how much to charge for computer repair?

I work at Walmart part-time in electronics and have customers with computer problems all the time. I usually send them to the only computer shop in town if I can't walk them through it. The guy that owns the shop knows nothing about computers and usually won't fix anything or backup files. He just reinstalls windows. Anyway, I'm looking at extending my help to these people for a lower price and actually fixing their problems. And backing up files is usually pretty sumple. I'm not in it to make a bunch of money. Just a little extra cash on the side and actually help people. If anyone can give me some average prices for different repairs that'd be great.

 

I have worked on computers for family and friends since I was 8. I'm now 25. I have a vocational certificate in computers, a+, and a couple years of a bachelors in computer engineering. I have a pretty good knowledge but I'm not too worried about making a big deal out of everything. I understand the whole liability thing but I don't foresee making enough money to even come out even with the insurance. I'll probably do a little bit of everything for people. Virus removal, part replacement, upgrades, building custom computers, troubleshooting hardware/software issues. I just need general prices. I'm gonna try to ask around and see how much this shop charges and others in the area. But I don't know anybody right off hand who has done business with him.

 

Also there is a reason why he just re-installs Windows...

As far as malware goes there are licencing issues over using the software. Most of it is free for personal use. I dont think that the developers would be too happy for you to use the software that they have written to fix peoples computers for you then to charge for the service. Secondly, it takes an hour to an hour and a half to re-install windows, if you do it properly and back up profile data using a disk caddy and it will fix all software issues. If you try and fix the problem without re-installing then it may take you days to diagnose and fix. Yo therefore have to eeither charge for that time or spend days fixing what a re-install could do in an hour and a half. Not good business sense.


It doesn't matter how much you plan to earn, the insurance is still pretty essential. I have heard of someone being sued because as part of a repair they formatted a drive without the owners concent and lost all there holiday photos. They were then asked to pay for the cost of every holiday the family had ever had so that they could replace the lost photos. Im not sure what the outcome was but my point is that the liability is not proportional or restricted to the fee ou charge.

You can reduce this risk by ensureing that before you begin to work on anyones PC you get them to sign up to a contract that warns them as part of the repair you may format their disk and that it is their responsibility to ensure data is backed up prior to comissioning you to work on the PC. You should also put something in that states that any liability is limited to the cost charged for the repair. Get a solicitor to either review or draft the contract. It may cost a couple of hundred pounds but once you have it then you can re-use it over and over and it could save you a lot of cash in the long run if something goes wrong.

 

Theres been a few threads about this type of stuff. Ill see if I can find anything related. Also there was debates on things. Say you charge by the hour. What if you take all night to scan with program to try to clean malware out thats many hours.

 

This is a double edged sword. One side you can make a few bucks and fix peoples computers so they don't get ripped off at the big box stores. The other, to quote DavidGP

Which sometimes means the poor (l)user will take their computer back and break it again & expect you to fix it again & again for free, becasue obviously you didn't get it right the first time.
I make sure they tell me exactley what is wrong and prove it is fixed when I give it back, so they know it is fixed. I've seen some service contracts posted, but haven't gone that far, yet. I don't do it as a "business" either, just a service to friends & family. I charge $40.00 + parts (if needed) usually, many people give me more than that. I don't count hours if I bring (or they deliver) the computer home, because I can fire up a scan at my leisure and go back later - let it run over night, whatever.

For more computer business info check out http://www.technibble.com/products/computer-business-kit/

Most palces around here start at $150 first hour $75/$50 the next.

 

You should not do this unless you are going to do this right. As soon as you start accepting compensation (even donations), everything changes. You are no longer, "for home use" or "non-commercial use only". You can no longer use the free versions of most of the common anti-malware software, or hardware and Windows troubleshooting tools. Using such tools without paying for the full or commercial licenses cost Best Buy and the Geek Squad $Millions!

Compensation for services rendered is taxable income.

