Technology Forum

I couldn't find a forum that dealt with this specific question. So my appologies to the moderators if it is not where you want this posted. I am starting a small computer repair business based out of my home. I will be doing on site tech work as well as bringing machines to my workspace when necessary. Mainly for Small Businesses and Home Users. With Small Businesses being the MAIN focus. My question is mostly about payment for services rendered and I figured with all these seasoned techs on here I would get some first hand answers. How is it you assure that your going to get paid for services? I know nothing is set in stone, and no matter what your going to run into a problem every now and then. But if you go out to a job, fix their computer and they give you a check and it bounces. How do you recoup that? Or do most of you just not accept checks for that reason? Also as far as on hand hardware. I know i'm going to want to have at a least a couple of the most used components for testing and replacement, such as hard drives, Vid Cards, Dvd Drives, Etc.. with regular rotation as prices change so often. But how many do most of you keep on hand? Or would you suggest for a small computer repair company? I have a really good online vendor for products which i'll be ordering through. But i don't dare to just order products as needed as the shipping time would cost me customers. Also any other suggestions and advice would be much appreciated. I've been working on computers for years but this will be my first attempt at making this a business. Thanks to Everyone In Advance!