How much to charge for fixing PC?

DoubleCheese · 15 Dec 2009 at 21:35

I've built PC's for a few friends over the years and like most people on here regularly help out a bunch more people resolve PC issues.
So, this evening I got a call from a friend (who I initially me via a close friend) thatI had built a PC for about 3 years ago. I haven't heard from him in ages but every and then I do when he has PC issues or wants to buy periferals.
Anwyay, the PC is critical for him (second job/income) and it died last night, the PSU gave up. So I went round, took it out, we dashed to *** a competitor that I'm not going to mention again *** and got a replacement, fitted it and hey presto he's back in business! All in all just over 1.5 hrs
He's offered to give me something for fixing it. What would be a fair and reasonable amount to ask for?

Dano · 15 Dec 2009 at 21:39

Whatever 1.5 hours of your time is worth to you.

Robbo · 15 Dec 2009 at 21:40

20 quid or something is reasonable in this instance I'd reckon.

Albaba · 15 Dec 2009 at 21:41

I charge 15quid an hour. For mates its different tho. Just get him to take you to the pub.

jellybeard999 · 15 Dec 2009 at 21:44

If it's a mate, a pint. If not, so long as it's not a constant hassle, just tell him whatever he thinks.

DoubleCheese · 15 Dec 2009 at 21:54

I was thinking something along the lines of £20-30, so its in the same ball park. Thanks!

BigRazer93 · 16 Dec 2009 at 00:08

I would say a few pints in the pub, or a tenner?

Naffa · 16 Dec 2009 at 00:51

I charge £80 per hour for my services, but that doesn't involve computers (usually). When doing computer related deeds, I think fifteen to twenty pounds is a fair cop.

Mik3 · 16 Dec 2009 at 01:02

Trust me if you do it for him cheap you will have every Tom Dick and Harry bringing their computers for you to fix. I stopped doing it as I had half the town asking me to fix their computers.

shauncr91 · 16 Dec 2009 at 01:04

Never, ever, ever, under any circumstances, fix a PC for free or cheap.

You'll instantly become tech support for every relative, friend, pet...you get the idea.

Gaijin · 16 Dec 2009 at 01:06

I charge £30-40 for a "fix" depending on how long it takes.

steve-h · 16 Dec 2009 at 01:07

depends what you have to do

arc@css · 16 Dec 2009 at 01:17

Your time, effort and advice, gotta be worth £40.

snowdog · 16 Dec 2009 at 01:55

I usually charge very generously, about 15-20 € per hour.

Kennysevenfold · 16 Dec 2009 at 06:55

I take £20 an hour so charge the 2 hours.

£30/40 is fair

MowyTone · 16 Dec 2009 at 07:04

shauncr91 said:
Never, ever, ever, under any circumstances, fix a PC for free or cheap.

You'll instantly become tech support for every relative, friend, pet...you get the idea.

This.

I didnt even get asked by relatives, they just assume I want to fix it for them.

That aside I'd say £15-£20

[FnG]magnolia · 16 Dec 2009 at 08:52

Get him to buy you a pint. You've probably done a crap job on it anyway :-)

Gangster · 16 Dec 2009 at 08:57

shauncr91 said:
Never, ever, ever, under any circumstances, fix a PC for free or cheap.

You'll instantly become tech support for every relative, friend, pet...you get the idea.

This +1. I learnt my lesson and now charge... the requests are much less now they have to pay out

Stretch · 16 Dec 2009 at 09:39

Albaba said:
I charge 15quid an hour. For mates its different tho. Just get him to take you to the pub.

That would cost him more than £15 an hour.