Oh, and as a rule of mine, if I can't fix your problem, I don't charge you. Not a dime. And if I feel like I should have been able to fix a problem in three hours, but it takes me nine, I only charge for three.

That's the philosophy I generally had when I (tried) to run a shop. Several people brought a PC which was on it's last legs and I'd have a look at it and tell it to them straight (that the thing should really be put to rest, usually). But I didn't charge if there wasn't anything to fix nor if I couldn't fix it. Although the rates were: $60/h, $140 if you tried to fix it, $180 if someone else tried to fix it. Not that I ever charged that; who would admit it?!

I recently installed and set up a long-time friend's girlfriend's computer. He's a mechanic so I'm getting my car serviced next week for the cost of oil etc.


If you put yourself out to fix a business's computer, you shouldn't feel bad about charging appropriately. It would have cost him more to take it to someone else, including lost work time.