In the “Computer Guy’s Toolbox” series, I highlight a product or service that I think will benefit the independent computer tech.
A couple years ago I reviewed Technibble’s Computer Business Kit here on the blog. I gave it a modest review, noting how it provided some good document templates most appropriate for new computer business owners. I felt, however, that it lacked in certain areas and it felt a bit incomplete.
Well, Bryce Whitty over at Technibble.com, has released the next version of the kit and let me tell you, it is a HUGE improvement over the original. I’ve had a chance to really dig deeply into this version of the kit, so without further ado, here is my review.
What Is It?
The Computer Business Kit Version 2 is an all-in-one tool kit for the business side of your computer business. Like the first, it contains legal documents, forms, and marketing material that you can use as-is or modify for your needs. In this version you get a lot more, over 50 documents in all.
That alone would be enough. But wait…there’s more (sorry, I had to)!
This kit also offers a comprehensive list of computer part dealers and computer recycle centers. The dealer lists is great if you’re first starting out looking for a reputable dealer to do business with or for pros looking to switch to another provider.
One huge new benefit is the localization of the kit. There are four different versions of the computer business kit, depending on where you reside: US, UK, Canada, and Australia. The documents in your unique kit will be tailored to fit the country you choose. You can also rest assured that the legality of the documents will conform to your nation’s standards.
Finally, as if that weren’t enough, there’s a section with great savings on 8 third party computer business products.
Tie that all up in a sleek easy to navigate HTML console interface and you have yourself a very useful kit for your business, much more complete than the original.
But how useful are the individual pieces of this kit? Lets dive in and check it out.
Digging Deeper
The first thing I noticed about the Computer Business Kit (CBK) was how organized the interface is. New users are greeting with a freindly console that acts as a front-end for all the documentation and resources of the kit. The console provides links to the various modules of the kit as well as a way to upgrade the kit to a newer version, instructions on how best to use the kit, and a link to a forum especially for CBK owners.
Documents and Forms
Like the previous version, this one breaks it’s documentation into different sections. Since I reside in the US, I’ll be going over the US version, but I believe the basic components of every kit remain the same regardless of region.
During & After Work - This section contains documentation you’ll need on the job. Here you’ll find checklists for backup, network, reformat, and tune-up work. Also included are liability release forms, work orders, and computer pick-up forms that all require signature from the customer. These forms, especially the work order, will be daily-use documents that may be your life-line, should you run into any trouble with customers.
In the Office - You’ll find an extensive collection of documentation for use in the “office” (whether that be at home or a brick and mortar shop). This is a collection of all the documents that didn’t fit in any of the other sections: Asset Tag Labels, Repair Log (time sheet), Customer Satisfaction Survey, Invoices, Marketing Analysis, Payment Notice, Quotation Sheet, Terms of Sale, and many more.
Personally, for my own business, I combine a lot of this documentation into one or two documents. Keeping track of all these separate sheets of paper not only takes a lot of extra effort, but also takes down a lot of extra trees with it. But I like how they are all separated in this kit, so you can mix and match what works best for your business. Not everything will apply to you, but you’ll most likely be able to find something that does.
Maintenance Work - Maintenance contracts are a great source of recurring revenue for computer consultants. Once you have someone on a contract, you can count on that money every month. In order to get it set-up right, you’ll need the proper documentation. That’s what this section of the CBK is useful for.
Marketing - One job that’s never done when you’re a computer consultant is marketing. This section provides sleek, professional, pre-designed marketing material for your business. There are a variety brochures, business cards, letter heads, flyer, and postcard designs to choose from. This section is really neat and I plan on using some of the marketing material in my own business.
Web Development - I’ve been getting into web development lately as a supplement to my computer repair work. From experience I know the importance of getting the documentation right at the beginning so the customer knows what to expect, and you don’t get burned. This section contains a Web Development Contract, Web Dev Approval Form, Project Completion Form, and a Web Hosting Subscription form to use in getting recurring income through hosting your clients website.
The next three sections are new to this version of the kit, and they’re what take the CBK from good to great!
Recycling Companies
If you’ve been in this business long enough, you no doubt have amassed enough dead parts and old systems to fill a small warehouse. We all know it’s not safe or ecologically sound to dispose of electronics in the trash. That’s why it’s important to recycle as much as you can in hopes that it can be put to good use. The CBK offers an extensive list of recycling companies in the UK, Canada, US, and Australia. The US list has contact info for over 60 companies from all over the country, sorted by state.
Suppliers
While I’ve always been a big fan of getting parts from NewEgg or Ebay, it’s always good to have other suppliers available for you to use to get the best possible deal on parts and accessories. The CBK lists suppliers in the countries it covers, along with the kind of parts that company supplies (laptop screens, software, networking, peripheral, point of sale, servers, etc.).
It would be great if there was a way to filter the suppliers by certain criteria, since it’s such a large list. For example, if I’m looking for suppliers of laptop keyboards, I could filter the list down to only those suppliers. A small nit-pick on my part, but I’m sure it’ll be part of version 3!
Coupons
If all the above weren’t enough, Bryce has also partnered with some of the major vendors in the Computer Business realm to bring you some pretty deep discounts on software and services. $50 off CommitCRM, 25% off SUPERAntiSpyware, 15% off Screen Connect, 20% off Podnutz Laptop Repair Video and Tech Site Builder, and a bunch more. Bryce says that if you take advantage of the offers in this section alone, you’ll have paid for the purchase of the kit. Great stuff, and I’ll be using these discounts to check out these products to review here on this blog.
Is It Useful?
Yes!
Unlike the previous version, where some techs may get more out of it than others, the Computer Business Kit Version 2 literally has something for everyone. For new techs, the documentation and forms will save you hours of trail and error in creating your own. For established techs, the legal thoroughness of the documents will help you make sure your own documentation is up to standard. And all levels of computer consultants will find the list of computer parts dealers, recyclers, and discounts useful.
Conclusion
The Computer Business Kit Version 2 is leaps and bounds more useful than the original, and a must-use for computer business owners of any experience level. You can pick up a copy of the kit here.
Disclaimer: The links to the kit in this post are affiliate links, so if you buy the CBK using these links, I will get a small commission. I only review products I have used personally and I always give honest reviews. So if you enjoy the content here, please consider purchasing via the links at YFNCG!
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I wish I had found this 6 months ago. Looking for all the different templates for documents was a hassle. Thanks for this may still be useful.
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