Just Curious..PC Building Question

[thephoenix]

For those who build, have built, a pc for others; how much do/did you charge for doing it?

 

[natto fire]

So far,

an eighth of weed, a CD, 10$, nothing.

It all depends on the person, I enjoy shopping for parts and spending other peoples money. It's the tech support that sucks

 

[kitkat22]

Everyone I did the builds for were family, free.

 

[Remedy]

I usually charge $75. It only takes me 17 minutes or less to put all the hardware in and about 2 hours to install the OS and Service packs. If I have to build more than one for that client, then I usually just break it down in average or $50 each PC after 2 Unit builds. Cable Management is down point. But, While the OS is installing. I perform cable management during that period. So, it works out for me.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Nothing although I have been given as much as $100 by someone

 

[nick1985]

nothing is worth them calling you for tech support.

 

[thephoenix]

so.. if they call for tech support are you just conveniently absent.. or just conveniently forget everything pc related...
Ever noticed this sort of look people get when ya mention ya like to work on pc's ( or do it for a living ), its kinda like you just announced you were a doctor and if they can manage to corner you they can get free medical advice?

 

[7earitup]

Originally posted by: thephoenix
so.. if they call for tech support are you just conveniently absent.. or just conveniently forget everything pc related...
Ever noticed this sort of look people get when ya mention ya like to work on pc's ( or do it for a living ), its kinda like you just announced you were a doctor and if they can manage to corner you they can get free medical advice?

Isn't that the truth =)

 

[shoRunner]

anywhere from $0-$150.

 

[AMDrulZ]

I charge the maximum of $100. And I ask them about part's what's there need's do they want it AMD or Intel how much do you want to spend. Then I pick the part's see if they like all of the components. Then I take them to the part's store than I build it. Then I set it up for them if they don't know how and I show them how to hook it up. Then I help then get it on the Internet. And show them how to get it on the Internet if they don't know how. And I show them how to maintain the pc if they don't know how. Then I show them how to shut it off if they don't know how. Then I tell them if they have any problem's call me. About all of the stupid explanations about how to do stuff you will be surprised by how much stupid question's people ask you esp. OLD PEOPLE. So I figured it was worth $100 in the end. OLD PEOPLE!!! LOL. Have you ever tried to teach a 75 to 80 year old person how to get on the Internet, What a pain in the ASS In the end I am glad that I helped them and it is fun building PC?s any way so it is worth it for both of you in the end? Just not the tech support part!!!

 

[Jeff7]

Originally posted by: nick1985
nothing is worth them calling you for tech support.

Exactly. Once you build a PC for someone, you are tech support for life, even when they get another PC. You are a body of knowledge, and like leeches, they're going to attach to you and suck every bit of it out.
So make it clear that you can't provide 24/7 tech support - or else make it expensive. My high school physics teacher said that he charges $75/hr to fix people's PC's, mainly as a deterrent, but also because, if someone does get him to fix a PC, it'll be worth his time.

For the original question, I've only built PCs for family as well, and then all I collect money for is what the parts cost.

 

[The Pentium Guy]

I don't build PCs for other people. I make em do it themselves (I help them with their parts). That way i'm not their life support, and whatever goes wrong they know it's THEIR mistake.

 

[Confusednewbie1552]

Easy solution for tech support:
1: Charge them for a lot of money.
2: Pretend you have no idea and say ask your computer administator (just like windows when a problem happens =D ).
3: While building the computer include a free lesson on how to use Anandtech and Gooogle.

 

[mauiblue]

I would charge at least $100/hr because that's what it's worth to me and I would tell them that they have to trouble shoot problems themselves because it will cost them $100/hr if I do trouble shoot any problems. BTW, average built time charge would be 2.5 hr not including install of software - that would be extra

 

[suicidalpigeon]

Originally posted by: mauiblue
I would charge at least $100/hr because that's what it's worth to me and I would tell them that they have to trouble shoot problems themselves because it will cost them $100/hr if I do trouble shoot any problems. BTW, average built time charge would be 2.5 hr not including install of software - that would be extra

overpriced bastard.

anyways i got paid from icecream coupons up to a free ticket on halfcourt seats to the heats home games vs the wizards.

 

[Topweasel]

Gifts accepted for building a computer, Carton of Marlboros, 1/5 wild Turkey, case of Bud Lite, lunch, hard drive, $20.

I have Never Charged anyone for building or designing a computer.

 

[Yilar]

I never charge people anything, they usually surprise you with a little token of appreciation. But lately I've stopped doing it, for some reason once you've installed it, any problems after that, and I do mean ANY problems, are automatically your problem. Even if it's loads of spyware crap because they've been surfing the porn sites all day.. So no, I just keep to my own systems and that's it.

 

[thephoenix]

heheh.. I have that problem now without building the suckers. I'd hate to think it could get worse :frown:

 

[w00t]

Ive never built a computer for someone but I have fixed them I fixed 6 computers 3 from an office and 3 from his house made $300.

 

[w00t]

Originally posted by: 7earitup

Originally posted by: thephoenix
so.. if they call for tech support are you just conveniently absent.. or just conveniently forget everything pc related...
Ever noticed this sort of look people get when ya mention ya like to work on pc's ( or do it for a living ), its kinda like you just announced you were a doctor and if they can manage to corner you they can get free medical advice?

Isn't that the truth =)

it is that is why I keep it on the dl than I always get people asking me how do i fix this and this and this. I want to be nice but its really dont get annoying when you dont want to talk about computers cause you've been on them all day.