How Much Should I Charge For Pc Work?

DOOManiac · June 2005

<div class="IPBDescription">Not sure what's standard...</div>A coworker asked me to do some PC work for her. Usually I decline, but its a fairly large-ish job involving multiple PC's and my friend is helping me since he could really use the extra cash.

Here's what we have done/are going to do:
- One trip for 'consulting' of what new PC she should by / looking at old PC for virii
- Taking old PC to my apt. to do complete reinstall (including 3rd party apps, office, Quicken, etc)
- Low level formatting a really old PC she's getting rid of
- Installing 802.11g wireless network in her house, including setting up router, putting in NICs, configuration, security, etc
- Installing Anti-Virus software
- Doing misc. security / performance tweaks

Like I said, normally I don't do these things, so I dunno how much I should charge her. Also note that she's a coworker whom I'm on friendly terms with, and I do not want to screw her over or anything. I want to give her a fair price, but I also don't want to rip myself off either. I'm just not sure how much to charge.

What do you guys think?

Snidely · June 2005

Maybe you should ring up a local PC repair company, and tell them the problem with as much detail as possible. Try and wring an estimate out of them. Then use that as a guide.

Or you could just use minimum wage as a guide.

DuoGodOfDeath · June 2005

Or just do it and ask for no money. Than when the work is over she'll shower you with food and gifts and so many thank you's you'll ask her to shut up. Yay for being nice!

Nemesis_Zero · June 2005

I'd charge twenty-five bucks for the actual PC work, and about three or four for every hour you worked on the network. Should sum up to a little less than fifty, which I'd call fair.

Duo, this is pretty significant work. A free offer would be pretty awkward in most situations.

Nemesis_Zero · June 2005

(I get the distinct feeling that some in here have so far not been roped into tech work above ten bucks <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' />)

DiscoZombie · June 2005

it sounds like a lot of work. if you'd call her a friend, no more than $50, but if she's just a friendly coworker, do something like $10/hr - at least that's what I'd say. if she had it done professionally they'd probably charge her hundreds, and of course they'd charge her for new copies of any software she needed...

Snidely · June 2005

(I get the distinct feeling that some in here think Doom wants to get into this lady's pants. ;P )

Depot · June 2005

Nem probably hit it pretty close. I find myself in a similar spot.

I recently restored a 1950 Schwinn Black Phantom bicycle that's been in the family since day 1 (born on date was 09/11/50 - go figure). I should have kept track of the hours it took me but didn't. Since this "artifact" is owned jointly by my brother and myself, and he has pumped all the money into it as far as parts, I wanted to also establish a labor charge, since I performed 100% of that. This way I could justify 1/2 ownership of the antique.

Not that I think my bro would sell it out from under me as he agreed it was "ours", but I am uncertain what to charge for the labor. Yes, I KNOW it's my brother, but that's not the point <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/confused-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='confused-fix.gif' />

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Snidely Jun 27 2005 @ 11:04 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>
(I get the distinct feeling that some in here think Doom wants to get into this lady's pants. ;P ) </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'>
I was thinking the same darn thing .... meh!

Nemesis_Zero · June 2005

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (DiscoZombie @ Jun 27 2005, 03:04 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> [...] something like $10/hr - at least that's what I'd say. if she had it done professionally they'd probably charge her hundreds, [...]  </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> 
Well, he would, too, with those tariffs. My guess is that the network installation in and off itself would go in at no less than five hours, the 'consulting' trip, which was not really hard work, would sum up to no less than thirty bucks, add another two to three hours for the PCs and another hour for spares, and you're well beyond the 100, which is just much more than I'd charge as an amateur in any situation.

