Computer Repairs - Who To Trust

Let's face it, these days computer issues can be a real hassle, especially for those individuals that love to use them but don't have the knowledge to repair them. When that is the case, it's hard to know where to take your computer for repairs. Many computer techs and repair shops claim to have the lowest pricing and many will offer a free diagnosis in order to gain your business. Unfortunately, this often results in being told you need costly repairs and replacement parts. People don't always know how to keep from getting ripped off by a tech specialist that should simply be giving them an honest opinion. However, the fact is, rip-offs happen.

Recent investigations on computer repair businesses have offered a glimpse into how some of these so-called "squads" operate. A college administrator was asked to help a team of investigators to create a small, easy to diagnose and easy to fix problem. The administrator simply wiggled loose the IDE cable, which connects the main circuit board to the hard drive that stores all the computer's information. In order to fix the problem, all any tech would need to do is simply push the cable back into place. However, four out of five tech specialists told the investigators that the hard drive would need to be completely replaced. This can easily run you between $150-200, mostly for labor since hard drives can be had now for as little as $30.

The only way to be certain that you are getting the truth about your computer issues out of any tech is to follow these steps. Once you have followed these guidelines, you will have minimized your chances of rip-off and maximized your chances of satisfaction.

1. Ask your family members or even your company's IT department if they would recommend any shop in particular to go to.

2. Call around to several shops in the area and ask them about their repair and diagnostic fees, as well as the time it would take to fix the problem. Also ask if they can guarantee their work.

3. Put a call in to the local Better Business Bureau (BBB) in order to assure the shop has a good reputation. You can check the BBB online, too, as well as other "complaint" sites and local computer user forums, which can be good sources of advice.

4. Before you take your computer in, back up all your data and make sure to erase or move any private information.

5. Bring only the parts that the tech specifies to you.

6. Never tell any tech, "Just go ahead and fix whatever it is." You need to be sure and authorize repairs only for the diagnosed issue.

7. Get an estimate from the tech on what is wrong and how much the repairs will be. In addition, get an estimate on how you will be without your computer. Be sure to get all guarantees in writing.

8. It's always best to have more than one estimate. And if it seems that the cost of the repairs is going to be too high, then getting another estimate from a second reputable company is a must.

9. When you finally get your computer back in working order, be sure to get the receipt for all of the repairs done. Be sure the receipt is itemized, so you can understand what was done and what the price of each part was.

10. Make sure that the technician gives you back the old parts that were replaced.

It's always best to have a company guarantee their service with an agreement. But how are you going to avoid paying too much for the repairs in the first place? Your best bet is to follow these guidelines and shop around for a while. Never be in too much of a hurry to take your computer to any particular place. First, second and third opinions are always a good idea. Remember, just because a tech offers you a great deal doesn't mean that you will get one in terms of quality service. There are less scrupulous companies that will offer you a discount of some sort, then use parts that are inferior.

The poor economy should make you more cautious when choosing a tech to repair your computer. Some places may be looking to make a quick buck off a less-computer-literate person. Don't allow yourself to fall into any traps. Follow the simple steps above, or you might find yourself out a lot of money for nothing. Although honesty is always the best policy, it's not something all computer repair people hold in high regard. Go slow, get references, ask for help if you need it and follow these steps so that, when it comes to computer repairs, you really will know who to trust.

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