Thinking about starting a "Spyware, Virus Removal business.. Do i stand a chance?

Hi everyone...

So, I was thinking about starting a small part time business of spyware and virus removal services. Do you think its worth it? Do i stand a chance with big competition like Geeksquad and Firedog?

What do you guys think ?

I got the idea from this website called "pappapc.com", the guy claims to have made a lot of money...

 

No one can honestly answer that question.

Whether or not you "stand a chance" depends on who you are, what abilities you posses, how well you'll run your business and so forth.

Just because someone else has "made a lot of money" doing something doesn't mean you will and vise versa.

 

I don't know about FireDog, never heard anything about them, but I've heard horror stories about GeekSquad, so if you're any good at all and have good business sense, I'd say you could make some money. Might take a while to get your name out there, but it's definitely possible.

 

Thanks guys for quick replies...

Firedog is a company based in US which offers similar services like geeksquad. Both companies are currently charging $49 to remove spyware and viruses. I was thinking that maybe i can offer the same service for much less.

But my most important question is, is the market big enough?

 

Don't forget your online competition: all the scripts you can purchase to do this for you.

 

maybe if you are in a location where there is not alot of competition - I like the idea myself

 

How will you do the removal? Via remote connection? Sounds tricky.

 

Hi, Yea i do live in an area where there is only one shop that i know of thats offering similar services...

This service will not be offered via remote connection... I would actually have to visit that persons home.

I can start with free advertising using craigslist.com then maybe move on to newspaper advertisement as i make more money...

Activeweb - you said online competition, But i think not all people are that smart to find a freeware program and remove spyware. People love to watch or let other people fix their problems...

 

You want to do "remote PC repair" like this :
https://online.firedog.com/firedog/fd_pages/firedogonline.asp ?
You would run PC anywhere or VNC and take control of PC ?

 

No... I am actually going to visit customers house and fix it there.

 

Well, there's definitely a market for it. You would have to be good and you would need to sink some serious advertising money to get your name out there. Do you also live in an area where you'll get steady business. If you live in a low population density, you might run out of customers. I don't know if I'd rely on this as a sole source of income.

 

You do have a change if you market locally.. I think that would be the best. I see ads for these types of services from time to time. Try advertising (sticking posters) in suburbs

 

are you gonna build your own software for removing virus ?? I think its not that easy...

 

Hi,

I live in a county which has 8 different cities and its very populated...

And no i am not going to build my own software, I am going to use freeware and shareware softwares to remove viruses...

 

If you use remote connection method, than there is a lot of pottential or else doing locally it's very difficult.

 

I actually think you have a chance..Just make sure to offer your services for cheaper than others.

I have heard bad stories about Geek Squad, and I am sure others have too so that may make them not want to use them.

 

Thanks

Geeksquad and others are charging $49, I can offer the service for $35. Much cheaper. I think i am going to start this in few days and i'll let you guys know how it goes...

 

I don't think it's about the chances or the odds. It's if you will really put your heart into it. A popular saying goes whether you think you can or you can't, you're right.

Good luck.

 

You have an extremely good chance especially if your area supports it. I went a bit further than you and we do all computer/networking repairs and we gross over six figures each and every year.

 

Wow, Amazing. Currently i am going to offer just virus removal services but my brother is thinking about joining me then i will be able to offer more services.

Since you are allready in the business, do you advertise of craigslist ? If so how is the response ?

Thanks.