When you are asked by a business individual, friend, or
family member to build them a brand new computer from
scratch, and you agree to do so, the questions that comes
to mind are; (1) How much should I charge them for this
new computer?; and (2) How much should I charge for
labor?
When you look at what other companies charge who
specialize in computer maintenance and contracts, and
building computers, and the rates they charge, the figures
are staggering, and it is obvious that not everyone can
afford those rates.
Keeping in mind that many people are still clinging to
Windows 95 and Windows 98, that have not even began to
consider upgrading because they are happy with what
they’ve got, whereas someone else might think,
“hmmm…it’s time for a change,” and decides that rather
than buying a new computer from some of these high-
priced stores, and want to avoid the whole credit scenario,
they figure they can probably get a computer built to their
specifications liking and have all of their basic computer
needs met in terms of speed, operating system,
applications, and internet accessibility.
“If” you can get a brand new computer built for under $800
or $1,000, what do you actually charge the client? And
what is considered fair for both you and the client as far as
the time that gone into building it and the finished
product, and what is allowed by the industry?
Any thoughts on this?