Job building computers

I started out as the guy all my friends and family came to for computer problems. They brought their friends and family, and so on, until I had so many projects going simultaneously that I had no more room in my apartment. Then I bought a house and set up shop in the basement. Eventually that expanded into two empty bedrooms and the garage. My troubles began when I tried to rent a building to work out of. There are some things you should know before going into business for yourself.. some locales require a business license ..even if all you're doing is making a few thousand on the side. Some states require certification for any business that involves contracts over a certain amount.. check the statutes first. Taxes are different.. so much so that I had to hire someone to take care of it for me. 10 years ago I was nearly put out of business for underpaying social security tax by almost $15,000.. Keep track of everything.. the more records you have the better. It pays to know exactly where all the money is, where it has to go, and how much you can afford to spend at any given time.

I am also the guy who family & friends come to with PC problems, mainly clearing junk/upgrades etc. However, I have found that after asking what computer they would be thinking of next as the current one is old hat, the main reply would be, I will get a laptop!! Most people do not want a PC at a desk anymore, they are happy to sit on the sofa, have a cuppa and watch telly whilst surfing the net.

I have mentioned many times that it would be better to build a PC as it's easier to fix (Less expensive) than having a real problem with a laptop, but I always get the same response. The few that like the idea would rather buy one from Tesco's (Quad core with screen & OS) all for £299. Not sure we can really beat that by very much.

In the UK I would urge anyone to take professional advice. To answer a previous poster, you certainly need insurance even if it only covers someone entering your premises. If you are working from home and have a mortgage check with th mortgage company that they agree to the arrangement. Technically they own you property so have an interest. It can be a real minefield, not to be entered into lightly. Always keep on the right side of the VAT man and the Tax man.

Thanks for the replies guys. Sorry its taken me so long to post back, just got a whole load of new deadlines approaching.

I'd never given any thought to properly setting up my own business, the closest I got was to build and sell the odd system when at uni but I don't think running my own business is for me.

I think when I started the thread I was just feeling a bit sorry for myself with not knowing what I wanted to do and was after some inspiration. As it happens some job opportunities have come up in a completely new direction but I'm quite excited about them so feeling much better now.