Small Business Network setup and free tech Support

[Skillachi]

A friend of mines just started his own computer repair shop offering many services. A few days ago a church in the area contact him to set up a contract with him for setting up there network including free support because of their small budget and lack of donations. By the way he is a one man business as of now.

They have 5 computers and 3 printers to set up the network. Also they keep asking him if they need a server. So I told him to the best of my knowledge that a network that size do not need a server. The best solutions for them right now is NAS for backing up. But I told him that supporting any business right now could be a stressful task seeing that he is just starting up and he is the only employee.

Then I thought about it so I told him probably 6 months free tech support is a good idea so that he does not get locked in for two long. Example what if he get 3 calls around the same time from local residents or others businesses where he has to go on site??


By the way he told me that they will pay him for setting up the network but he does not know how much to charge them ( how much do you guys think he should charge base on the size of the network?) And they keep stressing free technical support. Which seems like the most important thing for them.....


Any Ideas guys/gals what do you think? all suggestions are welcome....

 

[MPCR]

Providing reduced-price services to a church could be a good move for him as he is just starting out. It is a good chance to make his name known, assuming the church is willing to mention him as their 'computer guy.' The recommendation by their church is a strong selling point to those who attend. At the same time, it is not a good idea for a struggling up-start to give out months of free service. I do believe that it could certainly look good to the church and potential clients if he gives free support, but I would definitely include a clause in there stating that they get the first available time slot in his schedule, not that they supersede all other obligations. What I mean by this is that if he is booked for Tuesday and Wednesday, they call him on Tuesday, then he tells them he is available x time on Thursday, he cannot be expected to bump paying customers to give free tech support.

Overall, this seems like a good opportunity for him, but unless there is some sort of non-monetary compensation (advertising of some sort) then working for free tends to be a very bad idea. It is a good opportunity, especially since they are offering to pay for the initial setup, but don't let that turn loss-of-profit in the coming months, or all that you have gained will be lost. As far as the server is concerned, I think it would tend to be an unnecessary expense for most church's, as they are not losing money on downtime and are probably not running much that would benefit from a server install. It would stretch an already thin budget and more likely than not would take away from any compensation your friend can expect. I also really don't believe it would be very beneficial for the majority of church's, if you had a more thorough examination of what they use their computers and network for, it would be easier to make an informed opinion on that front.

Hope that helped a little bit!

 

[Xander]

He'll get screwed over.

If he wants to chance it, he should offer a discounted rate rather than free. Free will get you screwed over every time.

Also, people don't hold any value for something that is free. Studies have shown that even if someone pays $.01 for something, they respect it more than if they get it for free. If they can get his time for free, it holds no value to them and they'll squander it. If they have to pay _something_ for it, they will use it more judiciously.

 

[onetech4all]

By the way he told me that they will pay him for setting up the network but he does not know how much to charge them ( how much do you guys think he should charge base on the size of the network?)

- he runs a computer business and offers services, takes on jobs that are probably beyond him, and has no idea what to charge? Has he done any research in his area for pricing? Also, since he is running a business, maybe a business website or something would be useful, so we know we are not dealing with some pizza tech. And who asks pricing for a friend that runs a computer business?
I think it's shady when you sign-up and you got a very low count of posts, didn't bother to even use the search option and browse through the threads that we have on this forum and ask questions expecting to be spoonfed.
Pure sign of laziness on your friend's part and yours!

 

[Crgky127]

Xander hit the nail on the head (as usual!).

I'd do it for a significantly reduced rate if they had my logo on all of their newsletters, a poster on their bulletin board, plus cards and brochures etc etc. Also they would have to agree to not tell anyone else it was for a reduced rate, and it would be on my schedule.

I'm assuming they are just using email, printing documents, and maybe accounting right? Then yea just a NAS. Maybe a ClearOS or similar solution for security and VPN if it would ease their minds. I think GoogleApps is free for churches, but if he goes that way he should still sync to local disk and back that up to the NAS.

 

[ATTech]

What is with the questions (I know you didn't directly ask the question, but you alluded to the uncertainty) about whether or not a network with X computers and Y printers need a server? Do people not understand the concept of servers? They are there to "serve" the clients in the network some type of "service." John's 5 PC internet Cafe may have no use for a server while Jeff's 5 PC Real Estate firm may need an application server for Real Estate type software. A network's size doesn't determine the necessity of a server; the usage requirements do.

* Hops off soap box *

 

[Xander]

I'd do it for a significantly reduced rate if they had my logo on all of their newsletters, a poster on their bulletin board, plus cards and brochures etc etc. Also they would have to agree to not tell anyone else it was for a reduced rate, and it would be on my schedule.

Great points. Doing it cheap still needs to have some other form of compensation to balance it out. I was once a missionary and can say without bias that some churches seem to think that praying for someone's soul is full payment for their skilled labour.

 

[Skillachi]

Providing reduced-price services to a church could be a good move for him as he is just starting out. It is a good chance to make his name known, assuming the church is willing to mention him as their 'computer guy.' The recommendation by their church is a strong selling point to those who attend. At the same time, it is not a good idea for a struggling up-start to give out months of free service. I do believe that it could certainly look good to the church and potential clients if he gives free support, but I would definitely include a clause in there stating that they get the first available time slot in his schedule, not that they supersede all other obligations. What I mean by this is that if he is booked for Tuesday and Wednesday, they call him on Tuesday, then he tells them he is available x time on Thursday, he cannot be expected to bump paying customers to give free tech support.

