Who do you trust with your computer repairs? - asks Peter Clarke of PC PAL
A recent report in a well known consumer magazine highlighted some of the issues faced by people trying to get their computers repaired – viruses missed, data wiped and a variable pricing system, even among well known computer stores.
Many of my customers have faced similar issues in the past and often add that they have had to take their computer to the computer repair shop to receive this unpredictable level of service.
So what can you do to minimise the trauma of choosing a computer repair service?
Location:
- Ask them if they visit you - you can see what you are getting for your money without the inconvenience of having to take your computer to a shop
Qualifications:
- Ask what relevant qualifications they have – for software, are they Microsoft certified? For hardware, are they CompTIA certified?
Get a quote:
- A full quote may not be possible as it will depend what is found on investigation, but a good engineer will give you estimates from the information you give them
- Ask if they will discuss the problems with you so you can agree the final price before doing the work
- Is there an upfront charge?
- Ask for an explanation of the problem in simple English
Prevent data loss:
- Find out if they will back up the data on your hard drive before reinstalling your operating system – or are they expecting you to do that?
After care:
- Find out what happens if you find the same error within 48 hours of receiving your ‘repaired’ computer – do you have to take it back in? Is there another charge?
At PC PAL good, old fashioned, Customer Service is our mission..............but don’t take my word for it, see what my customers say:
go to www.pcpal.co.uk/andover and press ‘Read my Testimonials’
