How to Start an iPhone Repair Business

July 8, 2010 · 19 comments

How many of your friends have an Iphone?  Yes, it seems so many people have them and the ipod touch.  So just think about your circle of friends…..I know in mine, I’d say almost half have one or the other.  This is a business that has great potential right now, but you’ll need to act right now. Repairing iphones isn’t very complex for someone who knows a bit about electronics.  It’s also helpful if you’re willing to buy a couple small tools and a few spare parts and do a little reading.

Since the launch of the new Iphone, there are a lot of the older generations available for cheap. Another angle might be to pick a few up on ebay and see if you can sell them locally. Remember, people are locked into long term contracts and still need to have their current phone fixed!

Now lets dig into this idea.
I will explore why this is a great example of a small business idea; you can start up at home for only a few dollars and a little bit of research.

Coming from someone who recently busted his Iphone (unfortunate fall catching my wife while rollerblading) there isn’t much inside.  I simply googled how to take it apart.  I found great step by steps details on how the Iphone works and how to repair it.  That’s the nice thing about any apple products; there are piles of obsessed fans out there.  These fans love to take it all apart and figure out how it all works. They also figure out who the suppliers are, how much it actually costs to build, etc.  You should be able to find all kinds of details online on how to repair Iphones.

Inside an Iphone
Inside an Iphone Click to Enlarge

Now, I did not have the right tools, so I ended up going looking for a place to get it fixed.  I ended up finding what I consider a great example of a new start up idea.  I found a repair place that offers 1 hour repair/sameday (if its more complex).  This is the best!!  Most places send your phone away to be repaired.  People will pay a premium if they can get their phone working in less than a few days.

Now the steps to start this business idea

1. Find all the info and research online.  There are lots of great sites that will teach you how, but please make sure you know something about electronics first.
2. Get yourself the right tools. Here is an example of cheap tools on amazon.com
3. Practice!  Go on ebay and pick up a few that need repairs and see if you can repair them.
4. You’ll need to spend a few dollars getting spare parts to start with. There are lots of suppliers and most people have the same common problems, like cracked screens, water damage, etc.  Do research and figure out what parts you might need.
5. Get the word out!  Get on craigslist and kijiji and offer up your services.  If you live in a
condo or downtown location, put up a few signs.
6. THIS IS WHERE THE REAL MONEY IS! If you think you are pretty good, approach a few companies. Offer to come in for a day of servicing to their location.  I’m sure if you walk around most offices there are lots of people with damaged phones.  These people would rather keep their phone then get it fixed and be without it for more than a day. You can do an onsite day and they would be more than happy to pay for the services and you will get volumes needed in just one day!

Make sure you price your self correctly.  Don’t be afraid to charge a little extra for a quicker turn around versus a 48 hour repair.

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  • Vicki L. Berger

    This is a very nice idea . There is always that one person I know that has their phone broken or handheld electronic damaged. IPhones are popular so there are multiple people who accidently break or damage them. I might look into this and pocket some extra cash =)

  • Frederick B. Starcher

    @Vicki agreed just 1 week ago my son broke his Iphone. I had no choice but to attempt to fix it for him since he kept bugging me to buy him a new one! ,it was not as hard as I thought. I might charge him next time ..

    • http://www.yournewstartup.com Rob

      HA, just bill him. I keep an eye on what people are searching for when they come to this blog. You would not beleive how many people actually are looking for info on how to start this type of business. I think there is a great shift here where people are spending more on their phones and need to keep them longer. I really think this is a business that will continue to see more demand as time passes. Don't forget the blackberries too!

      • Frederick B. Starcher

        I might just force him to learn how to fix his own and do this for people in his school then maybe he can stop asking me for an allowance the lazy kid does not want to get a part time job. He uses craiglist often so he can sell himself on there all day for all I care …no I dont mean for you know…

      • Ernie

        Hi Rob, I live in an area where theres no one near to be able to repair iphones locally, you would have to travel to do that. Im interested in doing that i only need a reliable parts distributor where I can get the right parts for Iphones 3g, 3gs, and 4g. do you have a good idea where I can buy them in bulk? thanks, Ernie.

      • http://www.yournewstartup.com Rob

        Ernie,
        There are a lot of chinese suppliers out there for sure that you can buy in bulk. I do know that the guys at http://www.unitediphonerepair.com sell the parts too, and only parts that they are comfortable selling and are of good quality. Honestly, I'd start with someone like that. If you find another supplier that can sell in bulk for cheaper, great, but make sure you get samples of the quality first before you buy a large order. Thats why I'd start with them and see what kind of deal they can give you to start with. I think their costs are reasonable. I think the most margin you get is going to come from doing the jobs quicker and turning clients vs saving $0.50 or $1 on parts. Last thing you want is people coming back 2 weeks later to get it fixed cause you put in a crappy part!

  • Jeff

    Hey guys my site trains you in how to do this repair, and the basics in how to market it. Check us out at http://www.campusiphonerepair.com for more information.

    We also give coaching, updated repairs as new phones come out, and are working on developing repairs for other phones such as androids which we will pass on this exclusive information our customers.

  • http://www.unitediphonerepair.com Daniel

    Great article but there are quite a few things that you have left out. I work for http://www.unitediphonerepair.com and we have already helped 11 people start their own iPhone repair businesses all across the USA. If you would like some more pointers or even a guest article I would be happy to help you. You can reach me on the contact us form at the United iPhone website.

    -Daniel

    • http://www.buynowfacebookfans.com Rob

      You guys rock.

  • Kort

    The fastest and cheapest way to make money with iPhone Repair is to join the iPhone Repair Club which teaches you everything you need to know to make money fast and do the repairs right. http://iphonerepairclub.com

  • http://reparatiiiphone.wordpress.com/ Ccellgsmservice

    many people have an Iphone. I know lots of people that started an i|Phone Repair business and it’s cool

  • rita

    Hi,

    I am rita,from shenzhen China.Our company
    main supply Apple iphone (4G,3GS,3G,2G) spare parts,ipod
    (touch,video,classic,nano) spare parts and ipad parts,such as LCD screen,touch
    screen (digitizer),complete LCD assembly,back cover and assembly,audio jack,dock
    flex cable and assembly,home button and flex cable,battery and all other spare
    parts,we also can supply accessories,like earphone,usb cable,box,silicon
    case,charger and so on.

    Should there be any item interested to
    you,please feel free to contact us.

    Thanks&best regards

    E-mail: Kinreta@hotmail.com

    website: http://www.Kinreta.com

    • http://www.buynowfacebookfans.com Rob

      I love the Chinese suppliers that spam my post and my hubpages post.

  • A B

    Hi Rob,
    I live in Sydney, Australia and can’t seem to find anyone that provides the necessary training. Could you suggest some options for me?
    Thanks,
    A.

    • http://www.buynowfacebookfans.com Rob

      See guys as unitediphonerepair.com
      They have great training and resources

  • http://twitter.com/RyanCritchett Ryan Critchett

    Interesting stuff. Definitely a huge business idea. Doing it now. 

    • http://www.buynowfacebookfans.com Rob

      Nice Ryan, Get on that.  Its a great business, only takes a bit of time and good value to charge.

    • http://lagosbusinesses.blogspot.com/ Small Business Ideas and Tips

      Thinking about doing it now? May be not but it’s a wonderful Idea anyway

  • Larry

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