Computer Consultation Advice

[hatehereyes]

So I've gotten an offer at a local realty office to be their on call computer IT support.

I will be dealing 15/20 computers, their network and keeping all the software up to date.

I have offered them $50/hr for onsite support but I'm not sure if that's the right price range I should be asking around

Also $25/hr onsite for single computer diagnosis. EX. Viruses and removal. or $100 flat rate fee to be able to take it home and work on it.

I'm going to be sending the manager of the office an email within the next few days so we can finalize pricing.

Please give me your ideas.
Also everything will be legal, I will be giving them invoices and time sheets of my work.

 

[gregrocker]

We could advise you better if we know what your true expertise is, as we know each others' here.

Perhaps you can join us and demonstrate your skills so we can recommend them.

We offer advice here that is literally priceless.

 

[hatehereyes]

Thanks for the reply.

My experience with computers basically covers network setup/software troubleshooting.
I have been doing simple house calls for a few years now and people have been impressed so I guess I could call myself a hobbyist/enthusiast but I'm pretty good in this field but this is my first "professional" job.

 

[Win7User512]

Do they need software developers? LOL.

 

[whs]

$50 to $80/hr should be a fair rate provided you solve the problems at hand. $25 is too cheap. Remember that you have to pay taxes and possibly social security and health insurance from that money. I would also add a mileage charge per call.

 

[ultraplanet]

I worked for a mom and pop place for some time and they charged 90/hr for in shop work (like you said, take it home) and 120/hr for on site calls. Time also included travel time to get to the site but not the return trip. I'd watch the flat rate stuff. Maybe charge a flat rate for things like updates every month but don't do repairs or troubleshooting for a flat rate. You might also check out prices other places in your area charge - like say Geek Squad.

 

[johnwillyums]

If you're confident you can do this then you most likely can. I wish you the very best of luck with this venture.
Can't help you with your charges I'm afraid. Not my country or my field.
Do let us know how it goes or you can always post question if you're stuck. There are some real rocket scientists on this forum

 

[fishnbanjo]

My neighbor (he and his wife have their own at home business) recently dished out just under $500 for a nationally known Computer Service to perform certain things for him and they pretty much screwed the pooch so to speak and the charge was for 1 1/2 hours of service (they obviously charge for drive time to and from as well) I fixed what he needed in about 35 minutes (obviously no charge as I'm retired from IM/IT but the US Navy charged other facilities $300/hr for my services when I worked and I made approx $55/hr plus my benefits) as has been said you need to pay taxes and probably a quick go through your newpaper services offered will give you a good idea of where you are with your pricing.

 

[Kirsch]

Make sure if you work 1 Hour and 2 minutes, you charge for 2 hours

 

[Win7User512]

I second whs's post.

 

[hatehereyes]

Thank you for everyone's advice. It has helped out a lot.

I've decided to stick with those current price points.

 

[Kari]

$50 to $80/hr should be a fair rate provided you solve the problems at hand. $25 is too cheap. Remember that you have to pay taxes and possibly social security and health insurance from that money. I would also add a mileage charge per call.

Exactly. Also make clear the hours you are working, and the price of any work done outside these hours.

Throughout my professional career, I've always used a simple principle to count the worth of my work, first as a private entrepreneur, later the head of the small company. Simply decide what's the net per hour you need / want, add all the costs like taxes, insurance etc. and you have the gross.

As Whs mentioned, that $25 seems awfully low, IMO anything under $50 would not be good. However, I'm in Europe and have no deeper knowledge of the costs and price of this kind of services in America, so this is just my opinion.

 

[whs]

As Whs mentioned, that $25 seems awfully low, IMO anything under $50 would not be good. However, I'm in Europe and have no deeper knowledge of the costs and price of this kind of services in America, so this is just my opinion

Kari, In the US it depends very much on the area where you operate. In NY (close to the city) and California the rates are high, in Florida they are about half of that and in Nebraska or the adjacent states they are again lower.