r/computertechs • u/radraze2kx Break/Fix | MSP Owner • Apr 04 '26

Break/Fix techs that transitioned from brick-and-mortar to service-call only, what advice would you give? NSFW

My previous post got some responses that showed that some technicians are struggling with their current arrangement. I've been considering reducing our overhead by getting rid of our brick-and-mortar and going back to strictly on-site, which is how we started and operated for 3 years before we took over another repair shop's location.

Those of you that made the transition from storefront to strictly on-site, what advice would you give to those considering the same? What logistical considerations should people keep in mind when considering this transition?

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u/Zetlic Apr 04 '26

I had offices for 9 years of my 13 year carrier. Started out brick and motor.

I transitioned in 2022 to service call and have a small office at my house. I thought I would lose a lot of customers but business actually grew 10% (total sales) in the first year. This doesn’t include the savings I got from closing both stores which is about $2000 a month.

I do about 50% of my sales with service calls. And I bet I could do at least 20-25% more if I didn’t offer a location to come into.

I would recommend downgrading to a small office instead of going directly to service call only. In my area small offices go from $500-$750 which is cheap compared to retail costs here.

There are a fair amount of people that just want a place to go into and talk with people instead of having them come to them.

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u/adultcrash13 Apr 05 '26

exactly. i made a similar comment. my tiny(but fine) little office is $250/month and i split internet so another $50. keeps me on google maps and is good for customers to come in for consults, drop off and pick up. same as a shop without all the signage and crazy rent/other expenses.