Choose a business name for your computer business centre and then register it. The reason why many businesses never go too far is because they fail to register their business name. I will suggest you register your business. For those of you in Nigeria who wish to register their company can register it now on CAC online business registration portal.
4. PURCHASE THE BASIC EQUIPMENT YOU NEED TO START THIS BUSINESS
Getting a
good location to setup your business center is one thing, having the necessary
equipment to provide optimal service is another. After you have secured a good
place to start up, the next important step is getting the equipment and materials
necessary to give your customers optimal service. Some of these include:
1. A LAPTOP OR
DESKPTOP COMPUTER.
Your business center is incomplete if you do not own a computer system. I always recommend laptop because of how easy it’s to manage compare to a desktop.
Your business center is incomplete if you do not own a computer system. I always recommend laptop because of how easy it’s to manage compare to a desktop.
The major advantage of laptop over a desktop is
that it saves power. Due to how unstable power supply is in Nigeria, the
battery of your laptop can serve you for few hours of fuel spent on powering
desktop computer.
You need desktop computers and Laptop. At a start, you begin with five desktops and one laptop.
You need desktop computers and Laptop. At a start, you begin with five desktops and one laptop.
2. PHOTOCOPYING
MACHINE
You need at least one or two photocopying machine.
There are those who are willing to sell their fairly used photocopying machine
at a good price but I strongly advised you buy new ones. Most business persons
usually prefer going for the fairly used because of how cheap it is. However,
if you don’t like entertaining frustration, then go for the new machine. The
reasons being that;
1. New photocopying machine last longer than fairly used ones.
2. It will save you the stress of calling a technician always to repair broken machine.
3. Fairly used photocopy machine can be troublesome.
4. The new one makes the photocopied works come out sharp and fast.
5. There is manufacturer guarantee on the new machine, an added advantage.
3. PRINTER.
1. New photocopying machine last longer than fairly used ones.
2. It will save you the stress of calling a technician always to repair broken machine.
3. Fairly used photocopy machine can be troublesome.
4. The new one makes the photocopied works come out sharp and fast.
5. There is manufacturer guarantee on the new machine, an added advantage.
3. PRINTER.
This is another equipment you won’t be able to do
without in this business. It’s advisable you have about two different models in
case of failure to print. It is also advisable you get a coloured printer too because
your customers may need to print their work in coloured format. So, you will
need a black and white printer and a colour printers to print material from
both internet and typed work for your clients. The price depends on its
features and quality.
4. GET DIFFERENT PAPER SIZE
4. GET DIFFERENT PAPER SIZE
You need different paper size such A4 paper, A5,
Letter, portrait size, Envelop, Cabinet etc. This can either be bought as a rim
or as a carton of five rims. Depending on the amount you have.
5. STAPLERS AND PINS
5. STAPLERS AND PINS
There is giant paper stapler and also regular sized
stapling machine too. It is advisable that you get both as you will be having
customers doing high and low volumes of work.
The other consumables you will need are spiral binding materials.
The other consumables you will need are spiral binding materials.
6. A STANDBY
GENERATOR.
A very
serious business person won't joke with this.
You know the situation of power supply in Nigeria these days, except if things changes tomorrow. If not, you will need a standby power generating set for your business. It is expected that you acquire a generator that can carry all your equipment and machines conveniently to avoid disappointing your customers. Not having this is like giving your competitors an edge.
You know the situation of power supply in Nigeria these days, except if things changes tomorrow. If not, you will need a standby power generating set for your business. It is expected that you acquire a generator that can carry all your equipment and machines conveniently to avoid disappointing your customers. Not having this is like giving your competitors an edge.
7. INTERNET
CONNECTION
Remember,
you’re not running a cyber cafe. The internet connection is mainly for
conveniences. There will be customers who will need to log into their Inbox and
print. You’ll have to save them the stress by having this. This won’t cost you
much.
8. CHAIRS
8. CHAIRS
At least for a start, you will need 5-6 plastic
chairs, one for the front desk, one for you and the rest for any visitor who
wishes to grab a seat for him or herself.
9. TABLE
A good potable table is required with locker
attached to it for storing safe items and maybe keep items out of the reach of
customer’s sight.
10. WASTE
BASKET
As the name implies, it is used for storing waste
items and must be disposed off daily.
11. MULTIPLE
EXTENSION SOCKET
This is needed for plugging your computers,
printers, photocopying machines and other electronic gadgets.
OTHER NECESSARY EQUIPMENTS INCLUDES;
Laminating
machine.
>Paper cutter.
>Scanner.
>Spiral binding machine.
