"I told my Dad, 'how about if I can fix it myself?'"
Thirteen-year-old Adam Hussain successfully runs an online computer business from his bedroom.
The Bradford teenager explained that a mix of youthful rebellion, a broken laptop and educational YouTube videos led to the eBay business.
When Adam received a laptop for his 10th birthday, it sparked an immediate interest in technology.
The Beckfoot Upper Heaton School student said: “I always asked myself one question – how are these made? What kind of parts are in there? How did these components look like? How are they fitted?
“My dad couldn’t explain it to me because he isn’t into this kind of technology so he suggested searching on YouTube.
“I watched dozens of videos on YouTube and was so influenced by them and gained a lot of knowledge about laptops and components.”
However, two years later, the laptop’s internal system crashed and it was left completely unusable.
Adam was told by a repair shop that it may cost hundreds of pounds to diagnose a fault and fix the laptop.
He said: “I looked at my dad and said, ‘No way this is far too expensive, let’s just go home’.
“My dad said, ‘I’ll get it fixed next month when I receive my wage’. I told my Dad, ‘how about if I can fix it myself?’ – ‘No way I’m not going to let you touch electrical stuff, it’s too dangerous’.
“I tried every angle to pursue him to say yes but nothing worked. It’s been over a week without a laptop, I could no longer play games, watch YouTube and do school work.
“During this time I was researching on mobile phone what could be the fault with this laptop and learned a lot about types of faults it could be.
“My world changed on the weekend when my parents go to London on a weekend to their friend’s house and would return home on Sunday evening.
“I just couldn’t wait to open the laptop, I knew where my dad keeps DIY tools, screwdrivers etc.
“I followed the instructions on YouTube video on how to unscrew the laptop.”
Adam managed to fix the laptop. The teenager then began to fix laptops for his family and friends on the weekend, buying parts from eBay via his father’s account and paying him back.
He created an online laptop repair service and charged 25% less than what local repair shops charge.
After fixing several broken laptops, Adam discovered that “the real money was in the parts”.
Adam has since become one of eBay’s most reputable sellers with over 100 items on his page at any one time.
He runs the computer business alongside his studies, answering customer messages during breaks while making labels and packing orders at night.
Adam told the Telegraph and Argus: “I’m so proud to achieve this success, my whole family is proud and very supportive. I never imagined I will reach this level.
“My ultimate goal is to expand, have over 10,000 items listed, have my own secure storage and most importantly my own eBay and PayPal account [as he uses his father’s account].
“My message to all kids of my age is anything is achievable, you just need to be open-minded, positive to achieve your goals.
“We live in a land which offers you a great opportunity and full support.”
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