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Choosing a good computer service companyMay 06 '00 Write an essay on this topic.Just like any other service industry, in computer repair there are gems and then there are lemons. I have heard countless stories of how the "expert" had to wipe out the contents of a hard drive for what should have been a simple repair. Following are some tips to help you in choosing a reputable service technician/company. TIP 1: Get references. A reputable company will not blink an eye if you request a reference or two. Although keep in mind, they may hand you a good reference and have many horror stories in the back room. Pay more attention to how they react when requesting a reference. Use your instincts to guide you. TIP 2: Get prices up front. Get an estimate for both labor and possible parts. This estimate should cost you nothing. Understandably, when they look further into it, they may discover things that change this estimate, but they should at least be willing to take a quick look. The one exception here is for on-site service. Be prepared to pay them for an hour of their time. Tell them they must call you to approve any changes to the estimate. TIP 3: Comparison shop. Call around. Find who you feel comfortable with. Compare labor rates. In my area the rates range from about $20/hr to $100 hour. How's that for a broad range! Cheaper does not always mean better and likewise, nor does more expensive. TIP 4: If possible, get a recommendation. Knowing someone who has had a positive experience is worth its weight in gold. Need I say more. TIP 5: Check their parts pricing. If they say they had to give you a new motherboard, ask what brand, what the model number is and check the prices online. A good site is http://pricewatch.com. Expect a decent markup, but if they are telling you a motherboard costs $400.00, you're being ripped off. TIP 6: Ask how long it will take. Make it clear that you can only be without you're computer for a certain length of time. In some shops, it will be weeks before your machine even gets on the bench. TIP 7: BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP!! Before you take your computer in, backup any data that is important to you. Who knows what's going to happen when your precious clementine is in the shop? They might have a power-surge, or may incompetently reformat your drive. Either way, parts can be replaced, but all of your important data may not be unless you back up.  |
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