After a decade of running my business, I’ve made the difficult decision to close it down.
In short: Times are tough, and I need to find a traditional job.
I initially started my mobile phone repair business as a side gig, and for the first seven years, things were fantastic. However, over the last three years, I’ve been struggling to make ends meet and now I’m weighing my options—either sell the business or shut it down completely.
I specialize in on-site phone repairs for homes and businesses, working on iPads, iPhones, iMacs, laptops, and even DJ equipment like CDJs and controllers. Unfortunately, the market is flooded with competitors, and with the latest iPhone models, customers expect high-quality, original screens. They don’t want to pay top dollar, but they also don’t want inferior parts. Plus, board-level repairs can be hit or miss, and if I can’t restore a device to its original condition, customers often expect free fixes, which puts me in a tough spot.
Being a sole trader has allowed me great freedom, but my expenses now exceed my earnings, and this past month has been particularly slow with few appointments booked.
I’ve tried various advertising strategies, but when potential customers inquire about prices, they often hesitate. I explain that the cheaper options come with a trade-off in quality, but that usually drives them away. If I proceed with lower-cost parts without disclosing potential issues, I end up with unhappy clients who then demand reworks, resulting in further financial losses.
I’ve recently applied for a couple of full-time jobs and have some interviews lined up, so I’m hopeful about securing a stable income soon.
Has anyone else faced a similar situation? I’d love to hear your experiences or any advice you might have for me.
One Comment
I’m really sorry to hear that you’re going through this tough time. It’s clear you’ve put a lot of passion and hard work into your business over the years, and it’s never easy to step away from something you’ve built. It sounds like you’ve been really upfront with your customers about the quality of your work, which is commendable, but it’s understandable that the market has gotten really competitive.
Transitioning to a regular job can be a big change, but it sounds like you’re taking the right steps by applying for positions and gearing up for interviews. Having a stable income might relieve some of the pressure you’ve been feeling.
If you’re open to it, consider offering more specialized services or focusing on a niche market. This could differentiate you from the competitors flooding the market. Alternatively, if you do find a way to keep part of your business going alongside a full-time job, that might give you a safety net financially while you explore your options.
Wishing you the best of luck in your job interviews. Remember, it’s okay to pivot and try something new — your skills and experience are valuable, and you’ll find a way to make it work one way or another. Keep your head up!