| With so many computer repair companies/techs | | | | initially schedule you in. That'll give you |
| to choose from how do you know which one is | | | | an idea of how quickly they respond. Some |
| right for you? I've been doing computer | | | | companies offer immediate emergency services. |
| repair for a couple of years now. It started | | | | That can come in handy. Look for that as |
| out as a hobby and later word of mouth | | | | well.ServiceMost companies will screen their |
| started spreading amongst my family, then | | | | employees to make sure they're not weirdos. |
| friends, and then friends of friends. So I | | | | For in-house computer repair you want someone |
| decided to start a computer consulting | | | | who's going to be courteous, kind, polite, |
| business. I want to guide you as to what you | | | | and respectful (yes, there's still people out |
| should consider before consulting | | | | there like that). Some techs come to your |
| anyone.Here's a few factors to consider:1. | | | | house and they look like they're being forced |
| Experience/Knowledge2. Price3. Warranty4. | | | | to be there. Others make you feel |
| Honesty5. Reliability6. Service7. Destination | | | | intimidated or will get angry with you as to |
| Fees8. Word of MouthNow, let me describe | | | | why you were doing something on your computer |
| those points in detail.Experience/KnowledgeA | | | | that you shouldn't have been doing, or will |
| lot of "computer literate" individuals feel | | | | make you feel dumb. You don't want |
| that just because they know how to install | | | | that.Destination FeesA lot of companies will |
| programs and reinstall windows that they can | | | | charge what they call "destination fees" |
| now make a business out of it and what | | | | ranging in pricing. So let's say you're |
| happens is that you get Joe Schmoe to come | | | | across the street, or within a mile. Why pay |
| over to your house, attempt to repair your | | | | a destination fee? Or the guy says he has to |
| computer, and end up wiping your system as | | | | come back tomorrow to pick up where he left |
| "the only possible solution". Be careful, | | | | off (and he's said that since Monday and its |
| don't hire anyone just because they're | | | | Friday). Look into companies that offer low |
| cheap.PriceSome companies will advertise | | | | fees or no fees.Word of MouthThis (in my |
| everything that you're looking for except the | | | | opinion) is the best referral. Your best |
| price. That's bad. They usually ask for you | | | | friend tells you in one breath, "my computer |
| to call them for a "quote". Once they got | | | | broke down and this tech from X2Logic came |
| you on the phone they tell you how they're | | | | down and fixed it like 2 seconds and charged |
| giving you the best price and if you call | | | | me 5 cents!" ;-) Hehe, a bit of exaggeration |
| back later then can't give you the same deal. | | | | there but you get the point. When I need |
| False! Make sure you compare prices around | | | | some type of service I ask around with people |
| your area to find the best one | | | | whose opinion I trust. Sometimes companies |
| available.Also, sometimes you pay what you | | | | offer incentives when you refer someone to |
| get for just like I mentioned before, so it | | | | them *whispers* "like us". So yeah, word of |
| might benefit you a little to pay a few extra | | | | mouth - very important.So there you have it. |
| dollars for great service, but don't let them | | | | Hopefully that will lead you in the right |
| take you for a ride. Also, most computer | | | | path. If you have any questions, I have a |
| services average at about 2 hours unless | | | | forum on our website were we offer free |
| you're computer is slow, severely damaged | | | | computer repair advice. We also offer |
| (with viruses or spyware), or key parts need | | | | computer services if you're interested. I |
| to be replaced (like a motherboard or a hard | | | | wish you luck in your computer ventures. If |
| drive). Make sure that if they're charging | | | | you have any questions about your computer or |
| an hourly rate that they don't spend the | | | | need help or advice, feel free to visit our |
| weekend at your house.WarrantySure, anyone | | | | free forums where members and myself |
| can come in and move things around your in | | | | contribute with advice, solutions, and |
| computer and then if something happens they | | | | information on any computer topic.Sincerely, |
| don't hold themselves liable. Most companies | | | | |
| that offer warranty offer it because they are | | | | Gustavo Hernandez |
| confident in that the work that they do is | | | | |
| good work, hence offer warranty on their | | | | President |
| parts and their services and labor. Look for | | | | |
| those companies, it's in your best interest | | | | X2 Logic |
| and gives you peace of mind.HonestyDo I | | | | |
| really have to go into detail on this one? | | | | |
| Just don't let someone talk you into "yeah, I | | | | |
| was looking at your machine and I'm | | | | Gustavo Hernandez is a computer certified |
| recommending we do a few small | | | | professional and has over 10 years of |
| enhancements... like replace your computer". | | | | computer experience in different areas, but |
| I've learned the hard way - "If it aint | | | | focuses primarily on helping others with |
| broke, don't fix it".ReliabilitySomeone | | | | computer repair. He is currently the |
| comes, fixes your computer, it brakes down | | | | President of X2 Logic ( ) a company |
| the next day and you have a hard time getting | | | | dedicated to helping individuals with |
| a hold of them or they schedule you in for | | | | computer related issues. |
| next month. See how soon it is that they | | | | |