Computer Repairman - Anyone use them?

[chipmafia]

Any of you use a computer repair person, or do most people do their own work?

If you do, how much do they charge an hour? Do you have to buy the parts for him/her, or do they purchase them, then charge you for getting them?

What your average turnaround from bringing it into the shop to taking it home?

When it gets home, does it work?

Basically, I just want to know what folks around here think of computer people. i see it as a possible side business for myself, and I'm wondering what a group of customers think.

Thanks

 

[EmptyTimCup]

Network Engineer / Sys Admin / MIS Manager - build my own PC's


but occasionally have to pay a Mechanic to do car repairs

 

[Lamini]

i charged businesses and home users separate fees, all hourly, starting from when i left my house, or when i started repair at my home. my "pc solutions" ads might still be floating around in googles cache. if they didnt like the rates, i didnt waste my time. for home users, my turnaround was always same day, if not overnight; nothing took in excess of 2hrs, 90% of the jobs was 30min-1hr. When i returned the call stating it was fixed theyd be shocked... well, when you do this for a living, you've seen it all (started pc tech repair work bout 15yrs ago).

most computers are too friendly these days so, anyone can basically repair them on their own. more importantly i dont like the rates, and neither did the customers, so i dropped it. ie i'm not going to spend 2hrs of my time to hear someone gripe about prices and treat you like a low paid highschool kid and want edumacated on something they can look up themselves (they'll demand this as free work from you) or ask any teenager to fix. even if they dont want to pay to get it fixed, its cheaper to buy a rig thats new, and get a warranty on it. but you cant replace custom rigs with local tech support (my "bread and butter)... but these customers were gamers/sysads/engineers anyway who would eventually (read: have time) learn the ropes.

to sum it up, its been a field going downhill for years. just look around you, specially overseas. if still interested, once youve built your user database, have a perfect and standing record, they'll do the advertising for you (i still get calls from previous clients). This was eventually the majority of my work (loyal customers who know what i do). Same day repairs, honesty, courtesy; my formula. Clients did not really care for pricing once they've seen your work (and your pricing is reasonable).

also, you might be interested in those businesses who will do all the client/calls, and you do the work (less money for you, but youre not looking for clients)... my intention was to not do this low level/tech/"grunt" job for a living... but if you're looking for somewhere to start...

in the case you havent already gotten your credentials, start with the CompTIA A+ and Network+. These will get you started at least. You'll eventually want the MCSE/MCITP/desktop repair certs, otherwise you'll be just another nobody pretending to be somebody.

 

[EmptyTimCup]

but people will turn right around and pay the hacks real bucks to not get the JOB done right, the 1st time


oh you didn't want to do the work .... (no I was not doing the JOB for FREE)


so I took the PC to Best Buy / Geek Squad (and paid them a couple 100 bucks)

 

[chipmafia]

Admittedly, I'm coming at this from a "hack's" perspective, just being one who has been fixing computers since I I was fixing Commodore 64's, and I need some extra money. In order to do it right, I'd look toward getting the right credentials.

The field interests me enough, as I like doing it. My primary job is working with people, so I know the ins and out of customer service and how to make people happy/unhappy.

Honestly, part of it is wanting some payback for all the years of "Hey, do you think you could look at my computer?" Then, while I'm looking at it they say, "Well, I knew you liked playing on computers, so I didn't think you would mind."

Lovely.

Thanks for your comments.

 

[MrZ06]

Its not worth it to fix pc anymore. When you have a computer problem its cheaper to trash it and just buy a new one.

 

[bcp]

I do my own computer repairs.
I do most of my own car repairs too. Not because I want to, but because Im poor.

 

[itsbob]

I do my own computer repairs.
I do most of my own car repairs too. Not because I want to, but because Im poor.

I do it because BG finds it sexy....

Start talking about brake jobs and rotors and coolant leaks and she's out of.control.

 

[kwillia]

I do it because BG finds it sexy....

Start talking about brake jobs and rotors and coolant leaks and she's out of.control.

It's less about the talk and more about the mechanic's crack she's hot for... you should try tightening up the pipe under the kitchen sink... just think of what she'll do for plumber's crack.

 

[itsbob]

It's less about the talk and more about the mechanic's crack she's hot for... you should try tightening up the pipe under the kitchen sink... just think of what she'll do for plumber's crack.

Yep, plumbing get's her hot too...

Installed a laundry room in the basement, and started talking about a pump out box, and vent pipes.. and 4" pipes, and couplers... Thought she was going to kill me, had to fight just to get a breath!!

And don't even get me started on studs.... and framing screws.. and powder actuated nail guns!!

 

[EmptyTimCup]

Yep, plumbing get's her hot too...

.. and powder actuated nail guns!!

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