The Advantage of Flat Rate Computer Repairs
By Joe Bricky
Don't Pay by The Hour!
I've been in the computer repair business in Modesto and Merced California for over ten years and I've watched the industry change in many ways. Computer repairs used to be just like the auto repair industry, but now you have a low-cost option that could save you lots of money by finding a company that offers flat rate repairs. If you're still paying for your computer repairs by the hour, then this article will definitely show you how to save money.
Flat rate means you know how much it is going to cost based on the type of problem it is. If you have a virus(es) that needs to be removed, you know it is $69.00. That's reasonable. If you were to get your virus removed the old fashioned way, the company would tell you the cost is the hourly rate of $55.00 an hour. When you came back, the guy at the counter would give you a bill for $110.00 or worse and tell you it took two hours. This is how computer repair shops rip off their customers. Don't let that happen anymore.
What you should do is go online and find a computer repair service in your local area that offers flat rates. Compare the rates for your particular problem before you make the drive to the shop. Once you find a shop that has the best rate, go to Yahoo Local, Yelp and Google Places and see what their customers say about them. If it looks good, then make the drive.
Another great way of saving money on computer repairs is to subscribe to a monthly service. I've seen many of these as low as $20.00 a month. If you are the type of user who is constantly needing service, this is a great way to go. If you rarely have problems, then you probably won't get your money's worth. Businesses, however, should definitely be on a monthly FLAT rate managed services agreement. This option is much cheaper than hiring an IT company by the hour or having a technician on staff. Many companies offer remote service at a very low rate. Other options, like what my company offers is a combination of flat rate and remote service. And, like I stated above, if you are constantly paying for technicians to come on-site, flat rate computer service is what you need. If you rarely have problems, then you are doing fine and should only pay when you have a problem.
Low Cost Flat Rate Computer Repairs in Modesto CA
Comments
I found a good service in my area that charges $20 per month per computer and many problems (such as clearing out a bad virus) can be repaired via remote log-on. However, the computer tech will visit my home when needed, also. It's like having a maintenance agreement for any computer problems. This is better than having to take my desktop computer in to a repair store and pay $240 to get it back (for one incident), wait days to get it back and have to pick it up myself! Especially since my computer is 8 years old, and I can't afford a new one right now.
Thanks for the comment WW. And, you're right. At some price point, it's better to just buy a new machine. If your computer is 5 years old... don't fix it. Just buy a thmbdrive and download everything on to it.
JW... you are right on. Getting a good flat rate repair company that you can trust will save you hundreds of dollars a year in repairs. You just inspired me to write my next article. It will be on where to buy used computers. For $240, you can get a refurb core2 duo with XP Pro or Vista on it. Stand by... it will be up in the next hour.
Joe,
About 8 years ago, after I retired, I had a problem with my old Dell 8100 XP. It was old and rebooting for reasons I couldn't understand. I took it to a national electronics store to get an estimate. They said I had a virus and their rate is $129.00 an hour!!! I said...well, bye. I got a book on basics of computer repair and started studying on my own. As it turned out, I didn't have a virus at all. I had a corrupted video device driver (yellow exclamation mark in device manager). I downloaded and installed an updated version. Problem solved. I decided I enjoyed repairing my own computer so much, I would do a little computer maintenance on the side. Now, I take computers, repair them, overhaul them and sell them.
Not in line with the topic mostly of your hub. But, just want to say a little do it yourself will save you loads of money. If I can do this, anyone can. In November of 2001, I didn't even know how to turn a computer on! Now, there isn't much I can't do with a computer. Thanks for the hub and chance to pat myself on the back. :-)
David,
You are so right. I've been assisting companies for about 12 years now, and I can't tell you how many people don't know the difference between a computer case (called a hard drive and sometimes a modem) and the monitor (called the TV or the computer). Last year, I gave a basic computing class to an entire medical center. The majority of the staff didn't know how to cut/paste in a word document or even find the control panel. There are so many pc problems people can solve themselves with just a couple hours of education and learning how to look things up on google or yahoo. Good for you for taking the time.
So true ... excellent advice! Voted up and useful
It works the same with building companies too. If you get them to agree a flat rate (which they may not want to - for obvious reasons), then they will work harder to get the job finished (most of the time).
I generally go for the flat rate, because it's cheaper in the long run. Voting this Up and Useful.
WittyWeddings 10 months ago
Thanks for the tip! The labor at the computer repair shop I have been using is so high it's not even worth getting my computer repaired. Now I know what to look for!