>Flash drive & Card reader.
>Instant Passport Sized Photo.
> Other accessories like stabilizers, and softwares for carrying out specific
>Paper cutter.
>Scanner.
>Spiral binding machine.
>Flash drive & Card reader.
>Instant Passport Sized Photo.
> Other accessories like stabilizers, and softwares for carrying out specific
Renting a shop should be
the last project in order to avoid the rent already counting when you are yet
to start.
5. GET
HELPING HANDS
Computer business center is service oriented
business which only one person can’t handle alone. So, you will definitely need
helping hands especially if your business centre is located in a busy province.
Remember, you don’t want to keep them waiting for more than its necessary.
Moreover, it is important that you train your employees so that they can provide the type of service you want and preserve brand image.
Moreover, it is important that you train your employees so that they can provide the type of service you want and preserve brand image.
GOOD BUSINESS PRACTICES FOR YOUR BUSINESS
CENTRE
As we all know, profit is the soul of every business.
Nonetheless, an entrepreneur should also endeavour to deal rightly with
everyone. Some good business practices that will further advance your venture
include:
1.Be confident.
The key to pulling off a business strategy is confidence. You need to believe in yourself and your business to make your clients confide in it.
2. Be polite to your customers. Always greet and receive them properly.
3. Be punctual and adhere to the Delivery Schedule. If the job of a customer is not ready by scheduled time, inform her/him in advance and apologise.
4. Be honest in dealings. Charge reasonably and honestly from the customers. You can create your price list by checking out what other computer business centre collect for a particular service they render to their customers. As a new beginner in the business, the price for a particular service you offer may be a bit lower than what others collect for the same service to help you build a good customer base.
5. Pay your dues and taxes in time.
6. Pay reasonably to your staff. Payment to them should commensurate with their qualification, experience and the output they produce.
Apart from maintaining a healthy connection with your clients and focusing on customer satisfaction, it is also important for you to take care of your employees and make sure they are happy working for you.
Stay grounded and be a mentor and a friend to them rather than being a boss. Be approachable and let them know that you are always available whether they need help in making a presentation or just a friendly chat.
1.Be confident.
The key to pulling off a business strategy is confidence. You need to believe in yourself and your business to make your clients confide in it.
2. Be polite to your customers. Always greet and receive them properly.
3. Be punctual and adhere to the Delivery Schedule. If the job of a customer is not ready by scheduled time, inform her/him in advance and apologise.
4. Be honest in dealings. Charge reasonably and honestly from the customers. You can create your price list by checking out what other computer business centre collect for a particular service they render to their customers. As a new beginner in the business, the price for a particular service you offer may be a bit lower than what others collect for the same service to help you build a good customer base.
5. Pay your dues and taxes in time.
6. Pay reasonably to your staff. Payment to them should commensurate with their qualification, experience and the output they produce.
Apart from maintaining a healthy connection with your clients and focusing on customer satisfaction, it is also important for you to take care of your employees and make sure they are happy working for you.
Stay grounded and be a mentor and a friend to them rather than being a boss. Be approachable and let them know that you are always available whether they need help in making a presentation or just a friendly chat.
A FULL DETAILED COST FOR STARTING A
COMPUTER BUSINESS CENTRE.
Starting a computer business center isn’t very expensive. With at least N300,000, you’ll be able to start this business and realise your capital within three months. As you grow, you might want to expand by getting more computers and attendants. It’s entirely up to you.
New Photocopying Machine -N60,000
New Laptop Computer -N80,000
Spiral Binding Machine -N10,000
Laminating Machine -N12,000
Staplers/Paper Cuter -N5,000
Modem and subscription -N5,000
Paper and other consumables (spiral binding materials, laminating films, photo papers) N10,000
Hiti Photo Printer -N40,000
Gasoline Generator -N50,000
Furniture N20,000
Total N292,000
I have decided not to add the cost of renting shop because the price varies from one place to the other.
The above price might be enormous to some individuals, there’s no problem at all. You can still do this business. If you have some basic equipment like a laptop, a printer and a small generator set, you can kick off. Our aim here is to start small and end big.
CONCLUSION
With a good
location, highly skilled workers, and an exceptional customer service, you can
grow a successful computer business center in one year. When your business is
big enough, you might consider buying big machines that facilitate fast service.
Feel
free to leave a comment, and if you have any challenges, don’t hesitate to ask
questions, we will gladly respond to you.
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site and always return for fresh post. In addition, share this post to someone
you care about because you will be giving such person what money cannot buy.
Wish
you all the best in your business career.
THANKS FOR READING
