The computer repair and services field is extremely competitive these days. With over 50 businesses competing in just Wilmington alone, it makes it seem like you can just close your eyes and point your finger on a spot in the phone book and find someone to get the job done right. Some people base their opinions on the size of advertisements or if they even have advertisements. When choosing a computer company to work on your computer, you must be careful as some companies are a one man show where the owner/technician may say they have this certification or that experience.

I believe I should use the automobile analogy. In a way its like shopping for a car. Would you want to buy a used Ford Mustang for $5,000 with a new paint job that looks nice and works okay for that first week, or would you want to buy a $30,000 new Honda/Lexus/Acura that has new paint, works great, and comes with the comfort of knowing it wont break down in the next few weeks?

Better yet, how about an electrician analogy. Would you pay an electrician who charges $10/hr to come into your house to install new power outlets, and the guy ends up using crimp on connectors unlike the electrician who charges $50/hr that uses soldered connections and heat shrink wrap in your house? Lets see how long your house stands before burning down with those crimp on connections holding your electrical wiring together because you went with the “more affordable electrician.”

Many computer companies will use teaser prices to lure you in. Once your baited and hooked these companies that advertise $25/hr can and most likely do end up costing you as much if not more than a prime top notch computer company, plus the time out of your life you wasted trying to get them to get the job right the 2nd or 3rd time can be a huge pain in the neck. Most of the time you even end up with less than what you could have gotten if you went with a $70/hr or $80/hr computer company.

Not only can these fly-by-night computer companies be a waste of money, and maybe even put you in a worst case scenario than before, but they also give the select few reputable companies a bad name as a computer repair and services provider. The cheaper rate companies will sometimes show up late without calling or not at all. Most of them give you an appointment range of some time within 3-5 hours of x date.

Good and reliable computer companies that show up on time and perform the work like it should be done charge the higher rate for obvious reasons. Another reason for the higher rates is the cost in advertising and the hourly rate for a good reliable drug-free employee. The higher rate companies not only go that extra mile to make you happier with your choices, but when it comes to making appointments, we will give you an on the hour appointment so that you know we will be there at that time, and not 1-3 hours before or after.

So call around, ask questions, be sure you are getting what you pay for.
Below we have included a list of questions for you to ask computer repair and services companies that you call.

• What are your rates for the job I need done?
• How soon will you be available to come out to complete the job?
• What is the process that you take to reinstall windows and get my computer back up and running? (If you have to reinstall windows)
• If you come on site, are there any extra fees involved (travel fees, etc)
• When you do come on site, how do you charge? (Example: IPM Computers charges full rate for the first hour, and after that we charge by every half hour. Afterall, who wants to pay a full hour rate when they guy is at your house for an hour and 15 minutes?
• What is the turn around time on your repair work? (Example: IPM Computers can have a custom computer fully built within 1-2 weeks, typically 1 week. Also with windows reinstalls, we have a turn around time of 1-2 days.)
• Is my computer at risk of losing its data? If so will I lose it all or just select things?
• What is your primary service that your company performs? (Example: Virus removal, wireless network installs, custom computer builds, etc)
• How long has your business been in business for?