Computer repair/Installation?

[BigBoyToys]

The company I work for has just started a in-home, (nationwide) Computer and Networking repair and installation for consumers. Doneathome (http://www.doneathome.com) I was just wondering if folks would be intersted in a service like this or not. This is not spam and I am in no way trying to sell anything. I have my own opinion about this program and was just wondering how other people felt about it.
[ July 13, 2003, 01:21 PM: Message edited by: BigBoyToys ]

[BigBoyToys]

The results so far are going the way I figured that they would go. :D If anyone has any input as to what/why they answered the way they did, I'd appreciate the input.
Personally, I feel that almost everyone now days has a friend, relative, or neighbor that can do this stuff and typically does. That, combined with the low cost of a new pc, led me to believe that there wouldn't be much of a demand for this service. But, someone back on the East coast didn't consult with me before they started this program eek! wink (of course, they never do anyways :rolleyes: :D )
Thanks for all of the responses
[ July 13, 2003, 09:16 PM: Message edited by: BigBoyToys ]

[572Daytona]

The results may be skewed, those who most need the help probably can't figure out how to vote in the poll...lol

[BigBoyToys]

lol

[Havasu Hangin']

Man...that would be a tough row to hoe.
I can't imagine a tech trying to weed his way through multiple software vendors, OS system, and hardware issues.

[BigBoyToys]

Havasu Hangin':
Man...that would be a tough row to hoe.
I can't imagine a tech trying to weed his way through multiple software vendors, OS system, and hardware issues. LOL, I hear ya HH.
Actually, believe it or not, we already do this every day on the corporate level. Naturally, as with any job position, some techs have a better understanding of the product than others do. When it comes right down to the bottom line, if we can't fix it, we replace it (thereby being "fixed" :D ). For example, I know on no tech across the country that will take the time to "fix" a inkjet printer in the field. We simply order a new one (remanufactured), do a whole unit swap, and send the defective one back to one of our repair facilities. Laser printers we repair in the field typically. OS and software issues we fix in the field. PC's and servers we repair in the field. Network installation and issues we usually send specialists out on those that are experienced in networking. And of course, we have our own help desk for onsite support and parts lookup.
[ July 14, 2003, 05:32 AM: Message edited by: BigBoyToys ]

[bigq]

Actually I think it might do pretty good, although I wouldn't want to be the tech that goes out to a persons home. I take it most will be people that did not opt for a extended warranty from the manufacture. Maybe it will be better than the manufature warranty, you know call Dell, Compaq or any of the tier 1 companies, troubleshoot on the phone with a guy from another country for two hours and maybe get the problem solved. wink

[Boozer]

If you solicit this service enough it WILL do well.
I helped a (former) good friend of mine start a business similair to this out here. I got him a lot of clients and did a lot fo jobs for him. The business is still doing well.
Unfortunately after I did a lot of leg work for him all the under the table pay I was suppose to get was never paid to me and I never got paid for the jobs I did either. Needless to say we are no longer on speaking terms.
Biggest clients are elderly people and small business owners who like to do work from home.
I have been thinking about stealing all of his clients away since I am the one who got them in the first place.

[KrazyKa]

I own a small networking firm. We refuse to service home users, because in the long run we never seem to make money (at the very best margins are much thinner). I will, however, thank you for the link - now I have someplace to send my "friends" when the needs arise. :)