Comments on: The “No fix, No Fee” Guarantee

By: Cozy Comp

Cozy Comp — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:05:05 +0000

I have a no fix no fee guarantee. Every appointment involves two signatures – the usual, agree-to-pay-the-estimate signature, and a satisfaction signature at the end of the job. Once the satisfaction signature is signed, I’m off the hook.

Also, of course, the no-fix-no-fee doesn’t apply if it CAN be fixed but the client simply does not want to pay for parts. It’s simpler to pull that off when you do flat-rate, non-hourly pricing like myself.

By: Lubert

Lubert — Sat, 09 May 2009 11:25:03 +0000

As a beginning technician the “no fix, no fee” guarantee was a really good idea, but it landed me in trouble with customers. I still offer a “no fix, no fee” to my existing customers but the ‘first time’ customers dont this option. I would normally build a relationship with them so they genuinely know that i tried and cannot fix the problem and so some of them still pay. I think when i reach a problem I cant fix it will be a learning experience for me and another of the similar problem will not beat me again.

By: Russ

Russ — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 21:44:06 +0000

When I first started I “offered” a warranty like this. I never placed it in ads. Being new to fixing computers, I felt guilty charging someone 5 hours when I should have been able to do it in four. So sometimes I did charge more or less upon what it should have taken me. The area I was in had lots of Yard sale hunters and they would bring in systems that had no chance of being fixed for a decent price. So to offer a No Fix, No Fee would have been crazy.

By: Liz

Liz — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 19:30:33 +0000

“A quick look is free” is our motto. Since customers don’t always know the best way to describe their problem. We do just that, take one quick look then let then know the price of the fix. We aren’t out any real time and they aren’t out any money.

By: Jason Sipula

Jason Sipula — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 06:14:15 +0000

I wanted to add on to my privious comment…

There is never, ever a situation where a quality computer technician cannot fix the problem. There is always a rhyme and a reason that whatever it is, is not working. It just comes down to wheather or not the customer wants your to fix it, or if its cost effective to fix it. With that said, a diagnosis fee should be charged if you spent time working on the machine in the customer’s home or workplace, and they declined repairs.

By: Jason Sipula

Jason Sipula — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 06:10:25 +0000

I belive that you should charge at least a diagnosis fee if you spent your time driving out to the customer, and worked on the machine. However, if the customer brought their computer to you, then you can probably offer a no fix-no fee service because you did not waste driving time, wear and tear on your vehicle, or gas money.

By: Shane Fowler

Shane Fowler — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 22:01:22 +0000

If you can’t fix it..i mean really can’t fix it then you shouldn’t be a computer technician. I guess there is a fine line between fixing something and wasting time trying to diagnose something that should just be replaced or reinstalled. I have never not charged someone unless they were a family friend, of course I’ve never been beat by a computer problem either. Sometimes there just not worth fixing the way you want to i.e not reinstalling the operating system. As a rule of thumb if I can’t fix a problem in an hour and a half I will just reinstall the OS unless it my own machine then I will spend countless hours just for the fun of it.

By: The Computer Lady

The Computer Lady — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 05:13:18 +0000

I really like what you said:

“If I couldn’t fix the problem because its unfixable or the client doesn’t want to spend the extra money, I charge for my time. If I couldn’t fix the problem because I don’t know how to, I don’t charge. Its not the clients fault that I didn’t know how to fix it.”

I have always struggled with this problem. I feel so guilty if I charged them hourly and they ended up paying $100 to $200 and I didn’t fix the problem. This method actually alleviates the pressure I feel because sometimes I just can’t figure out the problem and don’t want to sit there for 8 hours to figure it out.

If you can’t fix it have you ever referred them to someone else?

Wendy

By: Minneapolis Computer Repair

Minneapolis Computer Repair — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 22:56:56 +0000

I love the “No Fix, No Fee” guarantee… when other businesses use it.

If I am going to drive to their house and do a computer diagnostic there is no reason I shouldnt be able to charge.

If it turns out that the hdd is having some issue and the user dosnt want to pay for a new one or what not I then have to be caught up in the no fee clause.

By: NewTech

NewTech — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 01:53:46 +0000

It’s better to put the NFNC in advertisement–but at the same time -tell the customer upfront that minimum charges apply for coming and diagnosing.