Technician Charge Question

[txHenry]

I have 3 pc's which I need to connect with a network in my office.

I have an independent contractor (refered from an friend who used him
before).
he would do the work.

I would like to find out how much is a fair price to pay for it.

my pc's:
1. pc = XP
2. pc = Win 2K pro
3 pc = Win 98 se

I like to know a price for each of the following 3 different
configurations.

1. config:
regular network with hub, modem on xp for I-net.

2. config:
network with DSL router, server, connect other 2 pc's. internet on all 3
pc's.

3. config:
wireless network with DSL, connect other pc's over internet. (possible?)

how much could the technician charge for either configuration.

can he charge one price for a config or by hour (how many hours would it
take?)
what would be a fair hourly charge?

what else, besides that job, could he charge? ... like:
driving to my office,
pick-up parts.

could anybody help me with this?

 

[Malke]

I have 3 pc's which I need to connect with a network in my office.

I have an independent contractor (refered from an friend who used him
before).
he would do the work.

I would like to find out how much is a fair price to pay for it.

my pc's:
1. pc = XP
2. pc = Win 2K pro
3 pc = Win 98 se

(snip various configurations)

The only way for you to find this out is by calling various techs in
your area and asking them. Call at least three or four and get bids.
Knowing how much I would charge for the job will do you no good unless
you live in my city.

Malke

 

[txHenry]

yes, I believe you're right. after thinking about it, I came to the same
conclusion.
then, of course, the question is, who is the most expierienced one.
after reading here the many problems one can run into, I'll be careful to
choose one
that really knows what he is doing.
friend of mine had a printer added to his network. took the fellow all day
to do it and then
he wanted to charge for all those hours. for something that schould'nt take
more then maybe 10 mminutes.

anyway, thank you for your advice and quick response.
Henry D.

 

[Rube]

Most "Tech's" I've cleaned up after are pretty unprofessional in their
business practices. Always try to meet with them first if you can. Have them
come in for a consultation/estimate. Get an estimate in writing. Make sure
the estimate covers how unexpected problems will be billed. If you don't get
a warm fuzzy feeling from the tech, ask for a reference. If I screw up, then
the client doesn't pay. If the client or another vendor screws up, I charge.
I personally don't charge for in-person estimates that last under an half an
hour. I don't charge for travel unless its out of the way (>50 miles) and I
always tell the client ahead of time. Find a tech who understands that the
goal is to gain repeat customers, not the one-time big inflated bill.

The actual billing rate varies wildly however, based on area, competition,
knowledge & skill set, and greed. GL!

 

[txHenry]

Thank you Rube

This thought me something and I'll be sure to take your advice.

thanks again
Henry D