Minimum charge

[TorontoRepair]

What do you think is the minimum charge that we should charge for onsite computer diagnostic/repair.:eek:

[tkrabec]

I normally charge 1 hr minimum. That takes into account, driving, paperwork, etc. If the person lives close and I'm just there for 5 minutes I normally will not charge, I feel you get more out of this than charging.

-- Tim Krabec

[Bryce W]

I normally charge a 1 hour minimum to cover driving time, petrol and paperwork like tkrabec said.
In my early computer repair years I used to feel guilty about charging for a whole hour if I was only there 30 minutes, but if you look at other onsite industries, a plumber can charge you $99 just to go onsite, spend 5 minutes and tell you its unfixable.

[TorontoRepair]

How much is one hour, like I mean in dollar figure?

[TorontoRepair]

There is another thread that already answers my question.

Please forward as necessary!

[tkrabec]

How much depends on your experience, what the market will bear, and what others are charging. I started at 35USD/hr in 1991 or so, and as I've gotten experience I've gradually raised my rated by 5-10 every year or so, allowing my customers to keep the older price for a few months into the new pricing level.

-- Tim

[Bryce W]

From Technibbles first article (http://www.technibble.com/what-to-charge-for-a-computer-repair/):

To get some ballpark figures I recommend calling your competitors in your area and ask for prices. Once you have a few prices, try to place yourself in the middle as being on the high or low end can hurt your business.
This way works well because it takes into account living costs of your area. For example, I know TechPro (http://www.technibble.com/forums/member.php?u=72) in real life and he is also a computer technician (sorry to talk about you in 3rd person Techpro when you read this) . I once asked how much he charged and the answer was WAY above my prices after I worked out the exchange rate from Pounds to Aussie Dollars even though I believe we have similar experience, he still gets plenty of customers. The difference? He lives in London which is one of the worlds most expensive cities and I live in Melbourne Australia which is a very cheap city to live in.

However, people in general earn more in London and if you were to ignore the exchange rate, our prices are pretty much in the same based off the cost of living vs. earnings.

[Andy-Always]

I always charge a minimum of 1 hour but if the job only takes 5 minutes I usually spend a little time having a clean up on their computer and give it a once over!

If I go beyond the hour then the charges are per 15 minutes

£40 per hour for home users and between £65 - £95 per hour for business depending on complexity.

As long as the issue is resolved in a fair time and without fuss, £10 more or less than a competitor isn't really a noticed!

I hear of technicians charging £20 per hour and after 3 hours still not resolving the issue. I would never charge a penny if I couldn't solve the problem!