How much to charge for computer/network support work?

Question

Wondering the appropriate rates to charge for side work doing computer and network support for small businesses in New Jersey area. Some previous searching seems to indicate $60 to 100/hour is fair, thoughts and comments?

This will mostly be simple stuff for novice users, small business who have no "computer guy" so it's setting up new PCs, upgrading and/or reloading old ones, occasional troubleshooting, broadband router and wireless setup, etc. Might only amount to 1 or 2 afternoons per month per business as a side job. Thanks for your input.

Thanks for the input, I'm qualified for the work, degree is in electrical engineering and have several certs including A+, Network+, CCNA and CCNP.

Answer 1

If you think the going rate is $60-100, offer your services for a bit cheaper to start out. When you're able to build a clientele you can then increase your rate when you take on new clients (supply and demand at it's best). Some clients might not be as concerned about the hourly rate, but will want a price quote for the whole project. Another thing you might want to consider is incorporating or getting business insurance. If you make a mistake and it costs a company money, you want to make sure your personal assets are covered. Good luck!

Answer 2

I started a web company 10 years ago and we changed $50 an hour. 50-75 I believe is pretty standard for most web work. Programming your looking at $100/hr + Reality: you should be charging $25-35 if you are running this out of your home. Obviously as you grow you charge more to cover expenses of running the business. Good luck!

Answer 3

I would come up with flat rate charges for each service you would want to provide. That enables the customer to better prepare for the total expense and not worry about you milking the job. Some fair prices for networking not including cost of equipment (every user's needs are different) would probably be 200. Initial PC setup 50 per PC. Upgrading Memory 30 per PC.
Upgrade OS (50per pc) Reload OS (75per pc) I would highly recommend getting liability insurance as another way of ensuring your customers they are safe to choose you as their computer geek.

Answer 4

Great Idea! You could probably set your fees over and above people like Geek Squad since I would prefer calling in the Keystone Cops before have Geek Squad work on my computer.

"Word" gets around fast, so, to prove your integrity, do a couple of businesses (in the beginning) at cheaper than usual rates. It'll be worth it in the long run.

Answer 5

depends what u majored in and do u have a degree in such...