Got a dinger on craigslist

[NeutronTech]

If the customer asks not to install the drivers fine. But even offering a reload without including the drivers is wrong. Many people do not understand what drivers are. If you offer both services the unknowing customer is naturally going to choose the cheaper one. Even if you try and explain what they are, many won't understand and still opt for the cheaper one. THen when their computer doesn't work they are going to think your a worthless tech, whether you told them up front or not

Oh, and drivers are NOT the same thing as programs and data. People understand what those are, they use them every day. It's not unreasonable to charge for backup and program installations. It is unreasonable not to include the drivers. That is just poor business. It might be a sales tactic, but just because the wording of an ad manipulates people into the ol bait n switch, doesn't mean it's ethical. I prefer to run my business honest, up front, and provide top notch reliable service. I want a user who doesn't know much about computers to be able to trust me that I will do the right thing. My computers leave my shop functioning. I include data back too, and do all updates.

I know my customers are happy and will refer me. Almost all of my customer base is word of mouth. You do something sleazy like that to a customer and you won't have any referrals from them. You'll get your money back for the extra 10 minutes it takes to install drivers when that customer spreads the word how good you did.

Man, I've never heard of someone doing this. Totally immoral to do that to someone.

 

[myPCTechs]

The industry is loaded with marketing gimmicks similar to what this guy is doing with Windows drivers. I actually have competitors in my area advertising for things like $40 complete computer repair, any problem fixed! When you get to the site, there's a page and a half of fine print of things they won't do for that price.

I would like to think that the consumer is smarter than that, but I know there are a lot of people that get taken and suckered by guys like this - then they are left with poor service and suddenly the reputation of our industry is shot for yet another client. There is no shortage of people ready to screw others over in fields like computer repair, auto repair, etc. That's one of the key reasons why "No Marketing Gimmicks" is one of the first promises to our clients that you'll find on our website.

 

[norm1320]

Some would same the same about data and programs. As long as the Tech is clear and up front there is no issue. If he hides then yes. When you look at the sticker price of a new car they add transportation to the dealer, prep, and even "added dealer profit"!

Yes, those "extras" are listed on separate lines, but they are all still included in the base sticker price when you buy the car.

 

[Hercomputers]

And in a lot of cases, most customers are clueless when it comes to additional drivers that need to be installed, they don't know - that's why it should be included. If not, the client will call you back and say that the computer isn't working properly, you have to go back and finish the job when it should have been done in the first place.

 

[RegEdit]

The only thing Craig's List attracts is Nigerian scams anyway.

 

[myPCTechs]

Welcome to Sam's Used Car Lot. Every car you see is priced at the low, low price of $499!!!!!

Of course, each car comes without tires. The price of tires per vehicle varies and will run you anywhere from $50 to $3,999 depending on make and model of vehicle.

 

[vdub12]

The industry is loaded with marketing gimmicks similar to what this guy is doing with Windows drivers. I actually have competitors in my area advertising for things like $40 complete computer repair, any problem fixed! When you get to the site, there's a page and a half of fine print of things they won't do for that price.

I would like to think that the consumer is smarter than that, but I know there are a lot of people that get taken and suckered by guys like this - then they are left with poor service and suddenly the reputation of our industry is shot for yet another client. There is no shortage of people ready to screw others over in fields like computer repair, auto repair, etc. That's one of the key reasons why "No Marketing Gimmicks" is one of the first promises to our clients that you'll find on our website.

The only marketing gimmick I have is free diagnostic for first time customers. However, I actually provide a free diagnostic so I guess its not really a gimmick.

The only thing Craig's List attracts is Nigerian scams anyway.

I have actually gotten a few jobs from CL lately. I just hope people like this guy haven't, but if they have then I am sure I will soon be getting other calls.

 

[lgtechcomputers]

My .2 cents.

I think I would be very bad service to not at least install the minimum that comes with an OS installation to make the computer work reliably.

In my dictionary that means OS and not a single piece of hardware in the device a manager with an error or missing driver.

Other than that is shady business. I agree with many of the examples shown in this thread. (New car without spark plugs or gas)...

It has nothing to do with being upfront. It strikes me as a scheme to squeeze fees out of a customer.
(Here is your computer - oh and if you want these devices to work properly you will need the drivers which cost $$ per device)...nice.

