A bit OT: Taking on a first client for PC support. Pitfalls?

[DeepSparklePupa]

Hi all!

I'm a developer by trade but I've got fairly robust experience with PC diagnostics, and limited experience with networking. By way of a friend, I have an opportunity to take on a small client of 13 machines as a PC-support consultant. The client's immediate needs are to move from Win98 to WinXP and from Works to OfficeXP. Most of their machines are capable (733 mhz, 128 RAM), though some would need RAM upgrades or general replacement. As this is my first client, I have a lot of reservations. I figure this is the best place to bounce my concerns.

Here come the positives:

(1) I am quite confident that I have the expertise needed to install the new operating system without data loss and upgrade the hardware as needed. I have no idea how I might go about purchasing the software or address licensing concerns.
(2) The network is mature and functioning without a problem, and I am confident in my ability to handle simple issues that might come up inside the LAN

And, here is the killer downer:

(1) The users would qualify as techno-tards and would require some considerable hand holding during the conversion. I can commit to training them, but it would be VERY hard because of my full-time job to provide daytime support.

Now, the client said they could work with that. And that is fine. However, when he asked me what my rates would be for work and I replied with a very reasonable $40/hour flat fee to be billed after work is done, his response was to stare at me for a full 20 seconds - as if to intimidate me into lowering it. I walked out of there thinking "screw that".

Is this standard behavior? Is this worth it? What contractual language should I develop to protect myself should I choose to take on this a-hole?

-DSP

 

[mcveigh]

you will have a lot of hand holding, get used to it, but that is what makes you cvaluable, if you acn answer/fix their simple probs w/o making them feel stupid.

$40.00 is reasonable, screw him if he wants less, last time I checked compusa charged $85/hour.

 

[Joemonkey]

where i work, general labor (even installing a floppy drive) is $95 an hour, and networking is $125 an hour, each with a minimum 1 hour

$40 sounds like a damn good deal

 

[Trevelyan]

$40 is very good if you indeed are experienced... if you're a 20 year old or so looking for that, don't expect to not get those stares.

If it's worth it to you for the extra money, than charge less... but don't if it's not.

 

[mcveigh]

Originally posted by: Trevelyan
$40 is very good if you indeed are experienced... if you're a 20 year old or so looking for that, don't expect to not get those stares.

If it's worth it to you for the extra money, than charge less... but don't if it's not.

come-on my mechanic charges more. you can't think as if you are getting this money for 40/hrs week 52 weeks a year.

 

[Workin']

Techno-tards never want to pay. They'll pay a plumber $185 to unplug their commode but somehow setting up a network that their business relies on is not worth $40/hr? I charge $75/hr for basic PC mucking around, and up to $125/hr for networking or other complicated chores, and that's barely enough to make it worth it.

Personally, I wouldn't tackle a job like this (with possibility of data loss or other problems) as an individual - I would (and did) create a LLC (limited liability company) to do the work. The last thing you need is for something to go wrong and then have the a-hole sue you. If you aren't incorporated you are personally liable for any and all damages you cause, and all your personal assets are fair game in a judgement against you. If you incorporate then the company is liable and only its assests are on the line. Incorporating is easier than it sounds and is not expensive.

My biggest piece of advice is to be absolutely sure you know what you are doing, and take care of all the mundane business stuff first. Do everything "legal", including paying taxes and all that fun stuff. You can maybe skate by on some of this stuff if you only work for friends an family, but once stragers enter the mix anything can and will happen.

 

[DeepSparklePupa]

Workin', that is INCREDIBLY good advice. I'm going to incorporate. This is precisely the kind of rat's nest I want to avoid. LOL at the $185 plumber vs. my pittance for bringing him into the 21st Century.

If it weren't for the friend that put me in touch, I'd not be getting into this at all.

-DSP

 

[Workin']

DSP, I'm glad I didn't discourage you and also glad you are going to do it "right". Even thought it sometimes is a giant pain in the a$$ (mainly when dealing with clueless/cheap/abusive clients) most of the time it is a great feeling to get paid a decent wage for doing something you love.

 

[mcveigh]

Originally posted by: DeepSparklePupa
Workin', that is INCREDIBLY good advice. I'm going to incorporate. This is precisely the kind of rat's nest I want to avoid. LOL at the $185 plumber vs. my pittance for bringing him into the 21st Century.

If it weren't for the friend that put me in touch, I'd not be getting into this at all.

-DSP

I highly reccomend you get a lwayer or an accountant to help you out. My first company I screwed up because I read a few books and did it myself, let a pro set it up for you and have an accountant get you going, you don't want heat with the IRS

 

[m2kewl]

$40/hr is about alright but i wouldn't go below that. my friend's a consultant and he charges $125/hr. my rate is $60/hr and that does not include network design (router installs, t1 installation/provision, site-site vpn) in the city.

one thing you will need to do is communicate well with them, and document, document, document everthing you do (important). you'll find as you get more clients/gigs, you'll spend more time working for those extra $$$ in addition to your full time job (a lot of juggling priorties).

 

[sciencetoy]

Well, good luck. If it works out, congrats. If it doesn't, it's a great learning experience.

More advice: be specific ahead of time what you are buying for them, how much it is and that THEY will have to pay for it, in addition to your hours. You can probably buy the software etc you need from a retailer, and it's perfectly okay to add a markup to cover your time (for us, depends on how much we're going to make profit on the rest of the bill).

Also, keep detailed records for yourself of exactly what time you spent and what you did for each hour. But, don't give the client a detailed bill because then they will whine, I'm paying you for WHAT? And then you have to explain every stupid thing to a clueless jerk.

And I'm sure I don't need to say "backup", right?