Cost to Start an Onsite Computer Repair Business (Free Calculator)
You can start an onsite computer repair business for as little as $570–$1,070 with a diagnostic toolkit and starter spare parts, enough for residential onsite repair calls. A full-time solo setup with a wider parts inventory and ticketing software runs about $1,600–$3,000, and a small-business managed-service setup with network hardware pushes it to $6,000–$9,900+. Use the calculator below to build your own number.
Build your onsite computer repair startup budget
Pick a budget tier, edit any price to match your market, and see your real startup cost, monthly overhead, and how many calls it takes to break even. No signup, no email.
A diagnostic toolkit, common spare parts (RAM, SSDs, cables), and remote-support software — enough to start residential onsite repair calls.
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The honest range: $570 to $9,900+
Onsite computer repair’s range on “how much does it cost to start” comes down to who you’re serving — residential calls need only a basic diagnostic kit; small-business clients expect a wider parts inventory, ticketing software, and eventually network/server capability.
Most techs start with residential calls and a basic kit, then build toward small-business contracts once they have a track record.
Tier 1 — Bootstrap (~$570–$1,070)
A precision screwdriver set, an anti-static kit, and starter spare parts (RAM, SSDs, cables) — enough to start residential onsite repair calls.
- Diagnostic toolkit (~$100) — precision screwdrivers, anti-static kit
- Spare parts (~$300) — RAM, SSDs, cables starter stock
- Remote support software (~$20/mo) — for follow-up troubleshooting
Tier 2 — Serious Solo (~$1,600–$3,000)
The upgrade that changes the business is a wider parts inventory and ticketing/RMM software — this lets you take on small-business clients who expect faster turnaround and proactive monitoring, not just one-off repairs.
Tier 3 — Pro Rig ($6,000–$9,900+)
Network and server hardware plus after-hours response capability lets you sign small-business managed-service contracts, which pay far more predictably than one-off repair calls.
Don’t forget the monthly number
Startup cost is the one-time hit; monthly overhead against what you charge decides whether the business works. Solo, budget roughly $260–$450/month: spare parts, fuel, and insurance, plus booking/invoicing software. At a $150 average call, covering $250 of overhead takes about two calls.
The calculator turns that into a single line: how many calls it takes to break even.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start an onsite computer repair business?
A lean start is $570–$1,070 with a precision screwdriver set, an anti-static kit, and starter spare parts (RAM, SSDs, cables) — enough for residential onsite repair calls. A full-time solo setup with a wider parts inventory and ticketing software runs $1,600–$3,000.
Do you need business-client tools to start?
No — residential calls need only a diagnostic toolkit and common spare parts. RMM/ticketing software and a wider parts inventory become worth it once small-business clients start asking for faster turnaround and proactive monitoring.
What equipment do you need to start computer repair?
The non-negotiables are a precision screwdriver set and an anti-static kit. A wider parts inventory covering multiple brands is the Serious Solo upgrade. Network and server hardware matter once you're signing small-business managed-service contracts.
What are the ongoing monthly costs of a computer repair business?
Budget roughly $260–$450 a month solo: spare parts restock ($50–$180), fuel ($50–$200), and general liability plus tech E&O insurance ($40–$100), plus booking/invoicing software.
Is an onsite computer repair business profitable?
Yes — billed at $75–$150/hour for residential and $100–$200 for small business, with a one-hour minimum and a $25–$75 trip charge. At a $150 average call, the Bootstrap tier pays for itself in about 5 calls.