How much should I charge for computer repair/maintenance?

Question

I have recently been asked to look over a real estate companies computers, speed them up where possible, provide hardware recommendations, upgrade, and oversee the installation of security software and maintenance software. Typically I work within the defense community (5 years Military Intelligence), so this is an unusual position for me to be in.

What is the going rate?

How much should I charge if I have to drive 3.5 hours to get there?

How should I work in the cost of food/lodging?

I wish to make a good impression, as this is a favor for a good friend. Any advice is more then welcome.

I'm looking at doing Work Desktops, XP and Vista. Work Laptops.

Personal Laptops (paid by the employee's)

Everything from memory to video card upgrades.

I will be doing this over a period of 2 days. Fri/Sat.

Thanks :)

Answer 1

$100 an hour=$1500 It all sounds pretty basic stuff. Any networking, VPNs, Blackberries etc.?

Can you work at the same speed as an experienced PC repairer? How can you justify charging for travel and accomadation? It would be cheaper for them to get local labour.

Or maybe $200 per machine.

Or what you can get away with!

Answer 2

Tough question.  Being as it's for a friend makes it really tough.  I'd say you have to factor the Lodging and Transportation separately from the actual work done.  But to make it simple, since you're a friend and not a high paid computer tech I'd go 30 to 60 bucks an hour.  My brother used to work for a company that billed about 180 and paid him 30.  My friend bills 70 to 100 an hour.  My friend also bills drive time for the way out.  Just because he's your friend doesn't mean you should charge less than you would if you were a non friend with similar experience.  If you have no experience than perhaps you should charge less.