Depot · June 2005

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Nemesis Zero @ Jun 27 2005, 11:12 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> </div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (DiscoZombie @ Jun 27 2005, 03:04 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> [...] something like $10/hr - at least that's what I'd say. if she had it done professionally they'd probably charge her hundreds, [...] </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'>
Well, he would, too, with those tariffs. My guess is that the network installation in and off itself would go in at no less than five hours, the 'consulting' trip, which was not really hard work, would sum up to no less than thirty bucks, add another two to three hours for the PCs and another hour for spares, and you're well beyond the 100, which is just much more than I'd charge as an amateur in any situation.  </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> 
... but D00M is a pro? <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' />

DaJMasta · June 2005

Keep in mind, since computer work is kindof a specialty, you can charge almost anything you want. I wouldn't be surprised if you worked in a computer repair shop this would cost upwards of 100 USD, but since you know them, and since repair shops have outrageous prices, something totaling 50 bucks is probably fine. I would say run by the hour, since especially on bigger jobs you can drastically underestimate the time it takes and hit a snag or something. If nothing else, you can just say 50 bucks and if it goes past dinner, some free take out.

Food and or drink tends to make computery types happy <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' />

Tykjen · June 2005

I once fixed an internet connection for a friend of mine, 50 easy bucks right there. She wanted me to have that much, cause PC problems are a pain in the arse, and the ISP companies always over charge.

Legionnaired · June 2005

I'm suprised that the thread has gone this far without anyone telling DOOM to ask for sex.

I'd go with the $25 for the reformat/install/tweakage, and then $10/hr for networkage.

And a pie.

Alcapwn · June 2005

You dont want to rip off dooms friend either, since he said he needs the money...

No more than $70.

V_MAN · June 2005

Charge £25 an hour like the pc technicians do here.

DOOManiac · June 2005

Hm.. Glad I posted then. Seems my original estimates were uh... lets just say, way up. I think I'll charge $100 since I'm splitting it w/ my friend. Any less, quite frankly, and I would feel as if I ripped myself off.

Oh and PS
</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Snidely)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>(I get the distinct feeling that some in here think Doom wants to get into this lady's pants. ;P )</td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'>

Negative. Mid-30's, married, mother of 3. Negative.

This is normally where I'd say "get your mind out of the gutter guys", however, I realize that you all just know me really well. :P

Roberto · June 2005

for relatives, I charge $25 an hour as long as I can fix it. Neighbors too.

For friends, I fix their stuff, they feed me (a nice going out to eat dinner)

and as a reference, for professional work from a place near where I live:
<a href='http://www.shearertech.com/computer_repair.htm' target='_blank'>pc repair</a>

OttoDestruct · June 2005

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Legionnaired @ Jun 27 2005, 11:34 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>I'm suprised that the thread has gone this far without anyone telling DOOM to ask for sex.</td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'>
Ask for about 50.

<span style='font-size:7pt;line-height:100%'>And sex</span>

DY357LX · June 2005

I don't mind helping people with their machines as long as they're willing to listen alittle. Whats the point installing Anti-virus/adaware/etc for them if they're never going to use it or return to the same malicious sites?
None.

So I choose carefully who's machine i look at and who gets the simple "have you tried Google?" response.

Now i'm always willing to help friends for free, as long as they abide by what i've mentioned above. A few weeks back a friend phoned me up and said his boss's laptop wouldn't boot up.
He read out the error code as I typed it into Google and found the solution relatively easily. (Hooray for the XP Recovery Console!) But he couldn't fix the problem as I guided him through it over the phone. So he said "Can I drop it off at yours on the way home?" - I knew this laptop was pretty important and they were now resting all their hopes on me to fix it. What if I couldn't fix it? What if I was looking at the wrong solution? What if I made the problem worse? - After a bit of me saying "umm, erm" down the phone I got the point across that I would try but wasn't making any promises of success.
Roll on 7pm, the laptop is sitting on my desk with the pc behind me, I wheel back and forth between the 2 machines on my awesome wheely officey chair and 40-50 seconds later the problem is solved. The laptop boots and everything is fine.

