How to Start a Mobile Repairing Business in UK?
Introduction
Our smartphones are our lifelines. We need them to contact others, entertainment, pay bills, and so on. So, in short, we can’t live without them. You feel so restless when your phone breaks down and try to repair it at any cost immediately. That’s our discussion point. Starting a mobile repairing business in UK is quite lucrative in terms of money. While this business also has some socially positive impacts as well.
As of 2024, the UK mobile repair industry’s estimated value is £706 million. It is 9.87% higher than the 2023. Although, according to some surveys there are over 616 mobile repair enterprises, still the demand is on its peak. So, no matter if you are a startup mobile repair company, still you can achieve success in a relatively shorter duration.
Over 92% of the whole UK citizens have mobile phones so imagine how vast will be your client base. Similarly, according to a survey, it is estimated that more than a third of mobile users are using damaged or smashed phones and almost 50% of users had their mobiles completely broken in the last 3 years. While if we talk about the average cost of smartphone repair, it ranges between £50 to £150.
These stats show how much and how quickly you can earn from this business. So, if you have a little passion for mobile repairing, you should start this business. But how to start it? Let’s explore!
How to Conduct Market Research to Start a Mobile Repairing Business in UK?
- Identify your Target Market: To start a mobile repairing business in UK, first of all, you need to do well-planned research. You need to understand your target market and what the customer needs are there. You need to find the market gap and especially provide those services that are a little bit ignored by others.
The primary mobile repair customers include young adults (age range between 18 and 35) who are highly dependent on mobiles as they have to scroll social media all the time. Similarly, the secondary group of users are those who use it professionally to run their businesses and families who use the device to connect with others.
So, you need to understand that the primary user category may be reluctant to get mobile repair services immediately but the secondary group of users will do it on an immediate basis.
- Customer Needs: Now let’s talk about customer preferences. They prefer those services that are quick in turnaround time, comparatively low in cost, and high in affordability, their services are quality-wise highly valued and they provide convenience to their customers like they offer pick and drop or any other facility.
- Competitor Analysis: It is important to find out what you can offer better than your competitors. You can increase your service range compared to your competitors. You can also set a relatively lower price while maintaining the quality of services. You can also have comparatively more excellent customer service.
- Understand Market Trends: Keep yourself updated about what’s going on in the market. Keep an eye on technological advancements and global economic factors. Remember, your key to success is consistency. Also, keep your services sustainable.
How to Plan to Start a Mobile Repairing Business in UK?
Define Your Business Model
After doing your market research, now it’s time to do good research about business models and choose or create the right one. You can either choose a home service model providing repairing services to your customers right at their doorsteps, or you can choose a bishop-based model providing services at your shop.
Having a physical shop boosts the trust of your clients. Besides these two models, you can choose a third one, a hybrid model in which you will definitely have a physical shop but you can also provide home-based services on the demand of the client.
Set Clear Business Goals and Objectives
Set your long-term and short-term business goals and then work persistently to achieve them. In your short-term goals, first of all, launch your business fulfilling all the legal requirements, and then grab the customers through your quality services.
In the long term goals, set clear strategies to expand your business, boost revenue growth, and build strong brand recognition.
Plan Your Budget and Financial Projections
It is very important to plan your budget for faster growth. Invest wisely and smartly. There are major three types of budget plans. One is an initial investment to buy equipment and tools, set up your shop, and market your services.
Second is the operating expenses like salaries to your shop employees, an inventor means a stock of accessories and other costs including insurance and software subscriptions and so on. The third plan is to achieve revenue projections including your service fees, sales of accessories, and growth projections.
What are the Legal Requirements to Start a Mobile Repairing Business in UK?
- Register Your Business with the UK Government: First of all, you need to decide the structure of your company. The major structures involve sole traders, limited companies, or partnerships. It is essential because the rest legal process will depend upon your decided business structure.
- Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits: Secondly, obtaining licenses like you may need to get a license for waste disposal from a local council or you may also need to obtain a relevant qualification certificate.
- Fulfill Tax Obligations and Compliance by enrolling your business with HMRC. You need to file a yearly self-assessment tax return for a sole trader. But if you have a limited company, file an annual account along with a company tax return.
- Insurance: You need to obtain two types of insurance. The first one is public liability insurance to protect your business against claims of injury. The second one is professional indemnity insurance which helps to cover any legal damage.
Health and Safety Compliance: Similarly, it is highly recommended to conduct a thorough risk assessment regularly. Keep an eye on the updated policies regarding health and safety and implement them.
