How much should I pay my friend for fixing my PC?

warnski

Hi everybody this may seem a bit silly but I have no idea about the going rates for such things...

My laptop was crashing every time I switched it on and had various faults. My friend who has worked in IT took it away and thinks he's sorted it.

Assuming its good as new as he seems to think, and baring in mind that a) he's trying to get himself started as a self-employed PC expert, and b)I wouldn't have had a clue how to sort it myself...

how much cash should I offer for his trouble??

Thanks in advance

debitcardmayhem

My rate is :beer::beer:

Barneysmom

None.
1 He's a friend
2 He's had some free training.

Or
1. A tenner
2. Buy him a curry.

When mine crashed it was £30 in the shop to sort it out if that helps.

warnski

debitcardmayhem wrote: »

My rate is :beer::beer:

That's pretty much what I thought - was just worried it was worth lots as he'd be too polite to say

annasoper

yep, a pint would do. No awkwardness then

[Deleted User]

Hi,

thanks, :T mate, have a :beer:.

That's what mates are for, he might need you some day for a wee bit of help.

Mista_C

If he's thinking of making a business of it then offer him a pint and (assuming you're happy with his work) write him a testimonial for a website, business card or other marketing material. Testimonials can be invaluable when taking that first big step. Likewise offer to refer his services to other friends etc.

DCFC79

Id offer a curry and a pint and as Mista C says re a testimonial.

jayme1

in addition to above, since he's trying to get himself started as a self-employed PC expert if you come across someone who is having PC trouble you could recommend him.

John_Gray

How much time did he spend fixing it? Multiply the time in hours by the minimum wage. Then double it.

The result goes some way towards showing how kind some people are for fixing their friends, relatives, etc, PCs and laptops free - or nearly free...

Most virus-ridden computers can literally take a weekend to sort out, usually because there's no system disk available to reinstall. In most cases, if the work were to be charged at a commercial rate it would be cheaper for the owner to buy a new laptop...

mttylad

I agree with what john has said above.

Even simply reinstalling the entire OS and programs can take quite a lot of time as its not just a case of stick the discs in and hit install.

Find out what he drinks and go round with plenty of it.

A bottle of Bicardi (large) etc would be about the right rate (its under £20) as payment in kind.