The question, “How much do computer repairs cost?” Is one that frequently haunts a PC owner as soon as a computer issue shows up. We have all been there at some point in our life! Luckily, there are plenty of companies that specialize in offering computer services at an affordable rate. They generally have the skills and resources to undertake repairs that may need to be done on your computer and if you are lucky – in most cases, you should be able to find basic services for less than $50 in most cities of Australia such as Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
Rule No1 – Search locally!
One way to find affordable computer repair is to contact computer repair specialists in your area. Companies typically offer scheduled appointments and at a specific rate. During an appointment, they will evaluate the problem with your computer and come up with an estimate for repairing the issue. While some companies charge a flat rate for this service, many companies work under a value-added pricing system.
When you call computer repair companies, be sure to get a written quote over the phone. Some companies will charge for this service. Also, be aware that the price you get quoted over the phone may be quoted in a different manner at the time of your visit. It is possible that the quoted price will increase after the visit. Therefore, it is always recommended that you bring your computer to the repair company or a technician out to you for a visual inspection.
Experience counts!
Computer repair specialists typically have many years of experience in the field. When you call them, ask them for an estimate on the total cost of your computer repairs. They should provide you with this estimate in writing. If possible, schedule an appointment to talk directly with a technician from the company so that you can get an idea of their reputation. While any computer repairs can be costly, having an established, good-standing business in your local community is a plus when it comes to finding good computer repair services.
If you have never used computer repair service before, it may seem like an overwhelming task. However, you should know that there are a variety of options available to you when it comes to it. Not to worry, you can usually find simple solutions at reasonable prices.
Is it worth it?
A poll conducted by Melbourne based computer service professionals (see computertechnicians.com.au) found that users with older computers opted to purchase a new computer as majority of the poll claimed that it may not be worthwhile to repair the old one. While others claimed that fixing an older computer will help you save money and possibly consider purchasing a new computer only when the actual need arises
Compare and select
It is also important to compare repair companies. Some companies will try to convince you to pay an initial fee upfront. However, you should make sure that this fee is not an annual fee – you have been warned!
Reputation
Before you decide on a specific company, you should research their customer service reputation. It is nice if a company stands behind its work a 100 percent. If a company is unsure about how well it performs its repairs, it probably is not a very trustworthy company – just hop on to the next one to research!
You have made up your mind, now what?
You also need to consider some factors before committing to a repair. First, you need to consider the cost of the parts that the computer technician will need to repair your computer. Most repair companies will have tie ups with a reputable supplier, so they tend to get parts cheaper – make sure you are not ripped off with heavy parts cost. Depending on the damage that is done to your computer, you may also need the technician to reprogram the computer which means – if you have a Windows PC; Windows may need to be reinstalled and the same goes for a mac.
After sales
You may also want to check out whether the repair company offers any other services. For example, some companies offer online help/remote support – as an afterwork guarantee/support. If you have trouble with your computer in the future and need advice in the future, you might be able to get help online or over the phone. Most repair companies provide online tutorials on how to do so that are easy to follow. If you do choose to use online help, be sure to choose a company that offers ongoing free support or at least for a reasonable fee.
Verdict
The answer to this question is a bit complicated. First, many companies offer different discounts for various reasons. For example, if the repair requires several pieces of hardware from one company, you will receive a discount on all those pieces. Also, when you bring your computer in for repair, the company will save money because it will not have to hire any extra staff to man the store, if a technician is being called out of there. That being said, on an average people spend anywhere from $150-$300 on repairs in Australia.