Over the past twenty years I’ve seen and heard some crazy stories. Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re in panic mode. No matter if it’s your car or a computer, you should use the same criteria when choosing a service provider.
Computer problems happen at the worst times. A typical scenario includes trying to fix it yourself then turning to your cousin’s neighbor’s son who’s good with computers. When he can’t fix it the last resort is calling around to find a computer repair place.
Every repair technician has access to all of your documents once your computer is in their hands. Tax documents, pictures and bank statements are just a few of the things we have on our computers that, if leaked, could be detrimental. Repairs that aren’t performed in the open make it very easy for someone to peep through files.
Computer repairs shouldn’t take days or weeks to complete unless parts are required and are being shipped from China. Most jobs can be completed in hours with the right tools and resources. Exaggerating repair times makes jobs seem bigger than they are.
Before signing any paperwork it’s up to you to understand how the company bills and request a call if the cost exceeds the estimate. Businesses I mentor are still tacking on fees for work the customer wasn’t made aware of prior to starting. It’s your right not to pay for a job you weren’t told about in advance.
Technicians are known to talk over your head to confuse you and make you feel stupid. If you feel uncomfortable with technical jargon, request they dumb it down for you. Unless you’re absolutely comfortable with the technician’s explanation shop around.
Big box retail stores with in-house repair facilities pass off the work to third party technicians located in other states or countries. In-store technicians use your computer long enough to connect it to the internet. Local technicians are generally no better at fixing issues than the retail salespeople who sold you the computer.
A popular trend among businesses doing computer repairs is to dip their toes in other products. If your repair store also sells jewelry, candles, cell phones or anything else other than computers you should leave. Either their computer business is failing or they’re filling voids in their primary business. You never see an auto mechanic fixing small engines and vice-versa.
Only you can make the decision who repairs your equipment. Word-of-mouth is the very best way to find a solution provider because internet based reviews can be skewed. No matter what you’re in need of repairing, talk to friends and neighbors who have had similar work done. You never know, you may also find a better electrician or auto mechanic.
(Jeromy Patriquin is the President of Laptop & Computer Repair, Inc. located at 509 Main St. in Gardner. You can read past articles at www.LocalComputerWiz.com.)