I will admit that this article is a little self serving. I can honestly say that after teaching computer science at the college level and working within my community for 10 years I have not come across anyone with more knowledge. Not to say that there are not a lot of qualified computer technicians out there. I do think you will find very few working for places like Best Buy, Staples or any larger brick and mortar store. These companies are qualified to repair about 80 percent of the usual problems. The main problem here is price!. If price is not an issue and you just want to go somewhere with a big name any of these places will probably do a decent job.
Someone needs to pay for all the expenses incurred in running a big expensive business. In this case you are paying that price. As a rule any repair done at these large stores run somewhere between $185 and $200. That price is for a simple repair not requiring the replacement of parts or software. In contrast I charge around $40 to $50 dollars for the same repair. I have all the same credentials plus a military Internet security certification. What I don’t have is a large overhead. When you deal with most small businesses you are more than a number. Unlike the big stores smaller shops naturally build a more personal relationship with clients.
The biggest obstetrical clients have is deciding who to call. I get a lot of new clients who ask me “So how does this work?” Well it works just like the big stores, you drop off your computer or I can come and do an onsite repair. The days of small business requiring cash are or should be over. Any business that does not accept credit cards is really not in the game. I would suggest doing an Internet check on any company. Go visit their website and check out their reviews. If you just do an Internet search for “Computer Repair” you will only see the companies charging more. Right now to come up on the first page of a google search it will cost you $7.50 a click! If I had to pay someone $7.50 for everyone that clicked on my website I would be charging $200 for my repairs too.
I am just one of many good home based computer repair choices you have. Here are the big three things to look for when choosing a computer repair business. Do they have a good rating at the better business bureau. Are they registered with the state. Do they have a good looking and informative website. Today a website is like a business card was thirty years ago. If a person is not willing to tell clients who they are then something is really missing.
Happy computing!!
Larry McCann Owner