If you are considering starting a computer shop or you already own one and are looking to expand your business, you’ll need to be clear about who your customers are and who aren’t. Because not everyone needs a computer shop.
Knowing precisely who your target market is will help you decide which products to sell, which services to offer, and how to market your business.
In this article, we will review the target market for a computer shop and look at how consumers select one computer shop over another for their technology needs.
Who is the Target Market for a Computer Shop?
One of the best ways to understand the target market for a computer shop is to understand why someone would need to go to one. Is it to buy a new computer? If so why not buy one online? Or is it to buy accessories that they cannot find elsewhere?
By asking such questions we can divide computer shop customers into the following segments:
- People who want to buy a computer
- People who would like to get a computer repaired
- People who would like to buy computer accessories
- People who want to get computer advice
- People who need their computer configured in a specific way
- To recover data from a crashed computer
- Businesses that need computer maintenance
Let’s look closely at each of these market segments.
#1. People who want to buy a computer
The most likely target market for a computer shop would be people who want to buy a new computer. They may want the convenience of being able to pick up their new computer right away instead of waiting for it to be delivered.
They may also want to be able to ask questions and get advice from someone in person before they make their purchase. This is especially true for people who are not very familiar with computers and may need help choosing the right one for their needs.
Some people may also want to buy a used computer from a computer shop. This could be because they are on a budget or because they prefer to buy from a local business rather than an online retailer.
Some people may also want a highly customized computer that they cannot find from a mass-market retailer. In this case, a computer shop can work with the customer to put together the perfect machine for their needs.
Even those in the market for a laptop may go to a computer shop that might be able to customize a laptop rather than buy one online.
#2. People who would like to get a computer repaired
Computers are machines and anyone who’s owned one long enough knows that they eventually break down and need to be repaired. For this reason, another target market for a computer shop would be people who need to get their computers repaired.
This could be because they do not have the time or the knowledge to fix it themselves. This is true of most people. It could also be because they need specialized components or parts that they may not know where to find or how to fix them.
For instance, once desktop computers start getting old, the fan inside them can get noisy and may need to be replaced. This is something that most people are not familiar with and would need to take their computer to a shop to get fixed.
So another segment of the target market for a computer shop includes people looking to get their computers repaired.
#3. People who would like to buy computer accessories
Sometimes someone may need a new mouse or an external hard disk. And a computer shop can be the perfect place to buy these accessories.
A good computer shop will likely have a wide variety of accessories in stock. They may also offer competitive prices on these items since they are likely buying them in bulk.
Some people may also need advice on which accessories to buy. For instance, if someone’s looking for a gaming monitor, they may need help choosing the right one for their needs. In this case, a computer shop can offer valuable advice and guidance.
#4. People who want to get computer advice
Sometimes people just need advice without the need to buy anything from a computer shop. Many computer shops offer free consultations where people can come in and ask questions about their computers.
This is a great service for people who are not familiar with computers and need some guidance. It can also be helpful for people who are considering buying a new computer but are not sure which one is right for them.
People who work at computer shops may also have expertise in software. They may be able to offer advice on which software programs are right for someone’s needs. For example, if someone’s looking for a new anti-virus or a child-safe internet filter, a computer shop can offer valuable guidance.
They may also be able to help with installation or troubleshooting issues.
#5. People who need their computer configured in a specific way
This segment of the target market for a computer shop is similar to the first except that it includes people who need their computer configured in a specific way.
For example, someone may need their computer to be set up for gaming or for graphic design. Or they may need extra memory installed or a special graphic card that they have purchased separately but do not know how to install.
In most cases, these people will need to bring their computers into the shop to have the work done. Some computer shops offer such on-site services for a fee.
#6. To recover data from a crashed computer
Almost everyone who has ever owned a computer has had the experience of a computer crashing and losing important data. It can be a very frustrating experience.
Fortunately, there are computer shops that specialize in data recovery. They may be able to retrieve data from a crashed computer that another shop said was lost forever.
This is a very specialized service and not all computer shops offer it. But for those that do, it can be a lifesaver for people who have lost important data.
#7. Businesses that need computer maintenance
Businesses that have hundreds of computers or more need to have them maintained on a regular basis. This is a big job and most businesses do not have the staff or the expertise to do it themselves.
That’s where a computer shop comes in. They can offer regular maintenance services to businesses to keep their computers running smoothly.
This can be good business for a computer shop because it can provide a steady stream of income. And it can be a very good deal for companies with computers because they can save a lot of money by not having to hire their own staff to maintain their computers.
How Do Customers Select a Computer Shop?
Customers use a variety of factors to select a computer shop. Some of the most important factors include:
- Location
- Price
- Reputation
- Selection
- Customer Service
Location
Customers prefer a computer shop that is close to them so that they can avoid having to drive a long distance to get to the shop.
Having said that, many people are willing to drive a bit further to get to a shop that they know is reliable and has good prices.
Price
Price is a factor in all purchases and customers will want a computer shop that offers competitive prices. No one likes to pay more than they have to for the products and services they need.
And no matter how good a computer shop is if a competitor is offering the same products and services for a lower price, the consumer will likely go with the cheaper option.
Reputation
Customers want a computer shop that has a good reputation. They want to know that the shop is reliable and will stand behind its products and services.
Computer shops that go the extra mile to make sure their customers are satisfied and that they have a good experience are the ones that build a good reputation.
Selection
Consumers look for a computer shop that has a wide selection of products and services. They want to be able to find everything they need in one place.
A computer shop that has only a few monitors or choices of external hard disks is not going to be as appealing to customers as a shop that has a wide range of products.
Customer service
Finally, customer service is by far the most important factor in choosing a computer shop. Customers who prefer to go to a store rather than buy online do so because they can speak to someone face to face if they have any questions or problems.
A shop that has knowledgeable and friendly staff is going to be much more appealing to customers than a shop that doesn’t.
Conclusion
The target market for a computer shop ranges from people who want to buy a computer to those simply looking for advice.
It includes those who need their computer repaired, need new accessories, need their computer configured in a specific way, or need to get data recovered from a crashed computer.
Businesses with many computers may also place a running contract with a computer shop for new computers, on leases on computers, or for regular maintenance.
Finally, customers look at these 5 qualities when choosing a computer shop: location, price, reputation, selection, and customer service.
A computer shop that does well in these areas is likely to have a target market that is both large and loyal.