-Hours of operations
Unless you have regular days off that never change, and are willing to give them up, do not post hours. Keep it by appointment only.
-Web site?
You could post a strictly informational page, listing area(s) of service, contact info and maybe a “contact me” page. Up to you. It may help to increase your exposure, but you also need to keep in mind that unless you are going to use some sort of web based ticket an/or payment system, it is going to sit there and never/rarely used.
-How far would you drive?
Most solo’s keep it to 1 hour (round trip), but it really varies by area, traffic, expenses, etc.
-Customers come to you?
Only if you do not mind your home life being up for review by anyone passing through your living space.
-Money up front? or after?
Payment due at time of service rendered, which in most cases is after. As a new solo, you probably are not going to want to get into having a lawyer draw up service agreements, so you are taking the risk of non-payment on yourself.
-Parts needed to you require payment first?
Since big box tech stores started spreading out 25 years ago, most “PC Shops” can not compete on either parts or systems. It is even more challenging these days with internet purchasing. Most solo’s only “consult” on parts, leaving the purchasing up to the EU. Stocking parts is expensive, especially with constantly fluctuating prices. Also, even flogging off used parts means you have to track sales, taxes, etc for L/S/F reporting.
-(shudder) Paying taxes? on earnings?
This varies by municipality (city/township/etc) and state, but then you also have the IRS on top of everything else.
-Anything else to suggest?
Talk to a lawyer and an accountant, and also look into professional liability insurance. The more time you put into it, to more valuable your time becomes. Since you are investing in yourself, it would be wise to protect your investment as much as you can.
