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Thread ID: 136733	2014-04-08 05:27:00	Essentials of car maintenance ...	Nomad (952)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
1372246	2014-04-08 20:00:00	Like non techy people if they take the PC to the shop to do a yearly maintenance schedule should we say. Clear the dust, clean the fans, run a ccleaner, malware etc etc .. . A single session at the shop might cost $100-200? Really? Who charges that? When I had PCs in, I used to show people what they needed to do to keep the PC happy. Update and run the anti-malwares regularly. Clean dust out. BACK it up!!! So if disaster occurs, it's not the end of the world. Never had a "maintenance" schedule for anyone. Some would not do these things and come back, but if they never made even a tiny effort, they didn't stay customers long.	pctek (84)
1372247	2014-04-08 21:23:00	Like non techy people if they take the PC to the shop to do a yearly maintenance schedule should we say. Clear the dust, clean the fans, run a ccleaner, malware etc etc .. The once new $1,000 PC might now only be worth $300 after 2yrs. A single session at the shop might cost $100-200? So are you saying that if a person doesn't look after their computer, and it needs to be fixed the shop shouldn't charge them for it ? Example, I got a persons W7 PC here right now, it was covered with dust and dirt inside, it was loaded with malware from programs the kids have tried to install, and so far its taken in actual time 5 1/2 hours to run some of the scans and clean it from crud build up on the components - Theres still at least another 1-2 hours worth of scanning to do to make sure its clean --- going by your statement they shouldn't be charged ? BTW -- I had previously serviced the computer just over a year ago.	wainuitech (129)
1372248	2014-04-08 22:10:00	So are you saying that if a person doesn't look after their computer, and it needs to be fixed the shop shouldn't charge them for it ? What I mean is that if it is going to cost $100-200 to clean, let's say for a 2yr old PC, would it be better not to service it and just buy another one .... Also if $100-200 is too much to clean the computer. What is the going rate then? How much was your previous example WT? Easy to say and while I can do it myself. Many/most people out there cannot change their own oil, cannot change sparks. And let alone water pumps, timing belts etc. Cars these days many don't have radiator caps or a trans dipstick anyway. If a computer HD died many won't know how to reload the OS and many OS discs are not provided anymore or physically replace the HD with a new one. Just stepping back and looking at the scheme of things. While computers are bought less now, more are using tablets etc .. given the shorter product lifecycle maybe that's the reason many choose not to repair it, a few might do.	Nomad (952)
1372249	2014-04-09 00:34:00	What I mean is that if it is going to cost $100-200 to clean, let's say for a 2yr old PC, would it be better not to service it and just buy another one .... Also if $100-200 is too much to clean the computer. What is the going rate then? How much was your previous example WT? Easy to say and while I can do it myself. Many/most people out there cannot change their own oil, cannot change sparks. And let alone water pumps, timing belts etc. Cars these days many don't have radiator caps or a trans dipstick anyway. If a computer HD died many won't know how to reload the OS and many OS discs are not provided anymore or physically replace the HD with a new one. Just stepping back and looking at the scheme of things. While computers are bought less now, more are using tablets etc .. given the shorter product lifecycle maybe that's the reason many choose not to repair it, a few might do. First question: if only 2 yrs old, as long as hardware is OK then it would be a waste of money buying a new one if its just a cleanout. Why spend 4-5 times the amount on a new one ? Also what MANY people don't realise, and MANY who do things them selves is when a computer is replaced, all the data needs to be transferred over, programs installed, accounts for emails etc and god knows what other accounts they have all set up again - it all takes time. Also if $100-200 is too much to clean the computer. What is the going rate then? Seriously ? -- LOL, obviously your not in the business of doing repairs, if you were you would know the going rate (depending on where you live) is easily $90 - $100 + / Hour. Some places will charge for a whole hour even if the computers are sitting there just scanning. Myself I only charge when I actually work, not scanning time ( in the workshop) if on site, like everyone else charge by the hour. Theres one place in NZ, heres their charge out rates : We offer an affordable service at a flat hourly rate: Standard Rate - $120 (including GST) per hour - min. 1 hour Same Day Premium Rate - $140 (including GST) per hour - min. 1 hour AND they do charge by the hour even if sitting there watching a scan. As for my charge, it was for $138. it actually took just over 6 1/2 hours of actual time, so if you look at it like that it was charged at $21 /hr. BUT that's not quite as it is, as I said I only charge for time I work, not scanning time. The other day I had to setup 4 new computers at once - all Windows 8 that they wanted upgraded to the latest 8.1 + office 2013 + updates , there was close to 35GB of my data usage in one day alone - so additional costs for that were added -- MANY customers only see a $ sign, they have no idea of the other costs. At least 60-70 % of my monthly internet usage is for work, not my own daily usage. Question: In most jobs, do you get paid the same rate when you go to work, even during morning breaks, toilet stops, or if on a slow period, or talking to work mates for 5 minutes ? OR do you only get paid for the actual time you work ?	wainuitech (129)
