How Long Does it Take to Fix a Computer? Computer Repair Pros vs Joes

Craigslist PC Techs and Friends Who Fix Computers

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The suffering economy has sure had a negative impact on the computer repair industry in ways I would’ve never imagined. This wasn’t because computers were breaking less, but because people began putting off repairs to save money. At first, we initially saw a decrease in customers as the price of gas skyrocketed. But as some of us started adjusting to a tighter budget, our computers became an increasing source of indoor entertainment which saved money on going out, as well as a great tool for finding online deals.

As people began to put more miles on their computers, some fell by the wayside as they got infected with viruses and spyware, some of which led to hardware failures. What once was just another high-tech gadget we had to have because it was cool and somewhat affordable, became an addiction we had withdrawals from when it crashed or couldn’t open up Facebook or YouTube. So the computer repair industry is still alive and kicking, especially as consumers try to get more out of the computer they have as long as it is cheaper to fix it than to buy another one. So where can you get a good deal on a computer repair?

Friends Who Fix Computers

There is definitely no shortage of computer repairmen, not to mention all the bargain-basement wannabees on Craigslist, but what about a friend who might fix your computer for a fraction of the going rate? Most of us know someone we view as a computer whiz, so you just might find someone who can fix your computer within your circle of friends. But whatever deal you might work out with a friend to fix your computer, I can tell you that if you opt to go this way, that some of you will be putting your friendship at risk just to save a hundred bucks or so. How so?

First of all, I’m sure that some of you really do know an experienced computer guy. For those that are experienced, they probably already know the risks of taking on a computer repair job for their friends so I won’t get into those situations. As for the rest, you need to know the risks an amateur might not be able to tell you, as well as having some means of determining just how much of a computer whiz they really are. If your friend didn’t end up doing a good job for you, the money you paid him might just be the price of your friendship. Sometimes friends will get in over their head when trying to help, even when there was no money involved.

Computer Experience

Your biggest problem will be when your friend isn’t experienced with computer repair, or at least doesn’t specialize in the area you need help with. You should be able to sense this when they seem reluctant to take on the job. But if they know they might have a chance to make some good side-money, some friends might jump in feet first “hoping” for a good outcome, without ever being able to guarantee they can fix your problem or not. Of course they won’t lead off the conversation with a pessimistic view, even if they had nothing but good intentions. But anybody experienced in anything usually knows their limitations, and should warn you of the chances for success. From time to time, I even refer good paying customers to someone else when I know we might not be the best fit the job, and your friend should also, unless you are desperate and are willing to take the risk. Who knows, your friend just might pull it off!

Some techs that work in the military or corporate offices might be good at break-fix stuff like hardware problems, networking and re-imaging hard drives, but when it comes to what the everyday computer user experiences, namely viruses and spyware, they really don’t have the experience you might think they have. They could be certified to the hilt, but might not have the skills you need them for. I know because I have worked in both environments. They typically work in sheltered settings behind a corporate firewall and lots of policy restrictions which prevents most of the problems that would otherwise plague a home or small business computer setup. Because of the enterprise protection employed in large organizations, the IT staff doesn’t deal with virus and spyware infections on a daily basis. So while your friend might be a computer whiz, any lack of experience they might have in dealing with your particular problem might just be a matter of specialty. That being said, you wouldn’t want your foot doctor performing brain surgery would you?

Lack of Experience and Craigslist

Now some guys think they already know everything just because they built a few computers in their bedroom, so they advertise their services as a mobile computer repair guy on Craigslist with some ridiculously low flat-rate prices. I even saw one a week ago for $10/hr. He must ride a scooter because just one call to the North Shore will wipe out any profits just from the cost of gas alone. I’m certainly not slamming everyone on Craigslist, I post their also and know that there are a lot of reputable freelance techs and shops that post there too. But it bothers me how some guys cheapen our trade. Those of us who are serious about our business and want to be around for many years to come will always strive to standout from the Craigslist hacks through brand recognition, good service, and value.

But some guys totally misrepresent their experience just to make a buck. They usually have no website and their business is not listed with the Business Registration Division (BREG) of the Hawaii DCCA. Sadly, the same customers who don’t know any better to avoid the Geek Squad, also fall prey to some of these uncertified, inexperienced hacks because they are only looking at the price instead of the overall value and quality of the service you need. Just like a broken clock, they might be able to fix 2 problems in a day, so they get away with it sometimes. But the customers who think all apples are the same, keep enabling them to stay in business. Just know that what might take a hack “5 hrs at $35/hr” might take an experienced tech “2 hrs at $80/hr”.

So how do I get my information about other PC technicians? Techs usually follow a routine and tend to use the same core group of programs in all their repairs. It becomes sort of a fingerprint or signature that identifies their work. I have one that is so detailed and complex, that I doubt anybody can duplicate it. It is the foundation of my success because it underlines the thoroughness of my work. Another part of my signature is the “absence” of any crumbs left behind from the many programs I need to run to repair and tune-up your computer.

Most inexperienced computer guys don’t clean up after themselves (software-wise). No matter how highly they might tout themselves, I can size them up by the tracks they leave behind from the software tools they used, not to mention the requisite customizations they should have performed, and usually didn’t. Their lack of experience doesn’t mean they are out to rip you off, they just don’t know their limitations yet, and will be gaining their experience on “your” dime. I assume that you expected them to already have the necessary experience before you hired them.

Certifications

While our occupation is not regulated by the government, there are all types of internationally recognized certifications we can earn depending what you want to specialize in. At a minimum, a computer repair technician should be CompTIA A+ certified, but I can tell you that in my opinion, this was an easy test to pass and it in no way prepared me for what I would really be doing on a daily basis. I still keep mine in my wallet, but I only view this piece of paper as a bit of proof that we are more serious about a career in the computer field than the guy who builds computers in his bedroom. Beyond that, it is experience that matters. The real problems we see in the field cannot be taught at school as the curriculum developers and teachers could not keep up with all the changes.

Beyond the certifications, you need a good mentor, persistence, knowledge of a plethora of software utilities, self-discipline to keep up to date, a group of responsible computer repair peers to consult with (sort of a mastermind group) and lots of hands-on experience. Repairing a “few hundred” computers would be a start, but I would say that you should aim to have several “thousand” computer repairs under your belt.

For anything less, I would suggest that these guys work in a shop under the supervision of a seasoned computer tech before they venture out to freelance on their own.

Apples and Oranges

So before you decide to hire a “Computer Guy” who says he can remove a virus cheaper than the other guy (which may be so), please don’t think that all of us are the same, or do the same job for that matter. If you were to amortize the cost of your computer repairs for a computer you expect to keep in service for 5 years, you can expect to pay smaller installments when you use a good experienced computer tech as compared to an inexperienced tech. While you might pay more initially for a tech who is worth his fee, you will pay more overall in the long run for inexperienced techs that don’t perform reliable repairs, which will also come with some frustration on your part. But if you still opt for the inexperienced techs (even if you don’t know they are inexperienced), you’ll probably find that they might not be around year after year to be there for you.

I know it is a comfortable feeling when you finally find a dentist you like, a good car repair shop, or even a lowly computer repair guy. We also like customers who keep coming back to us for all their computer needs. You probably wouldn’t know it unless you were a computer guy, but we do extra things above and beyond what you came to us for, and it is our wanting to please the customer that keeps us going.