Customers!!! Aaaiiighhh!!!

[Werewolfdaddy]

Scenario:
Burgeoning computer tech needs experience in the field and, luckily, finds customer that is willing to let him work on his computer/network/misc. Young computer tech gets even more lucky and does everything correct(zero errors) and proves his knowledge to the customer. Because, it's the first time someone other than his friends have trusted tech to work on computers, tech give customer a very sweet deal. $150 for 3 days work. Over the course of time, tech becomes more experienced and sure of himself, but still charges a fraction of what he's worth to client. Client seems to appreciate tech, but starts to question pricing. Tech usually gives in a little, because customer has shown faith in him. Over more time, tech is only charging customer $10/hr and customer is acting like it's killing him. Tech is still making all the right decisions and steering the customer right. While the customer is a millionaire with a newspaper and graphics company who had 5 pc's, 3 macs, multiple printers and an outdated server that he refuses to upgrade--all of which are on a router that connects to the internet. Customer refuses to even let tech install antivirus on any of his computers, claims that it makes everything run funny. Tech gives in against instincts. Customer begins to get viruses. One after another tech has to fix each computer. Client is losing lots of important information, because despite the tech telling him to back up all data daily and install antivirus, client keeps imagining that he can't get another virus.
Client begins accusing tech of not trying hard enough and not being thorough and refuses to pay tech. Tech drops client for a ingrateful jack... and the story has a happy ending, because the tech doesn't have to be a computer slave to the client ever again.

[Mr N8]

His problem...good choice to leave

[Werewolfdaddy]

thank you

[Blankman]

Wow! The moon is out. Way to go...almost too nice, but I like it. Man who let me go has had probs for over seven months, blames everything on me, even though he's had over four different techs trying to fix probs he's still down most of the time, tis sweet justice my friend...hehehehe.

[HAL9000]

Those are the kind of customers you get when you don't charge a decent rate for your time.

[Nuclear Krusader]

I'm charging $20 USD for consult. How about u?

[HAL9000]

I charge $65CDN/hour with a $35 (within city limits) fee if I'm required on site, $1 per Km one way outside of the city limits.

[Nuclear Krusader]

Is Regina a big city?

BTW, dont know how much is $65 CND in USD (or pesos).

[LawyerRon]

WWD, here's a great site you might want to check out (if you haven't already). Young lawyers just starting out make the same kind of mistakes.

http://www.fonerbooks.com/compbiz.htm

[HAL9000]

Regina isn't very big, the population is less than 200,000. $65 CDN is about $41USD

[Werewolfdaddy]

Yeah, I learned more than how to troubleshoot computers in a crowded setting; I learned that my time is too valuable to waste on selling myself short. I've it over with many of the people down this way and we agree that a good rate for my area is $30/hr, but that's being nice to people. I could charge more and get it.

[Werewolfdaddy]

Originally posted by LawyerRon WWD, here's a great site you might want to check out (if you haven't already). Young lawyers just starting out make the same kind of mistakes. http://www.fonerbooks.com/compbiz.htm

great site, ron. Thanks

[glc]

The going onsite rate here is $100 an hour for standalone and $140 an hour for networks - PLUS travel. Bench rates are $75 an hour.

[Nuclear Krusader]

Sigh, I wish I could charge like you, glc.

[TimPoet]

But what if you are a stumbling newbie who is being asked by people frustrated by their computers whose functionality is getting unbearable?
If I were 2/3's as knowledgeable as half as y'all, I'd be very comfortable charging $30/hr and up.
What would be a good rate to start at and how would I gauge when to start raising my fees?

Edit:
Nuke, I know, glc would get done in 30 mins what would take me 2 hrs....

[Nuclear Krusader]

Tip: the client must never know that you don't know. Tell them to come back later while you run some tests, and when they are gone check your documentation, or log on in PCM and ask your questions.

[TimPoet]

Or go on IM with one of the guys here, huh??

[Paul Victorey]

I charge about $20/hr, but then, I usually work for family/close friends (which I charge nothing to) or acquantainces (which pay the $15-$20/hr).

I work for less than $10/hr, but then, I work for a church, so I feel the reduced price is just a form of charity.

Plus, when I was originally hired, I had a woeful lack of experience, although they had a woeful lack of PCs. The network and I have grown together over my 4+ years there.

[HAL9000]

I agree with GLC, never let the customer know you don't know. There is a wealth of resources out there that you can find the answer. Go in with confidence. Displaying a lack of confidence will make them wonder why they're paying you more than minimum wage. If they believe they're getting knowledge, they'll pay without complaint.

[BFD Deadeye]

Actually, HAL, it was Nuclear Krusader you meant to quote, although I'm sure GLC would agree.

I have learned that very same thing. As a fairly new tech (2 years), I have realised that it is impossible for one man to know 100% of computer functions, software, hardware, networks, etc.

I used to get so worked up before a big job, because a lot of the time there was something that was going to be completly new to me. However, I believe if a guy is computer/mechanically inclined, and knows the base or core of what he is doing, then everything can be figured out.

Case in point: My last job dealt with a hotel. Two PII 400's running 98, with credit card swipers, call accounting, and lots of other stuff not typically found on a network. I upgraded one machine, and replaced the other with a PIV running RAID (my first RAID, BTW) and XP Pro. Simple network, using a crossover cable (had a question on that, that was answered by the newest 'MECH moderator, Dr. Zauis).

So I had two firsts on that one, RAID and a crossover (direct?) cable network. Learned some stuff, and got paid to do it. I also had to set up some hotel managment software, that was very complex, but thanks to that company's tech guys, got through it rather painlessly. By the time I finished on Wednesday, everything was sailing, my clients were VERY happy, and they never knew about my lack of experience in RAID or the "direct" network.

Now of course, I don't charge for sitting there scratching my head, and they came off pretty cheap in the amount they paid vs. the time it actually took. In fact, hour for hour, they paid 1/2 as much for labor as they would've had they gone with my competitor.

[doctorgonzo]

90% of convincing people that you know what you are talking about is to sound like you know what you are talking about. Sound sure of yourself and nobody will question you. Then find out the answer.

You would not believe what I have been able to convince people of simply by sounding earnest and knowledgable.

[HAL9000]

Originally posted by BFD Deadeye Actually, HAL, it was Nuclear Krusader you meant to quote, although I'm sure GLC would agree.

Whoops... you're right... see what happens when you do more than one thing at a time

[TimPoet]

I think I am learning one of the most important things about being a pc mechanic....

Thank you, folks, thank you.

[lpc300]

90% of convincing people that you know what you are talking about is to sound like you know what you are talking about. Sound sure of yourself and nobody will question you. Then find out the answer.

I agree completely. Confidence or the appearence thereof is key in being successful in any situation. I often tell others this: Sucess=10% Talent + 90% Confidence. I have seen those with a huge amount of talent and no confidence do far worse than those with average talent and supreme belief in themselves.

George Washington was a great president not because he was a genius, but because he surrounded himself with some of the greatest minds/advisors of his time.