Charge for Diagnosing?

[trapped]

I usually just charge $20 if the diagnosis requires taking something apart such as a bad inverter or backlight. I apply this to the fix if they want to repair the problem. I do not do a offer a diagnostic service on software problems as by the time I have "diagnosed" the problem it is usually fixed. I charge a flat rate for virus eradication or OS not booting in the shop or hourly onsite.

 

[Appleby]

Just one thing to think about....if you don't charge a diag. fee, then you become the guy in your story that does the free diag. but doesn't get the job.

I started charging $25 a month or two ago after several situations where I felt I was getting screwed over on doing free work for people. I have yet to have anyone who's business I wanted balk at the fee. I have used the fee to get rid of a few tire kickers though and it was great.

 

[vdub12]

Well the people who went to you don't want to pay the big bucks at BB. The people who don't mind paying that or are to ignorant just go to BB.

Many of the people that I am talking about are ones that told me that they went to BB/GS and want me to double check the results of there diagnostic. However, they don't think my opinion is worth the same price as BB/GS.

Like today a customer calls that has a 5 year old notebook that will not power up. BB/GS said they need a new motherboard, of course. I told them I would have to do my own diagnostic to verify. When I told them I charged $50 for a diagnostic they where not interested. I don't charge my diagnostic if a repair is performed unlike BB/GS.

I get these all the time. This is why i am going to lower my diagnostic to $39 but my problem is why is my work not worth as much as a bunch on minimum wage pizza techs.

 

[NeutronTech]

I get these all the time. This is why i am going to lower my diagnostic to $39 but my problem is why is my work not worth as much as a bunch on minimum wage pizza techs.

Yeah, that really blows my mind. I think it has to do with the fact that they are a huge company and "have the deep pockets to only hire the best techs" or they think that the big boxes provide extensive training or require higher education. They think if it is a small shop then they are just guys who couldn't get in with the big boxes. Kind of like a Chevy/Ford dealership. People expect better techs and expect to pay more there vs a privately owned garage.

 

[vdub12]

Yeah, that really blows my mind. I think it has to do with the fact that they are a huge company and "have the deep pockets to only hire the best techs" or they think that the big boxes provide extensive training or require higher education. They think if it is a small shop then they are just guys who couldn't get in with the big boxes. Kind of like a Chevy/Ford dealership. People expect better techs and expect to pay more there vs a privately owned garage.

Its hard to fathom. Then again its not that hard because most dealerships do shooty work to, lol.

 

[ddpc]

We charge a $20.00 fee, if the client wants the repair done then we just charge the repair fee.
I find this helps stop those who just want to take my time.