What are you going to do if you accidentally zap someone's new RAM or CPU?

Finally, my daughter used to work in the legal department at Walmart Corp HQ and I would bet the Walmart's lawyers would not be pleased if you had not cleared this through them first.

 

Greetings, zinzara.

Just to add one more thing to worry about, which I don't think anyone's touched upon yet: if you're going to do the computer repair thing as an in-home service, take into account your own personal safety. Once the word gets out that you're willing to travel to a client's home to do your business, the chance of setting yourself up as a potential target is a very real possibility.

Through the years I've had windows broken in my truck, tools stolen from my truck, tools stolen from my tool bag while I was in the house working on a machine. I've had scams attempted on me (non-payment for repair), and I've had sex offered as payment (tempting, but common sense prevailed).

My point is: be careful. We geeks sometimes lose ourselves in our own little worlds, but the reality is that it's tough out there. Watch your six.

 

Firstly I'd say don't give any kind of advice while at work and make it absolutely clear you are offering services off your own back and it has nothing to do with walmart. The possible come backs from not clarifying that could be someone complaining to walmart that you messed up their PC or some such.

I do the same thing, PC repair etc as a small income.
I have a standard set fee.
If you bring your PC to my house it's a straight $45 for the first 2 hours, which pretty much covers 90% of problems.
If I have to come out to your house or pick up your PC it's $65.

Most of the time scans etc pass the 2 hours but I'm not doing anything while it's scanning so there is no clock running.
After the first 2 hours I charge $15-$20 per hour depending on the problem and how much attention and knowledge it requires.

I've yet to go over the 2 hour bracket with the exception of new builds or formats, which I also have a set price on depending on how much work is involved.
A straight format is $80, if I am required to set it up and put security software on and back up/transfer files then it's $100 (plus the $20 call out charge if I have to come get it.

If I'm custom building I charge $125 for the research, advice, build and format.
Unless it's something out of the ordinary.

Prices fluctuate depending on the severity and complexity of the issue.

But 1 rule stands firm, if I can't fix it, I won't charge you, (No Fix, No Fee)
Althought thats not happend yet either lol

So there's a break down of how I work, like I said, all prices need to be taken with a pinch of salt, but if it's viruses and/or clean up's then it's the straight 2 hour fee.

 

I’m often asked to help people out with their computers, more often than not I can sort the simple things out and end up with a nice bottle of Merlot, on occasions I have been given bottles of Gin or Whisky, I’m just hoping I’m not putting myself in a sticky position by accepting gifts. :confused

 

I've occasionally joked that if I did charge, I'd have to charge a frustration fee.

 

Zinzara, why don't you pursue this as your actual job instead of an "on-the-side job"? You seemed to be qualified and enjoy it.

I've never charged for fixing peoples computers. I do it once in a while because I enjoy it. People try to give me money for doing it but I don't take it. Of course I've only ever worked on the computers of family, friends and friends of friends.

@ Caliban - That's crazy that stuff happened to you!

 

Still happening - it's gotten to the point that if I have to make a house call, I try to insist that a male adult be present while I am there. Must be my stunning good looks and charming personality that make the female customers swoon...rolleyes

@zinzara: With the price of fuel rising as it is, I've also had to advance my fees accordingly. Many house calls involve two trips - I think you'll find in the long run it's almost impossible to perform major repairs without bringing the machine home to your own facilities, which means a return trip to deliver the finished product. Those miles add up - unfortunately, I've had to pass the costs on to my clients. Something to think about.

 

You've got your vowels confused. Ooooh is swooning. Aaaah! is fainting.

 

@ Caliban - Ha. Yeah. You need a little security with these things. You don't want to get a virus. :-D

@ TimW - I hate when people who aren't computer savvy get tricked into buying a computer that isn't what they need simply because a dishonest salesmen or business lies to make money. I've usually found that it's on the other end of the spectrum; people being sold really expensive computers when all the person needs is a basic computer to surf the net.