Smaller Computer Repair Are The Smartest Way To Go

Computer repair people are quickly becoming the 21st century equivalent of auto mechanics–a trustworthy one is considered rare and valuable.

I always got ripped off by my auto mechanics, but because of my tech smarts, I didn’t have an problem with my computer repair professional. Here are some tips for choosing a computer repair tech who’s trustworthy and qualified for his job.

1. Research their certifications. The industry standards may include A+ Certification, Microsoft Certification, and many others. Read up on whatever certifications the computer repair tech says they have. It’s smart to ask where they received their training, and how long they’ve provided computer repair. Don’t use computer repair companies that don’t have any sort of credentials; they’re basic tests to take, and any legitimate computer professional would have no problem passing a few.

2. Look for customer reviews. If the company or repair business has a high quantity of repeat business, it’s a great sign that they’re trustworthy. Read up on reviews of their business from Google maps and other neutral feedback sites. Find out how they’ve handled bad situations with past customers, and look at the kinds of customers they attract (if they post a client list). You can learn a lot about a business from the customers that elect to keep using them.

3. Ask what they charge for basic installation and upgrade services. Ask what the company will charge to install ram or video card–both very easy tasks that any person could do. If they charge more than a reasonable hourly rate, don’t use that store. If they overcharge for simple services, they’ll probably be even more expensive with more complex work.

4. Don’t work with a large computer repair company. Even if you get a good tech at your local HH Gregg, you might not get him the next time, and forums are filled with horror stories of overcharging and poor expertise from the larger computer repair places. It’s one of those industries where local just seems to be exceptional.

5. Learn a little bit about the dilemma your computer is experiencing. You can simply type your computer’s symptoms into Yahoo to get a list of credible causes for your computer’s issues, and this will give you a better
idea of whether your prospective computer tech knows what he’s talking about. Showing that you’ve got a bit of computer ability, however limited, also stops you from getting ripped off, and a good tech will be excited to explain the issue to you in detail if he sees that you’re interested.

If you find a good Chicago computer repair tech, lock him down and use him for your computer repair needs. The more often you’ll go to him, the more bettermenthe’ll see in being direct and thorough with your repairs.

About the Author

Web hosting enthusiast and tech evangelist.

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