Beware of Low Cost or Flat Fee Ads for Computer Repair Services
We'll fix anything for a $45 flat fee! How can this be?
It can't! When you see these types of ads on Craigslist or anywhere else, our best advice to you is to move on and keep looking. This type of ad normally indicates that the service provider has little experience, insufficient skills, or is simply somebody who is trying to make an extra buck to supplement their existing income. Why would anyone risk losing the data on their PC such as pictures, emails, important documents, etc?
One service that this is especially true of is virus and spyware removal. It takes HOURS, to completely remove a virus. If someone tells you they can remove your virus simply by running a special software utility, you are being misled or the person simply doesn't know what they are doing. Viruses leave behind remnants that can only be removed manually and this requires that the technician has advanced skills and knowledge of Windows and all of its components. In some cases, the best method is to re-install Windows but every case is different. No matter what your situation is, make sure that whoever you pick to work on your PC backs up all of your data prior to their attempt to remove a virus. Ask questions such as how will you back up my data? The answer should be that the person has a server or external hard drive that they use to store your backed up data. We've seen to many customers that have come to us after their PC has been trashed because of improper techniques by the technician that worked on their PC.
When you consider the information above, now ask yourself how someone can provide this service for a flat fee such as $45? It takes several hours alone just to wait while your data is being backed up and then to re-install windows and restore your data after the install is complete. On average it takes us at least 4 hours of labor to clean a customers PC. That breaks down to an hourly rate of a little over $10 an hour if you charge $45. Keep in mind this doesn't include travel time if provided. Since almost all independent contractors do not have enough work to bill their services for 40 hours a week, you have to wonder why someone would do this? If they managed to bill 30 hours a week their yearly income would be a little of $15,000 a year. Now ask yourself if this person really has the background and skills that you would want them to have before working on your PC? We don't think so and we doubt you do either.
Our advice to you is to call several different vendors and ask questions and get references before making a decision. Be very leery of employing part time technicians who are working on the side. Ask the person what their qualifications are and their employment history. Are they currently employed in a profession totally outside of the technology field? If so, you should consider this a red flag! We typically charge $140 to completely back up your existing data, re-install Windows, restore your data which ends up making your PC run as good as when it was new. We firmly believe we are worth every penny we charge and that our price is fair to our customers. Make sure you select a vendor who feels the same way!
About the Author:
This article was submitted by Computer Repair Spa of Georgia. We provide a wide range of computer repair and consulting services for the Atlanta Georgia metro area. Please visit us at http://www.georgiacomputerrepair.net/gapcrepair/index.html for more information on who we are.
