billing in advance for hardware

[Pants]

Are there any technicians who ask residential clients for replacement hardware funds up front?

If so, has it worked alright?

 

[Xander]

If it's <$100, I don't bother but, then, this would usually be a customer I've dealt with before.

 

[Rosco]

If its a new client. Everytime. execpt for stuff i can sell easy like hard drives. Even with repeat customers 99% pay for the part before i order it. I have the money but i do not want the risk. Everyone understands that and if they dont why dont they? do they not have the money? Even with business clients some of them only invoice. I tell them ahead of time i dont do that i would need a check upon completion. Guess what there is a nice fat check waiting for me at the end of the job. No one ever went other way.

I used to think it was unprofessional but not anymore. One resource that has helped me a ton other than technibble is the wisetechnician by chris barr. Talks about a lot of these issues.

 

[lan101]

I like the under $100 rule. Usually if there's more than 1 computer involved I will help the customer order directly that way they know the cost difference of what I am charging to setup and the actual hardware costs. I think that helps build trust with small clients and to keep their business. I think a few people have mentioned here before how that way if there's a warranty problem down the road etc. it helps distinguish a little better that it's not "your" fault, but you can assist in the warranty process of course. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Cambridge PC Support]

Anything over £100 up front here too

 

[JonnyRT]

I've actually had a lot of customers offer recently, but haven't taken them up on it. Makes sense to do though.

 

[Martyn]

Anything over £100 up front here too

Ditto or more likely I get them to purchase.

 

[frederick]

New customer is over $100 they pay up front for parts, if we've worked with them in the past jo problems, under $250 is where ill go.

For businesses..$500 is usually my limit. I'm not gonna buy something for you to last minute cop out.

Had it happen a couple of times.

 

[myPCTechs]

Our solution has been to assist our clients in purchasing their own hardware. It works for us because we don't need to front hardware costs or deal with reseller taxes. It works for them because we don't mark up pricing, they only pay for the cost of the part and our labor to install it.

 

[compnet]

Nope, unless they want to take the computer and use it while a part is coming in.

 

[Markverhyden]

Have them buy the part. I don't have a store front and have no interest in getting into the reseller business. All of that tax stuff to collect, record, and remit - no thanks.