Spent over 6 hours on two separate days cleaning up a computer for an older couple. Loaded with spam and adware and viruses.

Sense they are as old as me, sent them a bill for $100.00 ( 6 hours work at a normal $45.00 per hour ) and said, if this is a real problem for you, just send me $50.00 and next month the remainder.

I get this check in the mail for $10.00 ( TEN DOLLARS ). Do they expect me to wait 10 months to pay a lousy $100.00 billing.

Now I get a call "I think I messed something up, I deleted some stuff and now my computer is acting up, can you come over again?"

This is not right. Hate to have them without their computer but I think I'm just going to say like the high paid techs

'Put in the system restore disk - erase everything' You'll be like when you got the machine.

Lee

See what happens when you try and be a nice guy? They will bleed you dry with aggravation and problems. Tell them to forget the $100.00, keep the friggin' computer and don't call again! If they choose to call you....$45.00 per hour. Play the hard line and they will go away!:smash:

windows millenium or windows xp which both suck. and the going rate is $75.00 per hour by the way. you should've had ->them save what they wanted and then formatted the hard drive.
but thats just a guess. Buisiness is Buisiness a favor is a favor
next time work strictly for cash .... thats tough tho sometimes.

Ya, thanks guys. I'm going to return the couples $10.00 check to them. Been staring at it and shaking my head for 3 days.

I'll be nice and say something like 'Consider the hours a favor and here's your check' 'By the way, I've changed my business policy and my rate is $45.00 per hour if you drop off the machine and if I drive to your house the hourly rate starts when I leave my house. Of course, payment is expected prior to departure from your house or upon return of equipmnent - Thank you'

Anywhere around here ( New Hampshire ) drops offs start at a $75.00 hourly fee excluding parts.

This won't happen again, let me assure you of that.

Be Good- Stay out of the cold.

The Old Sarge

keep the 10 bucks buy a pack of smokes and two coffees dont return the call and let them find someone else.If they restore it then thier going to do it again. what was it a pre--286 :smash: :smash: give me my money you old goats

Don't you just love being self-employed???
I am sure they fall under the 80/20 rule. 80% of the aggrevation comes from 20% of the business.
I very seldom have any problems, and you seem like a nice guy and probably don't either. Sometimes though you get one, that drives you absolutly nutz. It is usually the one you bend over backwards for!!
Be nice, ask them for the balance of what is owed before doing anymore work. Or ask them if they want to add this work onto their balance?? When they drop off the machine, tell them you have had some problems with others (not them of course) and the new policy is that everthing must be paid for when they come back to get the machine. " I am sorry for this inconvenious, you have been such a great customer, I hope it doesn't trouble you too much." Don't give'em the damn machine till they pay you. Remember, #^&#^&#^&#^& on me once, Shame on you. #^&#^&#^&#^& on me twice, Shame on me.