Simplifying my service list

[JosephLeo]

So I took some time to look at my service list and just simply realized how daunting it would look to your typical computer illiterate. So then it dawned up me. Why not make it a little more simpler, generalized even? and that's when I came up with my new service list.

Before

Repairs

• Diagnostic
• Virus & Spyware Removal
• Computer Hardware Repair
• Laptop Screen Repair
• Laptop Power Repair
• Software Repair
• Data Recovery
• Network Troubleshooting

Maintenance

• Data Backup
• Security Optimization
• Basic Tune-Up
• Premium Tune-Up
• Ultimate Tune-Up

Setup

• Computer Setup
• Wireless Network Setup
• Printers & Devices
• Email Setup
• Data Migration
• Security Setup

Installs

• Hardware Install
• Memory Install
• Software Install
• Operating System Install

Training & Consultation

• Operating System Training
• Internet Training
• Email Training
• Office Suite Training
• Custom Training Package
• Technology Consultation

Go Green!

• Go Green Reduce
• Go Green Reuse
• Go Green Recycling
• Go Green Total

After:

Services

• Virus & Spyware Removal
• Tune-Up Performance
  • Basic
  • Premium
  • Ultimate
• Computer Hardware Repair
• Wireless Networking
• Computer Setup
• Email
• Printer & Devices
• Backup
• Data Recovery
• Software Install
  • Basic Software Install
  • Premium Software Install
• Hardware Install

Training & Consultation

• Basic Computer Training
• Office Suite Training
• Custom Training Program
• Technology Consultation

Go Green

• Eco-Friendly Computing
• eWaste Recycling

Ahh, much better and a lot more understandable don't you think? The purpose for this was because I am getting a lot of complaints in my new area that my customers don't quite understand what my services are and it takes them too long to find what they're looking for, so they simply assume I don't do what they want me to do. In other words, the brochures I've been giving them are too complicated. So, I've simplified it to what you see above.

All my services are still available, but just renamed, adjusted and combined into a more simpler and comprehensible list of services.

Diagnostic was completely thrown out as it comes standard with all repair service, Laptop Screen Repair, Laptop Power Repair and Software Repair were merged into Computer Hardware Repair, Security Optimization was integrated into all my Tune-Ups as it comes standard with them all and the fact that I realized that Security Optimization and Basic Tune-Up were exactly the same price, Data Migration and Security Setup was integrated into Computer Setup as people only get this service whenever I sell them a new PC, Memory Install became part of Hardware Install, Operating System Install became a part of Software Install as a "Premium Software Install", Operating System Training, Internet Training and Email training all became Basic Computer Training and the rest was all simplified and reworded.

So what do you guys think?

 

[Mr I]

[*]Tune-Up Performance

• Basic
• Premium
• Ultimate

I don't get how a tune up can be basic premium or ultimate? I mean, (in my opinion) that sounds like "half fixed", "fixed" or "well fixed".

That sounds more like Windows Home, Professional and Ultimate. What's the difference? Home doesn't have anything and Ultimate have more than what you need.

 

[JosephLeo]

I don't get how a tune up can be basic premium or ultimate? I mean, (in my opinion) that sounds like "half fixed", "fixed" or "well fixed".

That sounds more like Windows Home, Professional and Ultimate. What's the difference? Home doesn't have anything and Ultimate have more than what you need.

For example, in the basic you will only get things like cookies removed, unimportant startup entries removed and energy usage reduction and other minor things. In the premium you will get all of the above plus driver and software updates and a virus scan, and in the ultimate you get all the above plus service pack updates and your data backed up on a DVD.

There's a couple more things to each tune-up type but really beyond the basic there isn't really any more "tuning up" but rather more sellable features. I used to have 1 tune up type when I first started doing this for money but I've had some people say that the price was too much, which is when I came up with "Basic" and "Premium" then later down the road I've added Ultimate. (Oh and actually it's more like Home Basic, Home Premium and Ultimate )

 

[Mr I]

For example, in the basic you will only get things like cookies removed, unimportant startup entries removed and energy usage reduction and other minor things. In the premium you will get all of the above plus driver and software updates and a virus scan, and in the ultimate you get all the above plus service pack updates and your data backed up on a DVD.

There's a couple more things to each tune-up type but really beyond the basic there isn't really any more "tuning up" but rather more sellable features. I used to have 1 tune up type when I first started doing this for money but I've had some people say that the price was too much, which is when I came up with "Basic" and "Premium" then later down the road I've added Ultimate. (Oh and actually it's more like Home Basic, Home Premium and Ultimate )

I'm trying to see this as an end user and the idea of Basic, Premium and Ultimate doesn't sound right. I also understand your point as technician.

