Look at what we techs have to compete with.

[PseFrank]

Here in the UK things are much the same as it is for you guys in the states. In Cambridge where I live there are hundreds of people that can fix computers, so I have to keep my prices at a low level.

 

For the last couple of years I've charged a set fee of around £45 plus parts (about $60) for whatever I do. My customers fall mainly into two catogory's. They're either very poor and would not be able to afford the large store prices, or they are elderly people who especially need to be able to trust people who come into their homes to provide a service. Both of these groups of people tend to tell their friends and neighbours about me. I may not see some of my customers more than once or twice a year, but I do get to meet their friends and neighbours.

 

In addition to fixing a customers problem, I also try to spend some time giving advice on what I consider to be good practice. Maybe showing them how to use Word, or how to make a music CD for the car, etc,etc. Customers also often say that they've been told by a friend that it's possible to get a paid for program or piece of software for free, and could I do that for them. Of course I have to explain to them that what they are asking of me is illegal, and although I am not able to do that myself, that there are people on the internet who will happily give them advice should they choose to go down that path. That's always a tricky situation to be in, but I take the view that I am not their moral keeper.

 

I should point out that in addition to my computer repair work, I am fortunate enough to have another job as a rent collector. Without this, I'd find it difficult to manage just doing PC repairs!

 

Sometimes it is possible to offer your service too cheaply. As has already been pointed out, people may believe that you're not offering a proper or professional service when you're cheap. I suppose that it's just a case of striking the right balance.

[mikehende]

Well said, I pretty much do the same, offer free help for certain things. A lot of people here are struggling so they simply don't have the funds for pc repair, here in NY cost of living is very high so sometimes they are forced to go for the cheapest repair.

[IceMan37]

I offer discounts as well. I even piece stuff together from parts for basically donation to disabled or elderly. My primary business would be high end gamers so I get the top dollar there. I also run discounts often. There is a vast, and I do mean vast difference between my service and Geek Squad, or the tech on the OP's picture. However, this does not mean I don't have a heart, and that I don't run discounts, and discount on the fly. I always interview a customer and I have developed a good feel for how to approach cost. That said my building-repair business is only 1/3 of what it once was I cut back drastically on purpose since I have a regular job that is fairly demanding. When I retire from the corporate world though it will once again be a full blown business.

[Nebulous]

Here locally in NY: http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/cps/5509305856.html

 

Any wonder why I and other techs who provide quality work can only get one, maybe two jobs per month on average? How can we compete with this?

Most people wouldn't bring some kid off craigslist into their home to fix their computer. At least I'd hope not.

[mikehende]

Either way that is why many techs in my area are forced to look into other fields of work. It's extremely hard for myself at age 53 to now be studying digital marketing but I had to do this to help my ads and website compete. Also I had given up doing web design many years ago but now looks like I will be forced to get back into it to bring in more income. Still even with marketing and web design service most people don't wish to spend what is required and even those two fields are over saturated so it's extremely difficult for anyone in the technology field here to bring in decent income, as a freelancer.