Any advice on starting a computer consulting business?

I was thinking about doing some consulting like setting up servers for small businesses, setting up home wireless networks, and PC repair? Any advice? Need to know the following:





how I should bill customer remotely?


how I should charge (setup vs. hourly) for new wireless setup?


etc, etc.Any advice on starting a computer consulting business?
if you have to ask random strangers then maybe you shouldnt start one up id just go to a business that youre looking for and ask them they obv know they are still in business!Any advice on starting a computer consulting business?
Great advice on the basics of starting a business can be found at


http://blog.boyblu.info/2009/05/08/how-t鈥?/a>





As far as billing the customers remotely, I would use Pay-Pal which is widely known. It allows you to send an invoice (for their records %26amp; yours) and gives your client the option to pay online via credit card or by mail via check.





As far as how you should charge, my advice would be to charge a flat rate/set up fee. Charging hourly can be uninviting to potential clients who may feel that you pad the time to make more money. Plus, as your skills increase, a service that may have taken you 1 hour two months into the business, may only take you 15 or 20 minutes after eight months into the business. In which case, your efficiency and skill would make you lose money...not what your going for.





Be sure to check out the blog which links additional resources such as the SBA and SCORE to get help in starting a successful business.





Good luck