Craigslist Caper

[RetiredGuy1000]

Well, I at least got him to give me a good review. Of course, it may attract other tire kickers...who knows? Good review though. Check it out.

 

[ComputerRepairTech]

hehe just make sure you have an excuse ready for the next customer that expects an over the phone diagnosis xD.

 

[RetiredGuy1000]

My excuse will be that I can't diagnose before seeing the computer. To diagnose, I charge $50.

 

[Mike McCall]

I think many of us struggle with this at first. I did. I charge a $45 diagnostic fee to cover my time. If they choose to have me do the work I wave the fee and only charge for the work done.

 

[RetiredGuy1000]

Yes, im thinking about doing that. Prob bc diagnosis can be rather fast in many cases.

I also like the thinking that I will get paid to diagnose as well as i get paid to fix.

 

[GreyWolf]

In god we trust all others cash... if your american and never seen the sign ... you're blind =)

https://www.google.com/search?q=in+...uenhAhURcq0KHThqDDcQ_AUIDigB&biw=1360&bih=657

 

[RetiredGuy1000]

So, am I to understand that nobody accepts MC or Visa? Or just 'cash only' from the sketchy people?

 

[GreyWolf]

Simple math : How much can you afford to lose? 50$ fine when it's labor ... 1000$ when it's hardware not so much including your still hooked on the taxes...

 

[ComputerRepairTech]

What is this cash you speak of? that ancient paper and coin currency?

 

[Diggs]

So, am I to understand that nobody accepts MC or Visa? Or just 'cash only' from the sketchy people?

We (and most others here) accept plastic but it's a known scam when an unknown customer comes at you with a large (to-good-to-be-true) order and asks if they can use plastic meaning do you take credit cards? Most of us have received multiple scam requests. I don't seem to have one in my trash at the moment.

 

[RetiredGuy1000]

I understand. 'Know your customer' is an important principle I gather. Thank you.

 

[RetiredGuy1000]

He is back. Here is his note. This is after my $3400 estimate.

“Okay I won’t be able to show up at you ur address because right now I’m hospitalized , I’m undergoing a surgery soon. I already have a driver who’s gonna bring them to you,can you get back to me with your name, address and i can forward it to the driver who’s gonna bring them to you.”

 

[mikeroq]

He's a scammer. Just stop replying.

 

[Porthos]

He is back. Here is his note. This is after my $3400 estimate.

“Okay I won’t be able to show up at you ur address because right now I’m hospitalized , I’m undergoing a surgery soon. I already have a driver who’s gonna bring them to you,can you get back to me with your name, address and i can forward it to the driver who’s gonna bring them to you.”

SCAM

 

[RetiredGuy1000]

Prob so. I was going to insist on paypal up front. I wonder of paypal can be reversed. Oh well. Too sketchy for me.

 

[Porthos]

I wonder of paypal can be reversed.

Yes it can.

 

[RetiredGuy1000]

I told him that I was bailing out. Too sketchy. Now I will just ignore him. Thanks everyone!

 

[frase]

I don't give out much info over the phone, I ask the questions. Then I get the client to bring system to me or I goto them then I quote. This way you have them in your hand.

 

[RetiredGuy1000]

I just learned my competitor offers a free diagnosis. And I am $50. Hmmm..

 

[Porthos]

I just learned my competitor offers a free diagnosis. And I am $50. Hmmm..

Mine is free only IF they have the repair done by me or I provide a replacement refurb.
That is why/how I offer free* diagnostics. I make it as plain as day when I talk to them and accept the computer. Call it a down payment on the work if you must.