How much do you charge to install OS & Apps?

[aircooled]

No hardware issues. Just a straight Format, OS install, apps install, configure email etc... (WindowsXP/OfficeXP).

Flat rate?

 

[notfred]

nothing, but I only do that on my own machines, would be dumb to charge myself.

If I was charging someone else, it'd probably depend on how many apps I was installing.

 

[mpitts]

$75/hr.

 

[Electric Amish]

The last OS I did, no apps or email, was $100 including all Windows Update. I charge $40/hr.

amish

 

[chin311]

$50/hr

 

[tnitsuj]

100 Trillion Dollars!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[her209]

I charge them their computer.

 

[V00DOO]

No enought money in the world. but if you are going to do it tell the person upfront no support or you'll be their tech supports for life.

 

[aircooled]

I only ask because I have moved away from working on home/personal machines due to the "you touched it last" factor. But I know someone with a gateway laptop (1 year old) with a botched XP install. He asked If I'd wipe it clean for him and start from scratch, otherwise he would take it to CompUSA and have them do it.

I ho-hummed about it and finally then said OK. We haven't work out a price yet, but I've always charged 50hr for side jobs. But since i don't have to be present for most of the OS install I figured I might flat rate this job. Was thinking $125 to $150.

 

[DrPizza]

If it's a friend, I do it with them, explaining the process so they'll know how to do it next time (if there is a next time)

If it's not a friend, I don't do it.

 

[kalster]

arent all these figures a bit high considering how easy it is to install windows

 

[mpitts]

Originally posted by: kalster
arent all these figures a bit high considering how easy it is to install windows

Nope.

 

[dxkj]

Originally posted by: kalster
arent all these figures a bit high considering how easy it is to install windows

easy for who?

You highly overestimate the common user. Or underestimate their stupidity. If you've ever worked tech support you would know its theoretically impossible.

 

[Ausm]

about 75/hr

Ausm

 

[dighn]

wow so much money just to install os & apps...

 

[Spac3d]

Originally posted by: dighn
wow so much money just to install os & apps...

Thats what I was thinking

I should install Linux on their machines ... then they complain and then have me install windows... I can get twice the fees

 

[aircooled]

Just checked with both CompUSA and the local reputable shop.

CompUSA $79 flat rate, install only no config.

Local shop $70 - 90 for OS (depending on driver searching), then 60per hour for app install (also no config).

So it sounds like I'm in the ballpark price wise. I just hope I don't regret doing another home/personal gig.

 

[kalster]

man i think 'common' users need to educate themselves than getting ripped off 75-100 bucks everytime windows acts weird

 

[Garet Jax]

Originally posted by: kalster
arent all these figures a bit high considering how easy it is to install windows

Not on laptops (depending on the age). Make sure you have all appropriate drivers before you start!

 

[Ausm]

Originally posted by: kalster
man i think 'common' users need to educate themselves than getting ripped off 75-100 bucks everytime windows acts weird

Dude the people I help want nothing to do with the inner working of a computer...the just want it to run properly.

I have a local competitor who constantly calls me up to help him with configuring computers....usually he calls me up on his cell when he is at the customer's house . That must look good The guy is a friend but I hate to admit he barely has enough brains to pound sand


Ausm

 

[mpitts]

Originally posted by: kalster
man i think 'common' users need to educate themselves than getting ripped off 75-100 bucks everytime windows acts weird

They should, but they won't.

And what do you care if someone else is stupid with their money?