FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Honestly, there's not much to tell. My pricing scheme is pretty straightforward, simple, and disclosed the moment the customer thoroughly details their issue. I used to utilize a more detailed bracket, but I found that it not only caused confusion, it detracted from the work being done. I found myself always concerned about what category this repair or that repair fit into. Granted there are still tiers based on the complexity and expedient needs of a service call, but again, generally speaking, I try to keep it as simple as possible. The way I figure, if everything is on the up and up, there's no need for gimmicks like hidden fees, discounts, referral bonuses, coupons, etc. Just charge what's needed and everyone can be happy.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Typically, the first thing I attempt to do is discover their budget. Some might immediately think, "Oh? Going straight for the wallet?" And in truth, yes that's exactly what it is; however, it's not for typical money grubbing reasons. On the contrary, it generally tells me a lot about how much they value the item they want repaired; what they know about what they're asking for; and just an important, how much they value the individual doing the work. These are key factors in determining if we're even compatible in a business relationship. Let's face it, no one likes to work for free. And if the potential customer is expecting as much, than nothing good will come of it for either party. Nevertheless, not knowing anything is just as harmful. So I try take that opportunity to briefly outline the procedure(s) involved so that quote makes more sense. All that said, I like to stand on equal ground with new and existing customers alike. It's an equal trade-off after all: I have something you need, and you have something I need.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
We're endorsed by CompTIA, Dell, Microsoft, and several other manufacturers via certifications and/or training courses. Regardless though, what makes us a cut above the rest is the empathetic drive to find and fix problems. It's in my humble opinion that the greatest level of knowledge one can obtain is found in the acknowledgement that there's still so much they don't know and still needs to be learned. When you start to think you've done and seen it all, everything you do will start to eventually go down hill. It is that open mindedness to that knowledge keeps us at the forefront of discovery and resolution creation.