Bonza Mobile Computer Repairs

Do you know who’s rummaging through your computer system?
The computer industry is not regulated like other repair service providers like electricians, mechanics etc. So how do you know if you’re receiving substandard work or getting ripped off by your computer technician? Or worse, if your data is in safe hands?

Unfortunately, anyone can market themselves as a computer repair technician!

Loss of critical data, corrupted files or having your computer’s performance compromised by inexperience will cost you dearly.

In a recent survey of business owners, almost 100% stated the biggest concern businesses have with computer repair services are…

1.  They take too long to call back, get on site and fix computers
2.  They don’t seem to know what they’re doing half the time
3.  Computers never seem to work the way someone said they would

The One Man Band
This person is usually working part time as a computer technician and will be willing to provide support at night or weekends for a cheap rate ($30-$80/hour is not uncommon). They won’t have a company, an office location or a business infrastructure. They may not have formal computer training or any certification. They will often be a friend or relative.
Trying to save money on your IT this way will come back to haunt you eventually! An excellent indicator of a technician’s ability to support your business is to determine whether they have clients of a similar size and complexity to your business. Don’t be afraid to ask for references.

Self Proclaimed Super Geeks…
Most businesses have an in-house power user, usually referred to as the “office computer genius”.  More than 50% of the time this person is out of their depth trying to diagnose and properly fix a computer or network problem. When they’ve finished “tinkering” you will still need a qualified professional to sort the problem. Many businesses forget about the cost incurred by losing valuable time and by the geek not working on his normal work!

How expensive is it to fix a computer AFTER the in-house geek has tried?
The average service time and cost can be double!
Most of the time they won’t have done much damage, but the more they “tinker” the higher is the potential of the problem to be worse. It can be harder to fix, that’ll take longer, and it’ll be more costly. For example, if Eddie The Expert meddles with different settings and configurations, the problem can cause hard to find hardware and/or software conflicts.

Is your computer guy really fixing your computer…or is he just applying  band-aids?
Small businesses are either extremely cost conscious or have a long term view when it comes to their computer systems. Reputable computer repair firms will be honest if a patch will keep you going over several months or longer, or if an upgrade or replacement is best. When a computer technician recommends a more robust course of action, how do you know whether they’re doing it because it’s in your best interest, or theirs?

It takes integrity to tell a customer they need to replace their computer equipment. The better technicians will take the time to learn your business and to understand your dependency on your computer system. When making recommendations, they are in a better position to consider costs, performance and limitations for both band-aids and replacement.
If your technician is not thinking about proactive measures and is reluctant to recommend what’s best because of fear you’ll complain about spending more money, he’s probably not working in your best interest!

Note: Most computer service providers will make more money with a repair than with a system upgrade or replacement. Most providers have very little margin on new hardware and software. A reputable company will turn away business rather than take money trying to repair a dinosaur system.

Have you been sold the WRONG computer equipment?
If you have, it’ll be because the technician giving you advice has limited experience and/or is familiar only with a limited number of products.

Not knowing the complexities of network systems, or software/hardware conflicts, installing them and trying to “make” them work will be a costly mistake. When you discover your system is not expandable, some peripherals won’t connect or function correctly, new software conflicts develop that are nearly impossible to fix and a host of other problems arise, you’ll regret not having hired a qualified professional.

Getting hardware and software to work together is incredibly complex and your technician should educate you on the advantages and disadvantages of products before you buy.
Be wary of technicians who offer “bargain” prices.
Less expensive brands can be a good choice to save money, but cheaper isn’t always better.

You should know what some computer technicians get up to……..
1.  Sometimes it’s cheaper to replace an old system rather than keep fixing it. Some computer technicians won’t push you to do the right thing and will tell you they’re trying to save you money when what they’re really doing is racking up labour charges like crazy!

2.  Some computer technicians steal from their customers and it happens more than you realise!  When a computer technician has complete access to everything including software, security information and customer data, copying of it happens all the time.

3.  Some computer technicians bill you for new parts but actually install out-of-warranty or even recycled parts.

4.  Some computer service providers will sell you unlicensed software. This is not only stealing but it will expose you to potential law suits if you get caught. Microsoft for example has dedicated and aggressive programs to detect license violators and will prosecute.
Make sure you always have the CD’s for your software.

5.  Unethical technicians will milk service and repair times and overcharge you by padding times just to bill you a higher fee.

Reduce rip offs, computer problems, downtime costs….

Get a Bonza Maintenance Contract!

Having a Computer Maintenance Contract (Managed Services) won’t prevent problems 100%, but will reduce the frequency of them and reduce costs, PLUS repairs are done much faster.

Priority Service is not all you get with your contract. Knowing your system is being managed and protected will give you peace of mind and allow you to get on with what you do best, running your business.

Managed Services can, with your permission, control what your users can and cannot do on your system. For example, we can set up your network so that staff can’t install new software which may conflict with you systems software. We can limit who can make system settings changes so people in your office can’t “fix” something without your knowledge. Control access to prevent inappropriate and sometimes dangerous practices like visiting undesirable websites or sharing files outside the system.

Computer Service Agreements can save you thousands of dollars!
1.  Fewer problems tend to occur in the first place.
2.  Bonza technicians are already familiar with your system and software.
3.  Common problems such as software and peripheral conflicts have already been resolved.
4.  Any changes to the system are already known.
5.  A system log allows our technicians to rapidly check usage, error messages and other diagnostics.

Maintenance Service Contracts