Cheat Engine

SF · Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2011 3:38 pm Post subject: Pricing for repair services

Just recently decided to go back into repairing a lot between game consoles, desktops, laptops (no macs, fuck macs), etc. I'm not certified at all, I've had a bit over a year of experience with hardware/software repair and some network management (not that small home network crap) and was wondering what you all think is a fair hourly rate. I have references that can vouch for my work quality.

Choycolate · Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2011 3:43 pm Post subject:

Do flat rate you'll get more customers

Hero · Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2011 3:45 pm Post subject:

Look for free, charge a percentage more than what it costs to fix granted you are still cheaper than near by shops with certification.

AhMunRa · Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2011 3:49 pm Post subject:

The truth is you can charge per hour or you could charge a flat rate. I would structure it so that it's $60 for the first 2 hours, then like $20 an hour after that, with a $60 minimum. This way if it takes you longer you will not loose your shirt. If it takes less time you make out like a bandit. Considering shops charge $40 on average to even put something up on the bench it's more than fair.

kls85 · Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2011 4:55 pm Post subject:

Always lets your customer know the pricing first before start working on it.
Charge a minimum for diagnostics even if they don't want to fix it.
Charge a flat rate if customers bring in their machines
Charge by the hour if you go to your customer's place
Give yourself flexible time even if you know you can finish the system on the same day.
You may want to start working on your policy

atom0s · Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2011 5:25 pm Post subject:

Look at the current options people have in the area of where you live. Things like home businesses, Geek Squad, possible manufacture plants / warehouses etc. and see what they charge to do repairs. Then decide on a price that will be cheaper then them so people have the desire to use you for the cheaper cost.

I wouldn't go too low on the price or people may avoid you thinking differently of your skills.

Also if you don't have certifications (A+, Network+, CCNA etc.) you may want to look into getting them in your free time to better appeal to people.

Choycolate · Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2011 12:14 am Post subject:

Did you decide to do flat rate 30$?

SF · Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2011 12:47 am Post subject:

Choycolate · Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2011 12:49 am Post subject:

where do you even live? city?

Seergaze3 · Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2011 9:53 am Post subject:

Idk about you, but in my neighborhood, those damn technicians charge like 15 bucks only for check, and extra 50-60 bucks for fix (more if they offer to install programs/back up data etc.)

ZacTheSin · Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 6:15 pm Post subject:

Well, In the shop I work at here are our prices.
It's in New Zealand dollars and we're the cheapest shop in town.
[secrets]

Tuneup:
Full maintanence and virus removal on machine - 180 + 15 for reimage (up to 3 days completion) - also do anything they want done on the computer
Virus removal - 100 + 15 for reimage (same day completion if dropped in morning)
Clean Install - 150 (drivers, anti-virus) + email setup/data copied - 100

50 for in depth assessment - wiped if any work done

We also get people to bring their computers in the shop, by offering a free 5 minute assessment. They bring it in, we look at the obvious shit to see what we can do, then suggest something. Usually ends up being a tuneup 7/10 times and the rest of the time it's a hardware fault which we can usually find out pretty quickly. If it's something more in depth or we can't tell from out 5min test, we suggest an in depth assesment, reminding them the fee is wiped if they have any work done.

Small fixes, e.g. replacing a driver and shit like that, we charge around 75.

[/secrets]

SFP+ · Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2011 4:05 am Post subject:

ZacTheSin · Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2011 2:46 pm Post subject:

Hero · Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2011 3:02 pm Post subject: