Tech Setup Concierge
Set up smart homes, broadband, and printers for the over-60s
Set up smart homes, broadband, and printers for the over-60s.
As a Tech Setup Concierge, your day-to-day work involves visiting clients to set up smart home devices, install broadband, and configure printers. You’ll spend your time understanding clients' needs, providing hands-on installations, and offering basic tutorials on using their new technology, ensuring they feel confident navigating their devices. Building rapport with clients is key, as trust will lead to referrals and repeat business, especially within the over-60 demographic who may feel overwhelmed by tech.
Now is a prime time for this service as the population aged 60 and over is rapidly growing, with many seeking to enhance their homes with technology. Furthermore, the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of smart devices and online services among older adults, many of whom require assistance navigating these changes. With increased reliance on technology for communication and daily tasks, your service will meet a pressing need.
You might be a tech-savvy individual with a passion for helping others, perhaps coming from a background in IT, customer service, or a teaching role. Expect to invest 10-20 hours per week initially, balancing client appointments with marketing efforts. Your approachable nature and patience will be crucial, as many clients may possess limited technical knowledge and require gentle guidance.
Within 12 to 24 months, the potential upside includes establishing a loyal clientele and possibly expanding into a small team of tech concierges. You could generate revenue of £30,000 to £50,000 per year, depending on the volume of clients and the additional services you introduce, such as subscription support for ongoing assistance.
- IT
- Patience
£40–£100 per visit
You could expect a gross margin of approximately 70-80%, given the low overhead costs.
The demographic shift towards an ageing population in the UK is significant, with over-60s increasingly embracing technology. This trend is coupled with a growing need for personalised tech support, making it an ideal time to launch this service.
Your primary customers are older adults, usually living independently, who desire to embrace technology but feel intimidated by it. Their adult children may also seek your services on behalf of their parents, recognising the importance of keeping them connected and secure.
The UK smart home market is projected to grow significantly, with an estimated value of £1.5 billion by 2025. Additionally, around 40% of over-65s are interested in adopting smart home technology, highlighting a key market opportunity for tailored support services.
Revenue & pricing
Your revenue model primarily consists of one-off service fees ranging from £40 to £100 per visit, with potential for recurring income through subscription support packages for ongoing assistance.
- Basic Setup: £40 for a one-hour visit to install a broadband router and connect a device.
- Smart Home Package: £70 for setting up smart speakers, lights, and security cameras.
- Printer Setup: £50 for installing and configuring a printer with a laptop or tablet.
- Subscription Support: £15 monthly for ongoing tech support via phone or video call.
Costs
- Website setup (domain + hosting)100
- Business cards and marketing materials50
- Tools and cables for installations150
- Initial advertising (local SEO + social media)100
- Insurance (public liability)100
- Website hosting10
- Marketing/advertising30
- Insurance premium10
- Miscellaneous supplies20
First steps
- 1Learn install basics
- 2Local SEO
- 3Subscription support
Your first 90 days
- Research local competition and define your unique selling proposition.
- Set up your website and social media profiles.
- Create a flyer or brochure to distribute in local communities.
- Network with local senior centres or community groups to promote your service.
- Conduct a few free consultations to build testimonials and gain initial clients.
- Acquire your first 10 paying clients through referrals or local advertising.
- Launch your subscription support model and secure at least 5 subscribers.
- Collect customer feedback and refine your service offerings.
- Establish a presence at local community events to raise awareness.
- Develop strategic partnerships with local businesses that cater to seniors.
How to get customers
Local SEO
Optimise your website for local search terms to attract nearby clients.
Social Media
Create Facebook ads targeting local seniors and their families.
Community Events
Attend local fairs or workshops to engage with potential clients directly.
Referrals
Encourage satisfied clients to refer you to friends and family with incentives.
Tools you'll actually use
| Tool | Cost | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tide | Free | For efficient business banking with no monthly fees. |
| Xero | £10/month | To manage invoices and bookkeeping easily. |
| Calendly | Free | To streamline appointment scheduling with clients. |
| Canva | Free | For creating professional marketing materials. |
| Stripe | Free to set up | To accept online payments securely. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Underestimating the time needed for each setup, leading to rushed jobs.
- Failing to market effectively to the target demographic.
- Neglecting to ask for referrals or testimonials after service completion.
- Not investing in ongoing education about new tech products.
- Overlooking the importance of robust insurance coverage.
How to scale this
- 1Start solo, offering services in your local area.
- 2Build a strong reputation and a loyal client base.
- 3Hire additional tech support staff as demand increases.
- 4Expand services to include tech training workshops or group sessions.
Risks & mitigations
High competition from established tech support services.
Differentiate your service by focusing specifically on the over-60 demographic.
Potential for liability if installations cause damage.
Obtain comprehensive business insurance to cover potential claims.
Clients may cancel subscription services.
Provide excellent customer service to retain subscribers.
Keeping up with rapidly changing technology.
Regularly attend training sessions or webinars to stay updated.
UK legal & compliance
- Register your business with HMRC for tax purposes and ensure you understand your obligations.
- Obtain public liability insurance to protect against claims from clients.
- Ensure compliance with GDPR when handling client data, including secure storage and consent for communications.
- Check if any specific local permits or licenses are required for your service.
FAQ
What areas do you cover?
I currently operate in [your local area], but I plan to expand as demand grows.
Do you offer ongoing support?
Yes, I provide a subscription support service for clients needing assistance.
How do you charge for your services?
I charge per visit, with rates ranging from £40 to £100 depending on the service.
What if I'm not satisfied with your service?
I strive for customer satisfaction and offer a money-back guarantee if you're not happy.
Can you help with specific devices?
Absolutely! I can assist with a wide range of smart devices and printers.
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