Overall, this seems like a good opportunity for him, but unless there is some sort of non-monetary compensation (advertising of some sort) then working for free tends to be a very bad idea. It is a good opportunity, especially since they are offering to pay for the initial setup, but don't let that turn loss-of-profit in the coming months, or all that you have gained will be lost. As far as the server is concerned, I think it would tend to be an unnecessary expense for most church's, as they are not losing money on downtime and are probably not running much that would benefit from a server install. It would stretch an already thin budget and more likely than not would take away from any compensation your friend can expect. I also really don't believe it would be very beneficial for the majority of church's, if you had a more thorough examination of what they use their computers and network for, it would be easier to make an informed opinion on that front.

Hope that helped a little bit!

He told me that they use two computers on the second floor for finance. And the other three for day to day task like scheduling services/mass, checking mail, browsing sites, writing letters on so on, just basic stuff nothing hardcore.

 

[Skillachi]

- he runs a computer business and offers services, takes on jobs that are probably beyond him, and has no idea what to charge? Has he done any research in his area for pricing? Also, since he is running a business, maybe a business website or something would be useful, so we know we are not dealing with some pizza tech. And who asks pricing for a friend that runs a computer business?
I think it's shady when you sign-up and you got a very low count of posts, didn't bother to even use the search option and browse through the threads that we have on this forum and ask questions expecting to be spoonfed.
Pure sign of laziness on your friend's part and yours!

Just looking for some positive feedback here nothing negative but thanks for your post.

 

[onetech4all]

Just looking for some positive feedback here nothing negative but thanks for your post.

- You are welcome!

 

[Xander]

Just looking for some positive feedback here nothing negative but thanks for your post.

If you don't like answers received, don't ask the question in the first place.

You're getting honest answers from experienced businesspersons on an issue you asked about. Free advice, I might add.

If all you want is "YAY! GREAT IDEA! HERE'S A COOKIE!", then please specify that in your original post. Or post and then ask the mods to lock it so no one can give any feedback at all.

 

[ljtechservices]

some churches seem to think that praying for someone's soul is full payment for their skilled labour.

yeah I've been in that situation. It's why I don't do business with them or anyone who says in effect "you should give me a break because I could send a lot of business your way."
The favor you can do me is pay the bill, refer someone if you're happy with the service & let me talk to God myself.

 

[Skillachi]

If you don't like answers received, don't ask the question in the first place.

You're getting honest answers from experienced businesspersons on an issue you asked about. Free advice, I might add.

If all you want is "YAY! GREAT IDEA! HERE'S A COOKIE!", then please specify that in your original post. Or post and then ask the mods to lock it so no one can give any feedback at all.

I don't understand your attacking comments but thanks for your post.... little bit of hate motivates at times....

 

[Xander]

Skillachi, if you read my posts as "attacking", you'd best stay off this thing they call "the internet".

You seem to have difficulty telling the difference between "blunt" and "attacking".

 

[Skillachi]

Skillachi, if you read my posts as "attacking", you'd best stay off this thing they call "the internet".

You seem to have difficulty telling the difference between "blunt" and "attacking".

I guess YOU can't tell the difference making comments like "YAY! GREAT IDEA! HERE'S A COOKIE!" whats all that for??

 

[Xander]

I guess YOU can't tell the difference making comments like "YAY! GREAT IDEA! HERE'S A COOKIE!" whats all that for??

If you want to argue on the web intelligently, remember to keep things in context.
'If all you want is "YAY! GREAT IDEA! HERE'S A COOKIE!"' is not the same as "YAY! GREAT IDEA! HERE'S A COOKIE!".
One is a conditional question of intent; the other, a would-be taunt.

You chastised the commentors for their negativity and, when questioned on it, claim attacks? "whats all that for??" (sic)

 

[OceanValleyIT]

I smell pizza ....................................................

 

[Skillachi]

If you want to argue on the web intelligently, remember to keep things in context.
'If all you want is "YAY! GREAT IDEA! HERE'S A COOKIE!"' is not the same as "YAY! GREAT IDEA! HERE'S A COOKIE!".
One is a conditional question of intent; the other, a would-be taunt.

You chastised the commentors for their negativity and, when questioned on it, claim attacks? "whats all that for??" (sic)

When did asking for positive feedback became chastising???? You've been out of context hours ago. It's best if we agree to disagree... Enough Said......

 

[TimJacobs]

OK, I have a question..... Why would you friend (the one running the computer business) ask you and not him to sign up for a forum that is about running a computer repair business? In other words..... why are you playing the middle man?

Do you own a computer repair business??

 

[NorCal Internet]

What is with the questions (I know you didn't directly ask the question, but you alluded to the uncertainty) about whether or not a network with X computers and Y printers need a server? Do people not understand the concept of servers? They are there to "serve" the clients in the network some type of "service." John's 5 PC internet Cafe may have no use for a server while Jeff's 5 PC Real Estate firm may need an application server for Real Estate type software. A network's size doesn't determine the necessity of a server; the usage requirements do.

* Hops off soap box *

+1

My God... You took the words, word-for-word damn near, right out of my mouth!