Computer Got you Down...I can help.

[Giskie]

Just in case anybody in the Dodge City area is curious of where to go to get your computer fixed without paying an arm and a leg. I am trustworthy and stand by my work. In the past year I have fixed over 30 computers with various problems, and I gain all my customers by word of mouth.

Just so you know my standard fees are as follows:

If any parts need replaced I charge a one time fee of $30 regardless of the quantity of parts required. The customer will pay for all parts and shipping of such.

If it is necessary to reconfigure/reinstall Windows I charge a one time fee of $50 and will transfer all/most settings and files from previous Windows installation. The customer will also be required to purchase any required software unless I have them in my possession prior to configuration. I have methods of salvaging data from most types of hard drive failures.


House calls, now thats a different story all together.

I usually prefer your tower to be dropped off at my house, where I can monitor issues a lot better at my workstation. And picked up when I have completed any necessary repairs.


Contact me at giskie@cox.net with any Q's. Tell your friends, too.

[Army_of_One]

Originally Posted by Giskie

Just in case anybody in the Dodge City area is curious of where to go to get your computer fixed without paying an arm and a leg. I am trustworthy and stand by my work. In the past year I have fixed over 30 computers with various problems, and I gain all my customers by word of mouth.

Just so you know my standard fees are as follows:

If any parts need replaced I charge a one time fee of $30 regardless of the quantity of parts required. The customer will pay for all parts and shipping of such.

If it is necessary to reconfigure/reinstall Windows I charge a one time fee of $50 and will transfer all/most settings and files from previous Windows installation. The customer will also be required to purchase any required software unless I have them in my possession prior to configuration. I have methods of salvaging data from most types of hard drive failures.


House calls, now thats a different story all together.

I usually prefer your tower to be dropped off at my house, where I can monitor issues a lot better at my workstation. And picked up when I have completed any necessary repairs.


Contact me at giskie@cox.net with any Q's. Tell your friends, too.

The amazing thing is that there are a few members here with great computer skills that will do it for free out of the goodness of their heart, friendship and the fact they that want to help out other members. They are actually computer techs also.

Thanks though.

[Giskie]

Ok thats all good and well, I was just putting it out there. I even charge my family to work on thier stuff......it aint wrong just good business.

[Monster]

I spent 5 hours on Saturday "fixing" a computer for a friend, which actually involved the removal of about 4 viruses, a RAM upgrade and a complete reinstallation of Windows. I didn't charge, but I should have done because....

...the problem I have constantly found is that people, EXPECT you to do it for free. I don't mind so much for family, but I get people I meet in the general course of my day asking if I can look at their computer, as soon as they find out I work with computers. I'll be honest, taking the things apart, and doing reinstalls etc... is not really my speciality. I'm more of a database/applications programmer (specifically C#, Oracle, that kind of thing), but I'll generally have a look just to try and placate them.

Matt - don't let too many people at National know that you know about all this stuff. I get forklift drivers, load controllers and people I've never even met telling me they will "bring their computer in the next day for me to look at". Like I don't have enough to do already! I've already fixed computers for 2 of the Shipping Supervisors, and even went to Brownback's house once to fix a computer for him! I think they like to accost me with their problems because, like yourself, Dickinson charges them for private work.

[Detector]

I've had to back off on my computer fixing. Seems I could keep busy 24/7 if I wanted to do nothing but computer repairs.

I've thought about starting a "Nerds-R-Us" or "Rent-A-Geek" because I know a lot of people that that are good with computers but are just not well known. I could probably keep a few computer people busy just servicing the people who call me.

[Zeb]

I have been short changing myself for years. I think I will follow his formula for pricing from now on. I never charge enough. I have been giving people a free ride basically.

I have no love for side jobs any more.

[Giskie]

Monster I couldnt have said it better myself. If you do it free once you always will be expected to do the same over and over again. Cant believe Brownback had you fix his, never been asked by any of the supervisors yet probably because I charge, damn tightwads.

As far as expectations go, if you do a good job for someone and dont charge out the wazoo, they will come back and bring friends with them.

My problem here at National is just that I did start fixing computers for some of the hispanic workers here and it spread like wildfire, but I have never slacked off on chargeing them money. I offer cool "free" progams like WinXP in Spanish and everything. Sells everytime.

I figure this way Im always working on computers anyway might as well make my time worth it.

Start charging or you will wish you would have.

[Made in the USA]

That's the problem with my job. Everyone wants you to work for free. What do I do? Oh, I guess I should tell you; I am a gynecologist!

[TheWizzard]

Detector... I think rent a Geek is a great idea!!!!!!! There has been soooo many times that I have needed something done with my home computer or work computer for that matter, but who do you trust????? For people like myself that have NO idea how to fix a major problem we have to trust someone else to do it. I have to admit though Im not totally lost. I have added new hardware, and have downloaded some programs and I still have 2 computers in my basement that are collecting dust because Im too affraid to take them somewhere to be worked on. So if I take one of my computers and have it totally dumped and start over it would be at least $80 plus what ever for virus protection? I used to have something that was free online, but I dont think it is anymore. Ill have to think about that. Thanks for the information.

[Bubba]

Here is the free anti virus that I use. It's no frills and no support, but it does give you basic protection and they are good about updating it as well. It's called AVG Free Edition.

AVG Free Advisor - Free antivirus and anti-spyware downloads