When you have option 1-2-3:
1 is the worst
2 is average
3 is too expensive

How about just having 2 options? Basic and Advanced?

My 2 cents

 

[JosephLeo]

I think you might have a point, Since I've added my "Ultimate" service I've only gotten 3 customers out of the deal (granted I moved across the country twice in that same time period).

But the reason I have the Ultimate service is because I feel the need to offer service pack updates and I simply can't sell a service pack update plus all the other features for only $50.

As it stands my prices are $30 basic, $50 premium, $70 ultimate. Changing my pricing to $40 basic, $60 premium might make me change my mind though since I'm making more money money for my basic (best selling) tune-up service. Although that might give my customers the grounds to not want my service to begin with.

I think I might test going with only 2 again beginning September when I print out my new flyers, brochures, business cards and contracts.


Edit: forgot to mention. When you go to the car wash you usually have 3 options, Wash (Basic) Wash + Vacuum (Premium) Wash + Vacuum + Wax (Ultimate). That's kind of what I'm doing here.

 

[NeutronTech]

My tune up includes virus removal and is $99. Actually, I don't really have a tune up. I have basic and advanced repair. The tune up/virus removal falls under the advanced repair. So, I only have two services that I offer. Basic Repair and Advanced Repair. Can't get much simpler than that.

 

[JosephLeo]

My tune up includes virus removal and is $99. Actually, I don't really have a tune up. I have basic and advanced repair. The tune up/virus removal falls under the advanced repair. So, I only have two services that I offer. Basic Repair and Advanced Repair. Can't get much simpler than that.

How is it possible that you don't include tune-up in your basic virus removal package then? I run my basic tune-up after I do a manual virus scan, but before I do a software scan just so I can reduce the amount of scan time.

P.S. How is $99 working for you? I'm at a stiff $119 right now and would wonder if it would increase sales if I dropped the price below the $100 mark.

 

[NeutronTech]

How is it possible that you don't include tune-up in your basic virus removal package then? I run my basic tune-up after I do a manual virus scan, but before I do a software scan just so I can reduce the amount of scan time.

P.S. How is $99 working for you? I'm at a stiff $119 right now and would wonder if it would increase sales if I dropped the price below the $100 mark.

My tune up and virus removal are one and the same. In the past, just about every machine I did a tune up on had a virus. And every virus removal required a tune up. So rather than constantly have to call customers and offer to remove a virus or upsell at tuneup and increase the price, I just bundled the two together. Almost all of my repairs fall under the $99. Simple things like RAM upgrades are $59. The $99 is working out quite well. Where I live the cost of living is pretty low.

EDIT: After reading your post again, I think you misunderstood me. I don't have two virus removal packages, I have two repair packages.... total. OS reinstall, difficult OS issues, viruses, etc fall under the Advanced Repair. Basic Repair includes simple hardware upgrades, quick OS fixes, setting up internet/email, installing software, etc. I do also have a diagnostic fee of $35 in case anyone doesn't want me to do a repair after I figure out what is wrong. If it is a good repeat customer, I sometimes charge the diag fee for real quick fixes. All onsite work is $65/hr plus $25 truck roll.

 

[Tristan]

I like your breakdown JosephLeo. It is very similar to mine.

It is well organized how you have three main headings to divide your services into. It makes it easier to read than having one long list of services. I think that I am going to convert my structure to something similar.

Thank you for sharing!

 

[JosephLeo]

My tune up and virus removal are one and the same. In the past, just about every machine I did a tune up on had a virus. And every virus removal required a tune up. So rather than constantly have to call customers and offer to remove a virus or upsell at tuneup and increase the price, I just bundled the two together. Almost all of my repairs fall under the $99. Simple things like RAM upgrades are $59. The $99 is working out quite well. Where I live the cost of living is pretty low.

EDIT: After reading your post again, I think you misunderstood me. I don't have two virus removal packages, I have two repair packages.... total. OS reinstall, difficult OS issues, viruses, etc fall under the Advanced Repair. Basic Repair includes simple hardware upgrades, quick OS fixes, setting up internet/email, installing software, etc. I do also have a diagnostic fee of $35 in case anyone doesn't want me to do a repair after I figure out what is wrong. If it is a good repeat customer, I sometimes charge the diag fee for real quick fixes. All onsite work is $65/hr plus $25 truck roll.

Ahh, okay. Thanks for clarifying that up. Makes much more sense now.

I like your breakdown JosephLeo. It is very similar to mine.

It is well organized how you have three main headings to divide your services into. It makes it easier to read than having one long list of services. I think that I am going to convert my structure to something similar.

Thank you for sharing!

No problem, I'm happy this post helped someone out.