 

[B3ng]

Cant believe this is even up for debate, its staggering that any tech would leave system with no device drivers.

for me, a re-install would include drivers (of course) data backup and restoration and any programmes which were on the system before the nuke, unless stated other wise. if the pc was part of a domain environment it would also include re-joining to the domain, outlook configuration and network drive and printing rescources re mapped. This would have been discussed with the client before hand and documented, anything important that i forgot to mention, id be taking a hit on. After all they are paying me for my expertise, and to explain to them what is required to fully and correctly fix the issue, any fool can click "next".

Surely, in our job getting a PC to "how it was before" is 9 10ths of the law, thats how our end users and clients see it and what thay want

 

[Xander]

Installing "just Windows" would mean they plan to install their own AV and so on but, to me, it means I am still responsible to make sure their devices are working. If they've got some 10-year-old fax modem or obscure piece of hardware, fine, but I'll sure as hell make some effort even for those and give them every other device as part of "just Windows".

 

[Bobbing]

Drivers are a requirement!
Do it right or don't do it at all. Mickey mouse doesn't work here.

 

[B3ng]

Installing "just Windows" would mean they plan to install their own AV and so on but, to me, it means I am still responsible to make sure their devices are working....

Usually im sure this would be fine, what i was getting at was that i would brief the customer on the full repercussions of a nuke, do you still have the install cd's, license keys etc.

As mentioned if i didnt ask then went ahead and formatted the system and the they had no way of re installing office again for example, they would have every rigt to plead ignorant and i would feel obliged to put it right at my expense.

Just basic arse-covering excersise really.

 

[vdub12]

Usually im sure this would be fine, what i was getting at was that i would brief the customer on the full repercussions of a nuke, do you still have the install cd's, license keys etc.

As mentioned if i didnt ask then went ahead and formatted the system and the they had no way of re installing office again for example, they would have every rigt to plead ignorant and i would feel obliged to put it right at my expense.

Just basic arse-covering excersise really.

One good way to protect yourself in that event is to image the drive. You can always open the registry off line and get the office key.

There have been many situations when I have thanked god I had an image of the customers drive.

 

[bigcuedaddy]

Sure it is an option. Say the customer says don't worry about drivers even the MB drivers. I am paid to do what they want. If they want it that way it is 100% their choice. Besides the idea is to talk with them and let them know how experienced you are and that you are there to do exactly what they want.

no... you are being paid to fix their computer. If they knew what they wanted, they would likely fix it themselves.

Your practices are EXACTLY the same ones I hear from customers over and over again. Low-ball em, then tack on all the "extras" that arent really extras at all, they are necessities.

embarrassing.

 

[Xander]

no... you are being paid to fix their computer. If they knew what they wanted, they would likely fix it themselves.

Your practices are EXACTLY the same ones I hear from customers over and over again. Low-ball em, then tack on all the "extras" that arent really extras at all, they are necessities.

embarrassing.

You, new guy, just got yourself a +1

 

[callthatgirl]

I have prices set without drivers because some of the factory resets include everything and there is no need to install, but of course we verify. I also have a quote for the client when they come in and see the prices and explain, never has one person said, "give me the one without drivers" and that is the normal price. It's all about explaining to people what they need. I also charge for extra software, probably too low though. $25 for 5 programs.

 

[NWPhotog]

no... you are being paid to fix their computer. If they knew what they wanted, they would likely fix it themselves.

Your practices are EXACTLY the same ones I hear from customers over and over again. Low-ball em, then tack on all the "extras" that arent really extras at all, they are necessities.

embarrassing.

You, like a lot of posters, miss the whole point. You don't "tack on" anything. You talk to your customer and educate them. You explain what they need, why, and the cost. You end up with a happy customer for life!

 

[NWPhotog]

I have prices set without drivers because some of the factory resets include everything and there is no need to install, but of course we verify. I also have a quote for the client when they come in and see the prices and explain, never has one person said, "give me the one without drivers" and that is the normal price. It's all about explaining to people what they need. I also charge for extra software, probably too low though. $25 for 5 programs.

"It's all about explaining to people what they need."

Exactly. There for a while I didn't think ANYONE was going to get it!

 

[vdub12]

Honestly I don't think you get it.

There is no way I would allow a system to leave without drivers installed. Period.

 

[NWPhotog]

Honestly I don't think you get it.

There is no way I would allow a system to leave without drivers installed. Period.

Honestly it sounds like communicating with your customers is not your specialty. For you, your method sounds best. For those more adept at building customer relationships probably not.