Anyone else here have this problem?
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 931
Likes: 0
From: Cool, CA
I had that problem with computers and the like for years. It got to the point to where people I didn't even know were calling me at work because someone I fixed a problem for gave out my number. My resolution to this would seem selfish to some but I really had to end this, I simply started telling people I would charge them what I do any corporation - $200 /hour. And I stick to it (with exceptions for immediate family or close friends - can't charge them!). I came up with the ridiculously high rate because I don't want to do it for people anymore, and on the 2 occasions I was insisted on I actually got the $200 /hour. Worked great for me!
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 723
Likes: 0
From: Lolo Montana
I use to install security systems for a living. Since my wreck, I can't work anymore. When I stop into my old customers businesses, they ask me to look at their systems that they are having a problem with them. I have been off work for over a year now and was doing the work for 8 years. It's nice to know that they still have faith in me, but they won't pay me. It is most often a programming fix or something has come unplugged. I refer them back to the company that I worked for, but they say that they have called them and that their service has gone down hill in the last year. It takes 3 weeks to get someone out to fix it. Most of these places I have worked with for so long that I have become friends with. I designed and install their complete systems. Knowing the facts, how do you turn them down? When I worked, we charged them $60.00 per hour. Now, I know that I can fix the small things, but do I dare.
Man I miss working.
Tom
Man I miss working.
Tom
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 6,473
Likes: 4
From: Lafayette, IN
Probably the only good piece of advice I ever saw from Ann Landers was, "People can only take advantage of you if you let them." Around here, $75-100/hour would be a good starting point for free-lance computer support work. For friends and family, working on their computers (or helping them paint--my profession) is no biggie, fortunately, they don't often ask. Honesty is always your best bet, though--"I'm too busy right now." If they insist that it's an emergency, remind them that most individuals in the history of the world have gotten along just fine without vehicles or computers. I'd also assess how great their need is--if it's a busy single mom or something, help them out. If it's someone with more money than sense, then help them out of their money by setting a price ahead of time and sticking to it, and make sure they understand there are no guarantees when it comes to computer crashes.
Jason
Jason
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 13,589
Likes: 2
From: NW burbs of chicago
I work part time tech support for an ISP. We get lots of people who want Extra help. I charge 50 bucks an hr (hr minnimum). I get lotsa takers and lotsa people tell me no, which is fine with me since I value my time.
As far as freinds go, I'll usually do it for nothing, but when I can get to it, if I dont have any time, thier project waits. 90% of my feinds owe me favors, Which I'll cash in on when I move in a few weeks.
As far as freinds go, I'll usually do it for nothing, but when I can get to it, if I dont have any time, thier project waits. 90% of my feinds owe me favors, Which I'll cash in on when I move in a few weeks.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 543
Likes: 1
From: South East Texas
That's what I used to bank on but it didn't always work out that way as I said in my first reply. They always had the time to have me do something for them, but not when I needed them to do something for me. It got to the point that my old New York attitude had to come out and tell them to put their favor where the sun don't shine. This is just with people that were in my life. Hopefully you other guys have more accommodating people you deal with.
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