Repairs and trades

Computer help and laptop repairs

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.

Some evidenceLast checked 24 Oct 2026

See how this fits you, freeAbout 6 minutes, no sign-up.

Is this for you?

Best for

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

In South Africa: Strong in towns and townships with few repair shops.

What you need

  • A phone is enough to start
  • Works on everyday data
  • No camera needed
  • No cold selling
  • At least 5 hours a week · age 18+
  • Practical/hands-on work (learning or better)

The money

What it can earn

  1. Pocket money
  2. A top-up
  3. A second income
  4. Can become a full income

Part time, most people earn a modest top-up from this. Treat bigger numbers you see online with care.

What people charge

R340 to R650 per hour

C:DRIVE Tech charges R340 an hour plus a R180 call-out; Geek247 lists R650 an hour on site and R350 per 30 minutes remote. Newer techs in townships and towns often charge less; check locally.

Costs to plan for

Start-up
R500 to R5 000
Every month
Data, transport, spare parts you buy for jobs, antivirus licences you resell.
Payment fees
Cash, EFT or a card machine.
Margin
High on labour; low on parts.

How it is paid: A call-out fee, an hourly rate, and fixed prices for common jobs; parts at cost plus a small markup. Our viability score for it: 60 out of 100 (how we score).

How to start

  1. Test it cheaply Before you spend

    • Fix three friends’ laptops and write down how long each job took
    • Ask five small offices near you who helps them with IT now
    • Success signal: ten paid jobs in a month

  2. First week Days 1 to 7

    • Write a price list for a call-out, an hour and three common jobs
    • Get a screwdriver set, an anti-static strap and a backup drive
    • Post a "laptop slow? I can help" message on WhatsApp status

  3. First month Days 8 to 30

    • Keep a job card for every device: problem, work done, parts, warranty date
    • Learn one new repair each week from free videos

  4. By three months Days 31 to 90

    • Offer a monthly support deal to two small offices
    • Add remote help for clients who are far away

Friends, family and neighbours usually bring the first jobs. First income usually takes 3 to 60 days. A day-by-day version for your situation is in the full plan.

Step-by-step guide

Computer repair and IT help: from your first call-out to your first regular client

23 short lessons with scripts, templates and rand prices to copy. R149 once-off, and the first lesson is free.

See what is inside

Customers and demand

Who pays

Households, older people, students, small offices, schools and churches near you.

A working, safe computer without a long trip to a shop.

Is there demand?

SA computer services publish rates: C:DRIVE Tech charges a R180 call-out within 10 km and R340 an hour; Geek247 lists on-site help at R650 an hour and remote help at R350 per 30 minutes; GP TechSupport quotes about R1,200 to R3,500 for a laptop screen.

Speed-ups, virus clean-ups and backupsNew laptop set-up and data transferWi-Fi, printer and email help for small officesScreen, keyboard and battery replacements

Getting customers

WhatsApp status, a sign at home, referrals from schools and offices, and a monthly support deal for small businesses.

Word of mouth and referralsDirect messagesIn-person networkingResponding to enquiries

Risks and rules

Watch out for

  • Losing someone’s files: back up before you touch anything
  • Parts that fail: under the Consumer Protection Act, repairs and new parts carry a three-month warranty
  • Unpaid quotes: charge a small diagnostic fee

Competition: Moderate; trust, speed and clear prices win.

Room to grow: Grows with monthly support deals for small offices and remote help.

Legal and tax in South Africa

  • Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).
  • Repairs carry a three-month warranty on parts and labour under the Consumer Protection Act (section 57).
  • Ask before you look at private files.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start computer help and laptop repairs in South Africa?

Our research puts start-up costs at about R500 to R5 000. Recurring costs: Data, transport, spare parts you buy for jobs, antivirus licences you resell.

How long until the first income?

Typically about 21 days, and between 3 and 60 days. Friends, family and neighbours usually bring the first jobs.

Can I do it with only a phone?

Yes, a smartphone is enough to start, although a laptop helps as you grow.

What about tax and legal rules?

Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs). Repairs carry a three-month warranty on parts and labour under the Consumer Protection Act (section 57). Ask before you look at private files.

Sources (4)

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Researched by the Earn Path team · editorial policy