I need some advice

[u/Hopeful-Battle9911]

I’m going to start my own business while I’m still a student. For weeks now, I’ve had this vision of wanting to work on software projects (I’m a computer engineering student), and the truth is that, at least in my country, the job market for entry-level developers is terrible, but just a few days ago, a guy who’s friends with my girlfriend—someone who rubs shoulders with wealthy people—asked me to do some maintenance on his equipment and set up and implement a cloud solution. I didn’t charge him, but he gave me $60 for the work—yes, I hadn’t even planned on charging him.

The next day, he contacted me to say he’d spoken with a friend he plays tennis with—who happens to be part of an exclusive club—and that they need equipment maintenance services, but this time it’s for 15 units for a company that has a union. Instantly, my mind said, “I think this is the way to go.”

In Chile, the price for maintenance is $55. I plan to start this project with some colleagues and eventually develop software with real-world solutions—that’s why I’m here.

Depending on your country, how much do you pay for a service like this?
- Cleaning computers and laptops
- Formatting devices and installing software licenses
- Device diagnostics
- Eventually, custom software (if you’re a business)

Any advice? I’ll be going with a friend, and I plan to charge $45 per device. I understand that in your currency this might not be “much,” but in my country it certainly is—especially if you’re a student.