The sales pitch, Discounts, And Payments:
Business Hours and rates:
I will discuss your problem for free, and provide you with what I consider to be the best solution plan at no charge. Estimates are never a cost to you! Call: 412.580.0098.Rates effective January 1, 2005
Regular "on-site" Hours:
Monday through Friday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST.
$50.00 per hour* (1 hour minimum)
* Recurrent clients and calls that exceed 2-3 hours may be eligable for lower rates.Many problems are resolved within 1 - 2 hours, and a cost of $50 - $100.
Extended Hours:
Mon. - Fri. evenings 6:00 - 10:00 PM, and Saturday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
$75.00 per service call (includes the first hours work)
* The extended rates also apply to emergency (on site within 24 hours) calls.After Hours:
For any hours not covered above, please contact me: phone: 412.580.0098Home Rates:
Any work that I perform from my home, such as web site design, site optimization, computers taken in for repairs, file backups, creating CD's, consulting, remote connections etc. may be negotiated to slightly lower costs (as low as $40 per hour) depending on the quantity of work.Computer services are listed here, and web related services such as SEO, or web page design are listed here.
Many calls are completed within 1 - 2 hours. Billing is done in 15 minute increments.
If you have a complex situation (outside my normal service area, after hours, limited cash flow, defered billing, or long term work, feel free to call. I am flexible in how I bill my clients, and will accept a reasonable payment plan. I will not refuse any reasonable offers.
I do not "stock" a large inventory of replacement parts or items, this keeps my overhead, and your costs, to a minimum. Normally you will save money by purchasing replacement or upgrade items yourself, but if you wish, I will purchase and pick-up any equipment you need with a small down payment to cover my expenses and time.
For extended areas, additional fees may apply to cover travel time and expenses. (see the locations page for details)
For information on the rates for building or maintaining a web site, see the web services page.
For pick-up and delivery information call:412.580.0098
~or~
724.693.8118*Rates quoted are valid through March 30, 2005. Clients currently under contract will receive 2004 rates of $45.00 per hour.
My Sales Pitch:
I understand that many people are trying to make ends meet on fixed or limited incomes, and I will do everything in my power to provide solutions at the very lowest prices. Many 'kids' out there will tell you "I can fix that for just $20; and so-called 'computer professionals' want to charge you $85, $100, or more per hour. Often they can't solve your problem, and may try to tell you that you "need" to buy a new computer, or if they can't fix your mis-behaving PC they may say they can fix it, but it will cost hundreds of dollars more than what the computer is worth. By all means, feel free to try that route first. Don't be surprised however if you end up in a situation that is far worse than where you started. Many of these types of 'computer service' people have never even heard of DOS, don't understand the administrative tools, and very few have ever worked with multiple systems or complex computer problems.I have been "trouble-shooting" in the computer field for over 20 years now. I know that long hours and low wages in a tight economy make things difficult. I also know that my rates are about the lowest you'll find in the computer industry. It may sound like a lot of hot air, but, there are "computer professionals" with much less experience and far less ability out there who are getting up to $125 - $150 an hour a clip for some very limited support. That is a FACT!
By all means, compare prices. Shop around. I will never be offended if you ask about my credentials, what courses I've had, what I paid for an education in a particular area, how many hours I spent learning a particular skill, or why something costs what it does. I'll even find you a few links to folks that offer similar services if you like. Many of them advertise on web-friend in fact. A smart shopper is my favorite kind of client - they KNOW the value of what they're getting, and appreciate it. That's why I get the large number of return calls from my clients.
I'm not in the computer field as a "job". I don't try to get rich, or pay for some yacht by billing clients outrageous prices. I enjoy troubleshooting, and I work on computers because I love the industry. I like working with computers, and I love seeing a persons eyes light up when they first see how wonderful the computer experience can be. I know that feeling when you suddenly learn that a task isn't beyond your capability, learning to use a product isn't brain surgery, and that all of a sudden - "You can do this yourself"!
I also understand the HUGE amount of frustration many of my clients share about the constant state of change in the computer industry. You can spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars investing in some state of the art computing system, only to be told months later that it is outdated, and you need to invest in some new piece of hardware or software. Sometimes I share those same frustrations about having to shell out $100, $200, or more every year because Microsoft releases some new operating system. Sure it's tough to constantly upgrade your word processor, and sad to know many of the things you learned 3 years ago won't be much help in the future. The computer field is a double-edged sword, the constant state of change can be exciting, but that volatility can also be very frustrating in cost and time. It is not often that I will try to sell a client on upgrading what they have. If it works, then you don't NEED to buy something new. Sure, there are times when you just won't be able to get the results you need with the equipment you already own, and all I can do then is point you in the best direction to go in order to achieve the end results you need. I can't change the nature of the computer field, but perhaps I can ease some of your frustrations or fears about it.
End of sales pitch. If you need a hand with some computing needs, just contact me. I'll get you where you want to be a fast and as inexpensively as possible.
If you are interested in my qualifications, and what types of services I can provide, you can read the "Spec" sheet for details.
Senior Citizens: 10% discount.
Armed Services Veterans: 10% discount.
ON SITE Business:
Long and short term contracts are available, prices start at $50.00 for on-site service calls. If you are interested in lower rates due to some long-term work, please call to discuss the options. Please allow 1 - 2 week(s) scheduling time for long term contracts.Note: As of March 1, 2003 I can no longer guarantee any long term contracts that will exceed 10 - 15 hours per week for any extended period of time.
REPAIRS:
If your computer is in need of repairs, there may be a deposit required to cover the costs of any hardware or software that must be purchased. I apologize for the change in policy; however, due to issues such as time involved, difficulty in returning computer related items for full refund, and a lean economy, I can no longer stock parts or software. If you want me to "pick up" an item, please expect to be billed for my time, expenses, and travel.WEB SITES:
There are plenty of samples available that reflect my work as a webmaster. If there is something specific that you are looking for, then I will be happy to provide a link that demonstrates that the item in question is indeed within reach. Please do not expect me to create you a website and "post" it with the hopes that you can arrange to pay AFTER it has been submitted for approval. If I spend the time and money to create it 'for you' - then you pay for it. I know full well that once a site is posted, then anyone with a modicum of computer ability is capable of downloading, saving, editing a line or two, then posting my work as their own efforts.The Fine Print:
FULL Payment is due upon completion of services unless previous arrangements have been made.
There is a $37.00 fee on all NSF checks.
Late Fees: A 15% fee is applied to all outstanding balances exceeding 30 days unless previous arrangements have been made.
All accounts that have gone more than 90 days without arrangements being made to fulfill your obligation to "pay your bill" will be turned over to a collection agency. Business will be reported to the Better Business Bureau if full restitution is not made within 90 days.