start up

[Rick32k]

does anyone have any advice for a youngster trying to get his name out there.

[AJ]

What have you been doing so far for advertising?

[Wedgeman55]

     What experience do you have ?
     What can you repair?
     Did you work for an appliance company before or just on your own tinkering?
     How many jobs have you done so far?
 
     There are a lot of ways to start getting your name out there.   First,  get some professionally printed cards,  maybe magnets,  and flyers.   I personally dont like ones you print yourself.   For the price of cards,   it's worth it.   
     Start with your friends,  then move on from there.   Supermarket corkboards,  corkboards anywhere you can post your cards.    Blanket your area.   This is good for cheap starting advertising.    I took marketing classes and joined network groups when I first started,  and these help greatly.   There are so many marketing tools available now. 
     I ran into a handyman this week,  and he told me he was going to start repairing appliances like me.   He told me that he watches U tube video's and feels what I do is easy.  Hmmmm good for some jobs but to be a full flegded Tech you have to put in some hard work,  sweat,  and screw up and get stuck many times to learn how to service.   So, let us know what your story is. 
     

[Rick32k]

Well honestly Im just starting on my own I have an associates degree in electrical/electronics, I'm planning to design a website with go daddy and make some flyers through the website.also I've gotten some training manuals and a starting kit from uncle harry's workshop.I'm gonna order some car door magnets for my truck next week. I really want my business to work,and I plan on putting in the work to get it done but I hurt my back and I had to slow down for a couple months but Im back and better than ever and very motivated.

[Rick32k]

does anyone know what parts to keep in stock and what a fair markup should be? also where is a good place to get cheap parts?

[wildimaginations]

Websites don't really work well.  You'd be better off getting on Yelp.com or AngiesList.com.  Websites require that you advertise on search engines and you will be charged per click. 

I just so happen to end up on Yelp.com and AngiesList.com because my customers put me on them.  I didn't do anything and I didn't pay anything.  That's how people find me.  They look at all the positive comments and I get the phone calls. 

[Rick32k]

Where do you buy parts and what's your markup?

[AJ]

Where you buy parts may depend on where you live. There are part distributors all over the country.

As for mark up it can very from part to part. Not ever tech may pay the same price for the same part as you can get quantity discounts on some parts, monthly specials and even free shipping.

[Rick32k]

What's a good idea of parts to keep in stock

[AJ]

Here are common Whirlpool washer and dryer parts.
It would be a good start as many of these parts are also used in a lot of sears models.

Common Repair Parts for the Whirlpool Top Load Direct Drive Washer
http://appliancejunk.com/forums/index.php?topic=4029.0

Common Repair Parts for Whirlpool Electric and Gas Dryers
http://appliancejunk.com/forums/index.php?topic=8120.0

I think it's best though to slowly build up your stock/inventory as you get some experience and learn what repairs/brands are common to your area.

[Rick32k]

whats the first step to take in becoming BBB acredited

[Rick32k]

that common repair parts list is great,do you have more for different brands and appliances?

[AJ]

whats the first step to take in becoming BBB acredited

Not sure off hand.

that common repair parts list is great,do you have more for different brands and appliances?

Nope, sorry.
Been meaning to put some together but have not got around to it yet.

[JWWebster]

 EVERYDAY SPECIALS
285753 coupling $10___80040 dogs $4___
341241 Belt $10___
3392519 fuse $10___279769 limit wp $23___
95405 belt wp $10___
3364290 knob wp $12___4318047 valve single $30___
4318046 valve double $40___
HS 410 start kit $20___HS 650 start kit $20___
312959 belt $10
53-0106 $18___304970 Igniter $20___
LA-1053 $20___211124-25k $20___
21001733 $30___5303937139 $24___
5300622032 $18.50___
5303281154 $12___5303281153 rear bearing $24___
IGN5 $48 _RGB2 $55.50___
WE12X82 belt__$10___WE12X49__$10___
WE3X75 bearing $5___
WE3X87 glide___$7___WH1x1944$7.50___
CC808_$25___
Heat-cool tstat_$22___univim98_$100.00___
IM6$100.00___
5500-200$30___5500-202$30___
RR110-$6.60___EM999_$20___
5109 $23___
dryer vent pipe$1.50 per foot, alum

[JWWebster]

HVAC
 MOTOR SPECIALS
Blower motors

1/4 HP 220v____82.17____63984
1/3 HP 220v____84.02____63986
1/2 HP 220v____103.00____63988
1/4 HP 115v____80.00____63983
1/3 HP 115v____82.17____63985
1/2 HP 115v____100.82____63987

Condenser motors

1/6 HP 220v enclosed____75.22____FSE1016SVI
1/4 HP 220v enclosed____75.15____FSE1026SVI
1/3 HP 220v enclosed____82.17____FSE1036SVI
1/2 HP 220v enclosed____100.82____FE1056SB

Specialty motors

ORM5458 Rheem multi amp___81.50
____98____125.67
___463___104.90
___510___41.85
___509___43.90___
EM550___22.00__

Brackets

A60055__18.95
KIT 200__14.07
A67804K_15.85
TFM-55__18.95
A67805K_13.27
A60007K_12.90