1372250	2014-04-09 00:57:00	You are forgetting that business have to pay leases on the property, wages, holiday pay, taxes while still making a profit. Garages will also charge different rates depending on whether they are part of a larger dealer network or just a small operation. Members of the public who choose to do their own repairs at home don't have any of those overheads. Back on topic -- Webdevguy hit the nail on the head so to speak. :thumbs: This goes for ANY business. Example: If you mow your own lawns instead of getting someone into do them, you dont pay for your own time, but you still pay for the running costs of the mower when its required.	wainuitech (129)
1372251	2014-04-09 01:19:00	Customers would just copy their important files to a USB stick. Run iTunes whatever ... For a non techy customer. If it is going to cost $138 in your example that's between my prior guess of $100-200 for whole job. If one could get a laptop for $600 and it's new why pay $150. Or with the guys that charge total scanning time even more so ... I can truly understand what a business does but as a customer, why even approach a store. If my 1yr old smartphone has a smashed screen I won't even with repair or should it?	Nomad (952)
1372252	2014-04-09 01:55:00	As for my charge, it was for $138. it actually took just over 6 1/2 hours of actual time, A bit misleading, you would not have been at the PC for the whole 6.5h......a bit like a panelbeater saying: well, it took 2 days for the paint & bog to dry..... Its when customers want this sort of job done onsite that things get awkward. Im sure most PC Techs simply lie about fixing PC's onsite when booking a job, knowing full well they will need to take it back to the workshop My MAX charge is often only what I think the customer will pay, even when the actual time goes way over that, as can happen. If you want the work, & its a old PC or the cust says they will ONLY pay $X to fix it, then how long it actually takes becomes irrelevant. Jobs for corporates are a different kettle of fish of course :thumbs:	1101 (13337)
1372253	2014-04-09 02:05:00	For a non techy customer . If it is going to cost $138 in your example that's between my prior guess of $100-200 for whole job . If one could get a laptop for $600 and it's new why pay $150 . And that why most repair industries are dying off . In a big way . Its not worth going onsite to look at issues with inkjet printers or cheap laser printers . My charge WILL be more than a new cheap printer . Also there is no way I will be replacing ink carts in the hope that will fix the issue, as I'd have to cover that cost if it still has faults . PC's ,printers, TV, washing machines, phones . These are all throw away items .	1101 (13337)
1372254	2014-04-09 02:15:00	A bit misleading, you would not have been at the PC for the whole 6.5h......a bit like a panelbeater saying: well, it took 2 days for the paint & bog to dry..... Its when customers want this sort of job done onsite that things get awkward. Im sure most PC Techs simply lie about fixing PC's onsite when booking a job, knowing full well they will need to take it back to the workshop My MAX charge is often only what I think the customer will pay, even when the actual time goes way over that, as can happen. If you want the work, & its a old PC or the cust says they will ONLY pay $X to fix it, then how long it actually takes becomes irrelevant. Jobs for corporates are a different kettle of fish of course :thumbs: In Bold -- I NEVER said I was at the computer for 6.5 hours ( get your fact s correct) , I said that s how long it took to do the whole job. and the second one, what a load of bullshit. If a scan was taking 2 hours its as obvious as the nose on your face - as a person can see it happening. Bit like saying cloning a drive can be done in 5 minutes when its obvious that its actually taking a LOT longer. Any place that doesn't charge more or less the same as everyone else is only harming them selves, hell 99% of the time I never charge fully even when its more than should be from anyone else. Bit like people ringing up on the phone want you to fix things for free, yet they are to tight arsed to pay for a person to come out. To many tossers in this forum who dont have a clue what running a real business is all about. Why do you think so many knowledgeable people have left or wont give answers any more. heres a question -- I got a person drive thats had a large sector failure, drive shows as unformatted - no backups, and needs at least 2 days estimated continuous scanning at the rate it was going to just recover the data, its VERY important documents and years of family photos. Guess its not worth charging eh, as the so called "experts" who know everything think it should be done for free. Yes or no ?	wainuitech (129)
1372255	2014-04-09 02:38:00	What I mean is that if it is going to cost $100-200 to clean, let's say for a 2yr old PC, would it be better not to service it and just buy another one . . . . . Er . . . . because it might have some malware? A bit of dust? No . So you should toss your 5 yr old car cause it might need some work done as well? What I used to do was clean it up . Install some anti-malware then give them instructions on using that anti-malware from then on . I gave them screenshot docs, also some stuff on basic common sense with browsing emails etc . A lesson on how to clean out fluff . So, they then can look after it . If they choose not to, well, that's their choice . Same with cars . Sure some things we don't do or can't be bothered . . . . . some things it's silly to pay a garage to do . Simple things like oil changes . . . . can be a bit messy, but it's not hard . . . . Checking levels in things also - most have some kind of dipstick - power steering, oil,and such . . . even gearboxes . . . . . I checked it in my Rover once . Haven't got one now, but it's even easier to check the transmission fluid . . . . . Cars are easier now - they have no grease points . Although that means having seals replaced more now . . . . but it all evens out .	pctek (84)
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