What should I charge for freelance computer work.

[bdb4269]

I work with computers, and often help my friends out when they need some computer work done -- but more and more friends of friends are getting referred to me.

What is a good amount to charge for stuff like this?

Should I charge hourly?

An example is, right now a friend of a friend needs a PC and a laptop wiped and re-installed. Should I ask for a set price, or give an hourly price? If I should give a hourly price, what is a good amount to charge, and is it proper for me to give a time estimate? Because that's another problem I have -- I am horrible and "predicting" how long something like that will take.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[hlrguy]

If it is a friend or family, I don't charge anything, but it is on my schedule when it is convenient for me. For the above, do they want Windows re-installed? In that case, I would tell them it is free, they drop it off and you'll call them.
Edit: and now to finish my thought. If Linux, they have to try a live CD and report back, then decide that way. (i,e, X didn't come up, no modem found, no sound. It could quite a lot of time)
:edit

For friends of friends that I don't know, I think a flat rate for a re-install. I do think you will find, however, that they will not be coming around as often if you charge them for it. Even the $20 for an hour's work, they will think it is outrageous.

You pose a tough one. Your time is valuable, but no matter what you attempt to charge, any friend is likely going to be displeased immensely.

hlrguy

P.S. I have a zero Windows support policy, and everyone knows that. I can't take unlimited support calls because fix it once, you will be on the hook forever, and we all know Windows never breaks. ;)

[gehidore]

friends and family get everything but hardware / windows free... otherwise my rates tend to be right about 35 + miles traveled.

[Pafnoutios]

Charge more if they don't have any OEM discs that came with the machine. You will spend much more time finding specialized, asoteric drivers online for Dells and Compaqs than independently built PCs.

[Syngin]

With friends and aquantances its a tough call. I'm usually cool with swapping service hours. One friend is a mechanic and we have a decent deal going that way. I hit a brick wall one time helping friends out and had 5 systems at my house waiting for attention. After working with computers all day at work, its difficult to come home to that.

Charge what you feel is right based on your skill level. Basic system stuff I don't mind doing an hour here or there but web programming, I usually charge $40+/hour and I've got not shortage of work on the side.

Oh I tend to keep a stockpile of older hardware for friends just in case.

[soulestream]

i throw a couple of pennies at this one.

Friends and Family - If they are close enough that they will actually help you move (furniture or a body) - Free. If not I would charge a nominal fee.

Others - Depends on what you are doing.

If its just somebody with a virus or re-install I usually charge $50 first hour / $25 each additional. I usally give them a discount if the PC/Laptop comes home with me. I like to watch TV, chat, etc while waiting AVG to run for the 3rd time. If I have to sit at their house chatting about the weather for 3 hours, Full Price.

For businesses that needed networks setup, server issues, etc. $100-125/HR is the going rate here. I usually charged about $100.


I no longer work for myself (mostly) as I just took a new job, but basically check with other people in your area that do it or see what geeksquad charges to mess up somebodies system.. :D



Soule

[Syngin]

I agree with soulstream. Anyone who will help you move is golden in my book. ;)

[crow2icedearth]

syngin do you do all your web develop in linux and unix systems. I need to get back into web design. I havnt done it in years. I use to do it all the time when i worked at a web hosting company in 1999.

the going rate i charge depends if its friends or people i don't know . I never charge family and friends unless im spending alot of time fixing there computer. i had to do data recovery on my brothers computer. His hardrive had bad sectors throu out the drive. I had to freeze the drive for 1 1/2 hours to get the data off on it. what a pain and the #!s

[Pafnoutios]

I had to freeze the drive for 1 1/2 hours to get the data off on it.
What do you mean "freeze" the drive? Like in the freezer?

[soulestream]

What do you mean "freeze" the drive? Like in the freezer?

HEH, yes. Put is in a ziplock bag, suck as much air out as you can and stick it in the freezer for an hour or so. If the unit has had a head crash, sometimes it will let you get it back up long enough to get important data off it.

Im not sure how well this works on newer drives, as I havent tried this in years...


Soule

[happybunny]

i have tried the freezer trick with tape media and it saved our butt once, so it's not a crazy tale.

[gehidore]

also helps with frozen berrings.