Building a PC for somebody

[Thanks2C]

If you were going to build a PC for somebody, how much would you charge in labor?

Just wondering, thanks =)

 

[Viper GTS]

My advice:

Unless it's someone you love (ie s/o, not just a family member), do NOT do it. Refer them to Dell.

Because you built it you will be tech support - 24/7 they'll expect you to support it.

You don't want that.

Viper GTS

 

[MistaTastyCakes]

I agree, go tell em to buy a prebuilt unless it's family or something.. and make sure they're at least close to computer literate.

I installed a video card for a friend once to upgrade his 4 year old Dell video and now every time his computer crashes, he calls me and whines. Even when it's not even close to video related.. I'm the "computer guy" and I need to fix it.. it's annoying.

 

[SmirnoffIsTasty]

I charged $100.

 

[Grendel99]

I agree with NOT building them one. Don't even TELL them you CAN build one. Now everytime something goes wrong with there computer, they call you. It's damn annoying.

 

[krackato]

Just look 'em straight in the eye and say "Dude! You're getting a Dell!" They'll be so excited that they'll leave you alone. Charge them $10 for making you look like a dork.

 

[BD231]

I've done plenty of times, $100 is what I charge as well. What you do is say, "Intel, no if's and's or but's". If your confident you know your way around a computer like the back of your hand go for it. Here is a list of things you should do:

1.) Buy all your parts with at least a 2 to 3 year warrentys
2.) Tell them after 12 months you have to charge for any service work
3.) *DO NOT* buy cheap components, always buy top quality parts!!, this will save you ALOT of potential hassle
4.) *DO NOT* buy parts you have never worked with before
5.) *DO NOT* cut corners
6.) *DO NOT* lie to the coustomer
7.) Make sure to tell them that your not a software expert, and that answers for any software related "how to" qeustions can be found in either the softwares manual or website. Also advise them to buy books at any book store on how to work specific programs(Widows for dummies, ect.).
8.) Tell them your warrenty dosn't cover house call's

If you build a computer for someone there is always a potential risk, but the the key factor is trust. When people ask *YOU* to build a computer for them, it is because they trust that when it comes to computers, you know far more then they ever will. If you are confident you can trouble shoot any problem with ease, and feel completely comfortable with computers, then by all means make some money. It's best to come up with your own warrenty statement.

Now everytime something goes wrong with there computer, they call you. It's damn annoying.

If your any good at building computers there wont be any problems you can't solve easily, and a part breaks, whats so hard about the RMA process?

 

[LoTecha]

Some great suggestions here. I personally hate building computers for people and only do it when I really care for them. As other people have said, cheap parts lead to problems. Lastly, don't overclock unless they're really on a tight budget. It's generally not worth it for the average user.