Right wording for an add

[Jiggy]

I want to put out an add offering free computer help, builds in my area, the problem i have is whats the right way to word an add offering free computer help, i only have part of my A+ (hardware) so far and some people get suspect at the offer of free help.

[jlreich]

I don't think you will have any problem at all finding people that want free computer help. Don't use your home phone number. You won't get any rest with the phone ringing off the hook. ;) :p Or at least post a limit to the calling hours to a certain time of day.

Are you doing this to get experience or to get your name out there? Or both? Either way it really doesn't matter. I wouldn't make the add to complicated or anything. Just state that you are donating your time to help fix computers.

I think something as simple as:

Free computer help.
Between the hours of......
(phone number)

and a little word of mouth will get you more calls then you can handle.

If you are just looking for experience, you could maybe go down to a local school or some other non profit organization and offer to donate your time and skills.

Just a thought. :)

[Jiggy]

what i have so for.

1. Low cost or free weekend computer help/repair. Call on....

2. Computer help/repair at low cost or free at weekends. Contact on...

3. Weekend computer help/repair at low cost or free. speak to me on....

4. In need of computer help/repair weekends only. ring on...


Its weekends only due to work hours, i get up at 12:40 and get back in at 00:10.

[Budfred]

You could add something like: Looking to improve my skills in computer maintenance... Or something similar...

[Jiggy]

Thanks lads,

How about this -

Looking to improve my skills in computer maintenance.
Can i help your computer ?
Low cost or Free (depending on job)
Contact Russ on .....

[Budfred]

Looks good to me... Just capitalize that "i"....

[jlreich]

Looks good to me. :)

[DigitalJ]

I'd stay away from lines like "looking to improve my skills". People kinda want you to have skills...free or not. I'd say something like "Free computer consultation! If I can fix it in an hour or less, the repair is FREE!" Then if they ask you why, you can explain that you just recieved your ce4rtification, and you're looking to build an experience base on which to build a resume.

Speaking from what little experience I have, you be doing most things for free, and you could charge $20-30 for the longer challenging jobs. If you do well, you'll have customers for life, though they'll all expect things fro free.

Just a suggestion. Same reason we don't post "Help!!! Cooks NEEDED!" on the front door of the restaurant I work at...who wants to eat at a restaurant full of trainees and overworked/underpaid/disgruntled cooks? :)

[classicsoftware]

DON'T

do it for free. You will get a nice following who will always expect it for free.

Find out what the going rate is for service in your area. Cut your rate to 1/2 of the lowest rate. Let's say the best rate in your area is $50.00/hour. Charge $25.00 per hour. Do the initial consultation for free and then charge for the work that needs to be done.

I would draw up a sheet of paper with the client's name. A list of full system specs and place for complaints/issues and a section for your reccommendations.

My add would be something like this.

Jiggy's Computer Service

Free initial consultation!

Very competitive prices.

On-site service available.

Why pay more?

Then accross the bottom of the page list your services.

System Design, Spyware Removal, Installation, Training, Etc...

[DigitalJ]

Good thinking, Classic. In hindsight, if you offer free tech support, people think they have free tech support for life.

[Jiggy]

With you help i`ve put together an add (top part) that I will put in local shops and local paper, and a work sheet (bottom part).

I just need to add the CompTIA logo in top right.

What you think ?

[Paul Komski]

Do the initial consultation for free.
I agree - this is a good way to start out. People get turned-off by £50 minimum type costs by many of the bigger retailers. Diagnose for free and take it on from there. Watch your back for the unscrupulous and consider getting disclaimers before you go near the systems; data recovery can be very expensive if you get caught out as the one who did the losing.

[jlreich]

Definitely do a disclaimer. ;) They have to know there is the possibility of data loss and you are not liable if it happens. Cover thy butt! :p

Looks good though. Nice and simple.

[Jiggy]

What need to be in a disclaimer ?

[PrntRhd]

Something like:
"Russ' Computer Service will not be held responsible for defects in hardware resulting in data loss. Russ' Computer Service will not be held responsible for data loss caused by computer viruses, worms, improperly uninstalled programs, or malware infections."
A barrister is needed to suggest a proper disclaimer if this turns into your major source of employment to protect the business.

