how much to charge computer/network installation

[NeoSolo]

new Dental office network setup.

15 computers + 1 server for dental program
2 printers
1 or 2 switchs
1 print server
Basic LAN setup
NOT connected to WAN (dentist choice)
NO wireless

Software:
- Dental program
- some graphic program for viewing x-ray
- 12 Win XP
- 4 probably 2k or 9x

network wires are already in place.

How much should I charge?
Thinking $50/an hour...
is this reasonable? too low? too high?

oh yeah this is not my main job.. I am doing this for a favor of friend of friend. But he is willing to pay reasonably. I am not sure how much network/installation people get pay.

 

[CTho9305]

20-30 if you're in high school, 50 otherwise is fine

 

[Spac3d]

Originally posted by: CTho9305
20-30 if you're in high school, 50 otherwise is fine

 

[ScoobMaster]

$50/hour is not a bad benchmark to start - but here is my word of caution (speaking from experience):

What type of "after install" support does the customer expect? Make darn sure that you negotiate terms of ongoing support or make it clear that you are not offering to support/maintain this system "free for life".



If you don't set terms and expectations ahead of time, any little computer problem (whether it is related to your network setup or not) may be directed to you in the future. Consider this - receptionist has a problem with windows media player - "I know, I'll call that computer guy that installed the system".

 

[WileCoyote]

for in-home computer work I charge $40/hr. For in-home networking, $50/hr. I live in northern virginia where the cost of living is super high - I charge almost exactly half the going rate for each type of work. and i charge cost for supplies.

 

[rutchtkim]

Originally posted by: ScoobMaster
$50/hour is not a bad benchmark to start - but here is my word of caution (speaking from experience):

What type of "after install" support does the customer expect? Make darn sure that you negotiate terms of ongoing support or make it clear that you are not offering to support/maintain this system "free for life".



If you don't set terms and expectations ahead of time, any little computer problem (whether it is related to your network setup or not) may be directed to you in the future. Consider this - receptionist has a problem with windows media player - "I know, I'll call that computer guy that installed the system".

ditto

 

[toant103]

Originally posted by: WileCoyote
for in-home computer work I charge $40/hr. For in-home networking, $50/hr. I live in northern virginia where the cost of living is super high - I charge almost exactly half the going rate for each type of work. and i charge cost for supplies.

i'm in northern virginia also. Springfield. man, cost of living there are crazy. I think i'm going to move south, woodbridge or something

 

[her209]

Do it for free, so that the next time you need dental work, he won't charge you an arm and a leg.

 

[dquan97]

Originally posted by: her209
Do it for free, so that the next time you need dental work, he won't charge you an arm and a leg.

Insurance would probably pay for it...

I think $50/hr is reasonable. I'm thinking of charging $30/hr for webpage creation.

 

[kt]

Originally posted by: ScoobMaster
$50/hour is not a bad benchmark to start - but here is my word of caution (speaking from experience):

What type of "after install" support does the customer expect? Make darn sure that you negotiate terms of ongoing support or make it clear that you are not offering to support/maintain this system "free for life".

Yup, make it crystal clear that you don't provide free "after install" support.

 

[mpitts]

Originally posted by: rutchtkim

Originally posted by: ScoobMaster
$50/hour is not a bad benchmark to start - but here is my word of caution (speaking from experience):

What type of "after install" support does the customer expect? Make darn sure that you negotiate terms of ongoing support or make it clear that you are not offering to support/maintain this system "free for life".



If you don't set terms and expectations ahead of time, any little computer problem (whether it is related to your network setup or not) may be directed to you in the future. Consider this - receptionist has a problem with windows media player - "I know, I'll call that computer guy that installed the system".

ditto

I could not agree more. Make sure that you have that talk with him and his people. This is one of the reasons I don't build computers for my friends/family anymore.

 

[randal]

If you were a business and doing it right, I'd say $75/hr is low end. But you're just you, so $50 is pretty good. If you're really good at what you do and you have some history and other clients, then $55-$60 is not out of range.

randal

 

[Pakman]

Originally posted by: toant103

Originally posted by: WileCoyote
for in-home computer work I charge $40/hr. For in-home networking, $50/hr. I live in northern virginia where the cost of living is super high - I charge almost exactly half the going rate for each type of work. and i charge cost for supplies.

i'm in northern virginia also. Springfield. man, cost of living there are crazy. I think i'm going to move south, woodbridge or something

Heh, I'm in Springfield too.

 

[slycat]

Originally posted by: Pakman

Originally posted by: toant103

Originally posted by: WileCoyote
for in-home computer work I charge $40/hr. For in-home networking, $50/hr. I live in northern virginia where the cost of living is super high - I charge almost exactly half the going rate for each type of work. and i charge cost for supplies.

i'm in northern virginia also. Springfield. man, cost of living there are crazy. I think i'm going to move south, woodbridge or something

Heh, I'm in Springfield too.

how is bart and the family?

 

[NeoSolo]

Thanks guys.

Actually, I will be doing this at Fairfax area.. I should be charging more =)) i should charge more for driving.. =)) haha..

I will make sure I tell him that after support will cost $50/ an hour after 30 days. I guess I should give him 30 days to test his system, make sure everything is working properly.

I am software develp, so this is not my primary job or bussiness. just weekend help for a friend.

 

[NeoSolo]

One more thing..

How long do you think this will take?

I was est.ing 2 days at max. 8 hours a day. have 2 weekend to finish the job.. so ..


Basically take the computer out of the box.. install dental software for 15 computers. mount the 10 lcds to the wall...

=) dental work.. got insurance..