Your Rates

[computerdoctor]

What do you charge for your services, especially those of you in the US. I charge $100 flat fee for a virus disinfection and $75/hr for others, though I will sometimes quote a flat price for another service, like reinstalling their OS.

[Trusted IT Solutions]

Originally Posted by computerdoctor

What do you charge for your services, especially those of you in the US. I charge $100 flat fee for a virus disinfection and $75/hr for others, though I will sometimes quote a flat price for another service, like reinstalling their OS.

As of right now I charge the same price as you do for virus removals. As far as my other services go I charge a flat fee for work done at my workshop and $100/hr. for onsite work. I only offer a limited number of services onsite due to the fact that many issues/problems may leave the customer with a bill that is close to if not more than the worth of the machine.

[Xander]

Here's the standard answer for when the new guy posts this question without having read through the forums:

Asking about rates here is pointless. Economic and regional factors far outweigh any numbers anyone can offer. What one person charges in Manhattan will be far out of line with someone living in the backwoods of Alabama. The best way to decide if your rates are alright is to compare vs. your local competitors.

['putertutor]

Xander,

You should have that response permanently placed on your clipboard so you can just paste it as needed.

[StableSolutions]

Along with what Xander said, it's fairly irrelevant what we charge for our services. What is important however is what your competitors in your general area charge. If there's a guy doing virus repair (And doing a good job) for $75.00 flat rate then you're the high price guy he will beat you out of... However, if there's nobody else in your area and you can capitalize on that factor then you can charge pretty much anything (within reason) and still make money off your business.

I'd just check your local area, other computer shops (Ghost call them and ask for rates... *67 still calls without caller ID popping up I think...) Geek squad, office depot, staples... all these big names do computer repair as well (not quality work imo... but check their rates so you're not too far out of the ballpark.)

Those right there will help you immensely.

[PCX]

I really does depend on your demographics and your competition. The best advice I can give you is this.

1. Charge what you are worth.

2. Do not be the cheapest guy around or under-cut your competition. Being the cheapest and under-cutting your competition only cheapens computer repair industry as a whole, which in turn causes people to loose respect for the profession. The other problem is that it drives down prices for everyone and it makes it harder for anyone to make money, including your self. Do not choose quantity over quality when it comes to services, you will lose every time.

3. When it comes to charging what you are worth, even if you feel that you are less experienced than your competitors and that your services are worth less than theirs, do not under-cut your competition. Still charge a little higher than your lowest priced competitor.

4. If you feel that you are better than your competition, but you are still fairly new in the game, start somewhere in the middle. Each year or two, work your way up and increase your rates.

5. Finally, profit is not a dirty word. There is nothing wrong with making money or even being the most expensive, as long as you are worth the money spent and you are not ripping people off.

[lan101]

Great advice PCX!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Rosco]

Originally Posted by lan101

Great advice PCX!!!!!!!!!!!!

as always pcx you took the word out of my mouth. you are quick on the trigger as always...


anyways but PCX said

[dominexsus]

I tried hourly rates in past. I hated when I was doing the repair and customer eyes on the wall clock. it was really stressing for me and for the customer

Here is what I tell them and works just perfect for me

We offer all our services for flat rate £49 per solved problem ( per PC ) and after each additional service during the same Technician visit is half price Only.

The charge doesn't include hardware which may be needed to repair you computer.

lets say motherboard is faulty you will pay cost of the motherboard plus £49 labor.

This way everything is more clear for them and I always make more than before.

[PCX]

Originally Posted by dominexsus

I tried hourly rates in past. I hated when I was doing the repair and customer eyes on the wall clock. it was really stressing for me and for the customer

Here is what I tell them and works just perfect for me

We offer all our services for flat rate £49 per solved problem ( per PC ) and after each additional service during the same Technician visit is half price Only.

The charge doesn't include hardware which may be needed to repair you computer.

lets say motherboard is faulty you will pay cost of the motherboard plus £49 labor.

This way everything is more clear for them and I always make more than before.

Wow, so how do you stay in business with that model? I mean, I guess you can, but I can't imagine that you make much.