POLL: How much should I charge?

Jeff7181

Lifer
Aug 21, 2002
18,368
11
81
I built a PC for my aunt... she told me what she wanted to do, and how long she wanted to keep it before she needed to upgrade again, so I built her one accordingly. She also wanted an LCD... so with a 17 inch LCD, the total came to $820. She told me to figure out how much she owes me for putting it all together... I'm not sure what to charge... I was thinking 10% ... but I don't know what she's thinking... if she's thinking like $20 or $100... I don't wanna make her jaw drop by telling her 10% What do you all think is a fair price?
 
Dec 28, 2001
11,391
3
0
Originally posted by: PipBoy
I wouldn't charge family.

And then you can later guilt her into buying you something that's worth a loooot more than what you've charged her.:evil:
 

bpctech

Senior member
Sep 6, 2001
483
0
0
just round up to the nearest ten or something, i wouldn't chare for a family member.
 

EyeMWing

Banned
Jun 13, 2003
15,670
1
0
She's family. Don't charge. When she tells her friends, charge THEM 10% (and factor it into the original price you present them so it doesn't look like you're charging them either.
 

spaceman

Lifer
Dec 4, 2000
17,611
172
106
lump it and build it for free.
u may need a favor returned at some point in time.
 

dfox227

Member
Feb 4, 2003
88
0
0
Congratulations...you have just become full time tech support. I built a computer for a friend and EVERYTIME something goes wrong I get a phone call, and I didn't charge anything.
 

godmare

Diamond Member
Sep 25, 2002
5,121
0
0
Originally posted by: Jeff7181
I built a PC for my aunt... she told me what she wanted to do, and how long she wanted to keep it before she needed to upgrade again, so I built her one accordingly. She also wanted an LCD... so with a 17 inch LCD, the total came to $820. She told me to figure out how much she owes me for putting it all together... I'm not sure what to charge... I was thinking 10% ... but I don't know what she's thinking... if she's thinking like $20 or $100... I don't wanna make her jaw drop by telling her 10% What do you all think is a fair price?

If she's thinking $20 or $100, and you tell her 10% of $820, why would her jaw drop :confused:
I'd just charge for parts, prolly... just round up ;)
 

Hossenfeffer

Diamond Member
Jul 16, 2000
7,462
1
0
Charge $50. She'll gladly pay for it.

She told me to figure out how much she owes me for putting it all together...
You're gonna get plenty of calls later on how to work/fix something. Best to get at least something for your troubles.
 

Danman

Lifer
Nov 9, 1999
13,134
0
0
Originally posted by: Hossenfeffer
Charge $50. She'll gladly pay for it.

She told me to figure out how much she owes me for putting it all together...
You're gonna get plenty of calls later on how to work/fix something. Best to get at least something for your troubles.

Yea, that's what I charged some of my family members when I built PC's for them. 100 is a little too much for a close relative.
 

HappyPuppy

Lifer
Apr 5, 2001
16,997
2
71
When any family member comes to me to build a computer, I find out what they need and then tell them what model DELL to buy and to be sure to get the 3 year extended on-site warranty. Problem solved.
 

iamme

Lifer
Jul 21, 2001
21,058
3
0
just make her promise that she won't call you for tech support :(

that's worth more than the money she would have given you :p
 

Evadman

Administrator Emeritus<br>Elite Member
Feb 18, 2001
30,990
5
81
Originally posted by: HappyPuppy
When any family member comes to me to build a computer, I find out what they need and then tell them what model DELL to buy and to be sure to get the 3 year extended on-site warranty. Problem solved.

Here here! Buinding a comp for family = free tech support for life.

Hey, evad... How do I send an e-mail?
Hey, evad... How come my screen is dark?
Hey, evad... Paypal sent me an e-mail asking for my password and SS number. Now all my money is gone.
 

Viperoni

Lifer
Jan 4, 2000
11,084
1
71
1. Build computer for someone
2. They screw up something software wise
3. You fix it for free
4. Repeat #2 and #3 indefinetely
5. ....
6. No profit
 

AgaBoogaBoo

Lifer
Feb 16, 2003
26,108
5
81
Originally posted by: pillage2001
You're gonna regret this.....

Thats what came to my mind. But now that you've done it, you can't change that.

I would make sure you put all the warranty information even if its something you have to printout online in a packet or something for every part so if there is ever a problem with a certain part, she has all the papers.

I would do it for free and if you haven't given her the price list, add a little onto each product and tell her some lame reason for prices going up and that you don't want any money for it. ;) :)
 

ultimatebob

Lifer
Jul 1, 2001
25,134
2,449
126
I wouldn't charge my family for labor to build a computer, but I might consider charging for tech support for fixing problems that weren't the fault of the system. I do enough tech support at work, and certainly don't want to do it when I'm visiting family members on vacation.
 

Mookow

Lifer
Apr 24, 2001
10,162
0
0
Do it for free... BUT, make sure she knows that doing it for free was a "family" thing, and teh support is not included on that. So, if she wants you to come over and fix it, its gonna cost her. Set up an hourly rate now, save yourself a hassle later