What much should I be charging if I put a new OS on a computer, back up their computer and put their stuffback

Question

Thanks for all the feed back...So, they are usually friends, family, friends of family, friends of friends.....I like doing it(im only a senior and have been working as a tech for the district for two years...so its great experience for me)..but its gotten to be a bit rediculious in the # of people that want it done...so i was wondering if I should start charging....also most of it IS troubleshooting computers and networks, but mostly re-imaging

---I live in the west part of WI, and its crazy the prices people get charged for what I offer to do for them(by other people)

Answer 1

I guess it depends on a couple factors.

1) Are they friends/family? Personally I'd never charge them (granted they'll generally provide dinner/beer).

2) What are your qualifications? If I were the customer, I'd like to know that I'm only paying for someone who actually knows what they are doing. I'd also expect some sort of guarantee/support if I were paying for the work.

3) What sort of backup are you doing? Will this be a comprehensive backup of all data, applications, and the OS? Will this be used to transfer information to the new system? Are you handling the transfer?

4) Will you need to either recommend new hardware or purchase new hardware (i.e. does the new computer meet the new OS requirements for memory, video card, etc...)?

5) What area do you live? The hourly rate from a "Geeks on Call" type company in my area is probably in the $80/hr range. Obviously you are trying to come in lower than they are so set a relative scale based on the local IT based companies.

Answer 2

Depends on if it family or friend. They would get a lower price.

Hourly rate: $10-$15 (1-2years experience)
$20-$25 (3-4 years experience)

Flat rate: $30-$40

Take $10 off if friend or family (flat rate)
Take charge half if using hourly rate

Answer 3

Take the highest as possible, who don't want to be a millionaire ;)

Take more for slow performance computer as it will take more of your time to backup and then restore but if the PC is fast enough and you don't have to waste your time then you can give them a little discount on your service charge, but the actual prices varies from country to country as per there standards and knowledge about computers, isn't ?

Answer 4

Depends, are they your friends or family? If not, about $25 to $40 dollars an hour is reasonable.