Facility Requirements and Essential Equipment to Start a Mobile Repairing Business in UK?
Skills and Training
- Technical Skills: Basically, you need to learn technical skills including smartphone repair, tablet repair, and basic electronic repairs. You also need to have sufficient knowledge about soldering and micro-soldering techniques. Also, you need to be equipped with the software troubleshooting knowledge and how to update them.
- Business Skills: Secondly, you need to get business skills including basic accounting, bookkeeping, time management, and inventory stock management to keep the working smooth.
- Practical Experience: Thirdly, having practice on old or broken devices is a plus. You can also get experience by volunteering your services to a reputed mobile repair company or a shop or you can also work as an intern there.
Tools and Equipment
Purchase Essential Tools and Repair Kits including:
- Screwdriver Set
- Spudger Tool
- Tweezers
- Heat Gun or Hot Air Station
- Multimeter
- Suction Cup
- Adhesive Tape and Adhesives
- Cleaning Tools
Invest in Quality Spare Parts and Accessories including:
- Screens and Batteries
- Charging Ports and Cameras
- Reliable Suppliers
Setup a Small Repair Shop consisting of
- Organized Workspace
- Workstation Zoning
- ESD (Electrostatic discharge) Protection
- Comfortable Setup
How to Select a Suitable Location to Start a Mobile Repairing Business in UK?
- Choose a Strategic Location means a location with high foot traffic areas, easy accessibility, and good viability for your mobile repair business.
- Ensure your vehicle is Equipped for Mobile Repairs including the basic and essential tools and a steady power supply. Also, you must have a storage solution to keep everything organized to save you and your customer time.
- You need to decide your service area along with coverage. Schedule your route with software and lower the travel cost by minimizing the distance. It is highly appreciated to do your business marketing and promotions in your targeted area.
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How to Do Marketing and Promotion for Your Mobile Repairing Business in the UK?
- Create a Professional Website using WordPress or Wix. You can also use Canva for a free but professional website creation. The key to the success of your website is its speed and mobile friendliness. So always have a keen eye on the technical SEO aspects of your website.
- Create Social Media Profiles like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and you can also create a relevant YouTube channel where you will share your knowledge and slightly will present your services as well. It will add revenue through customers you will get and through YouTube income.
- Use Online Advertising like PPC on Google ads and social media ads. Such ads can bring a sudden boost to your services.
- Use Local SEO to Attract Customers by incorporating the relevant keywords and Google My Business profiles.
- Offer Promotions, Discounts, and Referral Programs like buy-one-get-one-free deals and discounts on referrals.
How to Manage Finances of Your Mobile Repairing Business in UK?
- Keep Track of Expenses and Revenues through a detailed record of the tool’s cost, rent (if applied), and other utility bills. Scrutinize your financial statements regularly to check the growing pace of your business.
- Use Accounting Software like Quickbooks, Xero, and Sage to track your business growth without investing much time.
- Reinvesting in Your Business is highly important to expand it on a large scale. You can invest in marketing to boost sales. You can also invest in new equipment or even in staff training. Ultimately the benefit will be yours own.
- Consult an expert Financial advisor to seek practical guidance like where should you invest knowing your business’s current stage and situation and how to refine your current financial plan.
Remember, consistency and staying updated with the current industry trends are the keys to success. So don’t be outdated in terms of knowledge and keep your business on the current high standards.
Conclusion
This is how you can start a mobile repairing business in UK. Follow all the steps carefully provided in this guide and see the amazing results you will get. Make sure you comply with all the legal requirements and a good tax filer to avoid any inconvenience. Never stop your research and reading about the latest trends along with gaining hands-on practical experience.
In this way, you will be successful in a relatively shorter duration but if still you encounter any technical issues with your business, you will encouraged to seek professional help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Formal qualifications are not mandatory to start a mobile repair shop, however, you must have certain certifications from recognized institutions to enhance your credibility. Knowledge of electronics and hands-on experience are essentially required. You may also consider obtaining a business license and insurance.
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The initial capital required can vary depending on the scale of your business. On average, you may need between £5,000 to £15,000.
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Essential tools required to open a mobile repair shop include:
- Screwdriver Set
- Spudger Tool
- Tweezers
- Heat Gun or Hot Air Station
- Multimeter
- Suction Cup
- Adhesive Tape and Adhesives
- Cleaning Tools
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You can find customers by creating a strong online presence through a professional website and social media platforms. Use local advertising, offer promotions, and partner with local businesses. Word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied customers can also be a significant source of new business.
