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Step-by-step guide

Computer help and laptop repairs: your step-by-step start

Set up, clean, speed up and repair laptops and PCs, install software, fix Wi-Fi and printers, and help small offices and older people with their tech.

  • 18 lessons
  • 5 modules
  • about 1 hour in total

Is this guide for you?

Good fit if

  • Patient people who are the one friends call when a laptop is slow, and who enjoy explaining tech in plain words.

Think twice if

  • You need money within the next two weeks: first income usually takes about 21 days.
  • You do not want to find and talk to customers yourself.

Honest expectations

  • First income usually takes about 21 days.
  • Part time, most people earn a modest top-up from this. Treat bigger numbers you see online with care.
  • The main risk to plan for: losing someone’s files: back up before you touch anything.

What is inside

  1. Module 1

    Is this right for you?

    What it involves, who pays, and honest expectations.

    1. How computer help and laptop repairs worksFree · 5 min
    2. Honest expectations4 min (in the full guide)
  2. Module 2

    Set up and price

    What you need and what to charge.

    1. Your startup kit, costs and skills5 min (in the full guide)
    2. Pricing and getting paid5 min (in the full guide)
    3. Your numbers: a worked example in rands5 min (in the full guide)
  3. Module 3

    Your first week

    The first steps, in order.

    1. Your first week, step by step6 min (in the full guide)
    2. Week one, step 2: Get a screwdriver set, an anti-static strap and a backup drive3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Week one, step 3: Post a "laptop slow? I can help" message on WhatsApp status3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Finding your first customers: who to message5 min (in the full guide)
    5. Messages to copy: your first customers5 min (in the full guide)
  4. Module 4

    Your first month

    A routine that brings in customers.

    1. Your first 30 days: build a routine4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Month one, task 1: Keep a job card for every device: problem, work done, parts, warranty date3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Month one, task 2: Learn one new repair each week from free videos3 min (in the full guide)
  5. Module 5

    Months two and three

    Repeat what works, grow and stay safe.

    1. Days 31 to 90: repeat what works and grow4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Months two and three, task 1: Offer a monthly support deal to two small offices3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Months two and three, task 2: Add remote help for clients who are far away3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Getting paid safely and spotting scams4 min (in the full guide)
    5. Risks, rules, tax and staying safe5 min (in the full guide)

What it costs to start

R500 to R5 000 to get started, from our research

What you will use:

  • Precision screwdriver set and anti-static strap
  • External backup drive
  • Bootable USB with repair tools
  • Job cards

Prices change and differ by area, so check two places near you before you buy.

Try it before you buy

Lesson one is free. If it helps, the whole guide is R149 once-off.

Start the free lesson

Reviewed 24 October 2026 by the Earn Path team. Next review due 24 October 2027.