[Jiggy]

Would/could that be added to the work sheet with my finding and only get the customer to sign work sheet if work is to begin, or given to the customer on separate sheet of paper ?

[jlreich]

Something like:
"Russ' Computer Service will not be held responsible for defects in hardware resulting in data loss. Russ' Computer Service will not be held responsible for data loss caused by computer viruses, worms, improperly uninstalled programs, or malware infections."

.......or resulting from the removal of the above by Jiggy.

Something like that.

I agree if you start doing it full time it would be wise to have the wording looked over by a legal professional. Shouldn't cost too much for something simple.

EDIT - If it is something small, I would add it to the bottom of the page with a signature line..

[Budfred]

I would give it to the customer and have it signed before touching the computer... Even if you are doing a free diagnostic, if the drive decides to fail at that moment, the customer may decide to blame you and take you to court...

[PrntRhd]

Would/could that be added to the work sheet with my finding and only get the customer to sign work sheet if work is to begin, or given to the customer on separate sheet of paper ?
Most companies have the wording on the back side of the sheet (the fine print) marked "Terms and Conditions", but a signature line stating the customer agrees to the Terms and Conditions at the bottom of the first page.

[Budfred]

Most companies have the wording on the back side of the sheet (the fine print) marked "Terms and Conditions", but a signature line stating the customer agrees to the Terms and Conditions at the bottom of the first page.
Most companies demand that the user sign an agreement to pay before touching the computer though... If jiggy is doing an free initial consult, he is putting himself at risk without something signed...

[PrntRhd]

If jiggy is doing an free initial consult, he is putting himself at risk without something signed...
Yes he certainly is. You need some sort of paper signed first.
I knew of an incident where a hardware failure occured and the customer tried to claim a $3M deal was pending and wanted the vendor to pay for the potential loss of business. The fine print that said the service outfit was "not liable for consequential damages" on the initial contact form saved them from the claim.

[classicsoftware]

Disclaimer up front. DO NOT do it in small print, do it in large print. Make sure they understand it. I would dress it up a little and center things make the heading larger etc, but otheriwse very nice work.

[Jiggy]

I will be getting legal advice asap, this is what i`ve got so far.

Terms and Conditions or Disclaimer

Russ`s Computer Service`s has talked you through the "Terms and Conditions or Disclaimer.

Russ`s Computer Service`s will not be held responsible for data loss and/or damage caused by defects in installed hardware, software, Peripherals and/or damage caused by power cuts, power surges and/or the removal of computer viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, malware, hardware, software by Russ`s Computer Service`s

[Budfred]

I think you may have made it too specific... Since you specify so many specific conditions, it suggests that if something happens that isn't one of them, you could be held responsible... Something simpler might be more effective... Maybe:

I will not guarantee that all data and hardware can be saved. All efforts will be made to protect both, but I am not responsible for lost data or failed hardware.

[jlreich]

How about this. A combination of Jiggy's and Budfred's version.

______________________________________

Russ`s Computer Service`s will not be held responsible for data loss and/or damage caused by defects in installed hardware, software, Peripherals and/or damage caused by power cuts, power surges and/or the removal of computer viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, malware, hardware, software by Russ`s Computer Service`s

Russ`s Computer Service`s cannot not guarantee that all data and hardware can be saved. All efforts will be made to protect both, but Russ`s Computer Service`s is not responsible for lost data or failed hardware for reasons including but not limited to the above.

I have been informed by the technician. I do understand and agree to the terms of service. X__________________

______________________________________

[Jiggy]

Thanks lads,

I will take a copy of both for a legal guidence and i`ll let you know.

[Jiggy]

I have got legal guidence on the terms of service and will hear back from my lawer mid week.

When you give the customer the terms of service to sign before you start any work, do you get the customer to sign two copies of the terms of service or just get them to sign part of your work sheet that says they have been given a copy of the terms of service?

[classicsoftware]

The answer is it does not matter. As long as you have the signature, you will be clear. It's better if you give them a copy, but it's not required.