Now, if this was one of my friends I would have simply said "fixed, enjoy" and we'd all be happy. But I knew the laptop owner was pretty rich so when he asked me how much I wanted for fixing his beloved toy I muttered "Don't worry about it." and he promply followed it up with "I gotta give you something for your time" .... I never got around to telling him it took me less than 60 seconds.

In the end he gave me £10 (about $16 USD) and a huge tin of chocolates. I appreciated the money but everyone knows me know i'm one of those *crazy* people who doesn't eat chocolate.... so the huge tin went to my friends 3 lovely daughters <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' />
And they were so happy with this unexpected gift that they all gave me hugs.
(Which I love.)
Laptop = fixed. Kids = chocolate. Me = £10 richer and hugged. Everyone's happy. <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' />

NeonSpyder · June 2005

That's a wonderful story Necroscope. It makes me feel all tingly by proxy.

Doom, go with $100 bucks, buy lots of pies and take pictures of them. then post it here, youknow. for all our helpful services.

Legionnaired · June 2005

Doom, just remember that we're all poor college kids, (With the exception of Nemo, who is, in fact, a <i>German</i> college <i>dude</i>, which is effectively the same thing.) so we might have a rather skewed idea of the value of currency since we equate it with masses of rice, beans, and ramen.

If you'd charge 150-200, it shouldn't be a problem, you're both professionals after all.

Lt_Patch · June 2005

As a PC engineer myself, I think I can give some insight, line by line...
</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>- One trip for 'consulting' of what new PC she should by / looking at old PC for virii</td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'>A good start, make sure you ask her what she wants to do with the new system, then add a little extra power to it. Everyone underestimates what they will be doing with a new PC. Don't bother checking the old system for viruses, as you'll be reinstalling everything in stage 2. Just get a list of anything she wants backing up. Then double check that list. Ask anyone else who uses the PC, and make sure that you tell them they WILL lose anything not backed up... I would charge about £10 for this

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>- Taking old PC to my apt. to do complete reinstall (including 3rd party apps, office, Quicken, etc)</td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> Back up the data at this point, don't bother virus checking it, until AFTER you've reinstalled Windows, and the core drivers. Get the AV on, up to date, scan the PC without the backed up data drive connected, then connect the drive, then scan the whole shebang again. I would charge £30 for this, as it involves several hours work, depending on the speed of the PC...

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>- Low level formatting a really old PC she's getting rid of</td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> As above, this should only take you seconds if the system is being sold blank, or 90mins tops with Windows... Charge about £5 for this, as it's part of an ongoing job...

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>- Installing 802.11g wireless network in her house, including setting up router, putting in NICs, configuration, security, etc</td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> This part is most relevant, as I'm going to do the same thing at a friends house tomorrow. All you need is to set up 64-b WEP, change the default SSID, admin username/password, and the default broadcast channel, and that'll be it. As this part will include a lot of hardware installation, and some software tweaks, go for around £40.

The last 3 things are basically all of the same job, so I wouldn't put any extra on for them.

In total, the whole shebang would be £80. Not bad for about 10 hours work...
Put this way, if she called out a computer shop, that lot would cost her about £400-£500...

MedHead · June 2005

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (DOOManiac @ Jun 27 2005, 01:05 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> Hm.. Glad I posted then. Seems my original estimates were uh... lets just say, way up. I think I'll charge $100 since I'm splitting it w/ my friend. Any less, quite frankly, and I would feel as if I ripped myself off.  </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> 
Anything less than $75, and I too would think you may have undersold yourself. $100 seems fair.

<a href='http://www.jsonline.com/bym/tech/news/apr04/221731.asp' target='_blank'>http://www.jsonline.com/bym/tech/news/apr04/221731.asp</a>

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>The Geek Squad is a dream team for Best Buy. Prices vary, but basic on-site support - with a response time of within 48 hours - begins at $130. The Geek Squad's "911" service, which gets a technician on the scene immediately, starts at $300. That doesn't include any software or new parts.</td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'>

How Much Should I Charge For Pc Work?

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