FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Why are you in a neighborhood and not an office or commercial building?
A: Have you seen the montly lease rates for those things? With what SDS charges, I can't afford that.
Maybe one day though.
Q: How many technicians do you employ?
A: Just myself! Being a small business, I don't require multiple technicians. It also makes for a more personal
experience!
Q: What's the average time it takes you to fix a PC?
A: It all depends on how many clients we have at the time, but on average it is 24-48 hours at most unless additional
parts or software are neccessary to complete the repair.
Q: Why don't you work on Apple products?
A: I have never been too fond of them for justifiable reasons. :-) Exceptions can be made though!
Q: Why do you charge so little for your services?
A: Not everyone can afford to pull $300.00 out of their wallet and say "Fix it". We like to keep owning a PC affordable.
Q: Do you fix printers, MP3 players, digital cameras and other electronics?
A: No. I lack the equipment to perform repairs on these devices, but I can give you estimates and quotes for repairs.
Q: My PC is dead as a brick. Some people have told me it's the motherboard and it's a name-brand PC. Can you fix it?
A: While I can help you find the replacement motherboard, it is generally a better idea and much more afforable to salvage
the surviving components and build a custom PC around the recovered parts.
Q: What I need done to my PC is a simple fix or upgrade. Do I really have to pay $20.00 to $30.00?
A: Good question. While SDS believes that charging for something like that is obscene, I highly suggest you at least let
us perform diagnostics on your PC. I'll throw in the installation for free!
Q: Do you have a regular job?
A: Yes. I don't put all my eggs in one basket if you catch my drift.
Q: I need my PC fixed but I don't have my restore disks. Can you provide me with an operating system?
A: Yes and No. SDS does not perform illegal installs of Operating Systems, but I will help you to either obtain your
restore discs or help you find an Operating System at wholesale price.
Q: Do you sell computer components that I can use to upgrade my PC? If so, do you charge a markup?
A: Sadly no, but the prospect of selling parts is in the near future. If you need a component, I can order it for you
for a small fee, either that or I can help you order the part or point you in the right direction and help you order the
part at the lowest possible price. I encourage you to let me install it for you though.
Q: When you get alot of computers, how on earth do you manage to keep your turnaround time down?
A: Lots and lots of coffee and by keeping Domino's on speed-dial. :-)
Q: Since you are a home business, how can I assure that my PC is safe in your facilities hands?
A: I am insured through American Insurance Agency providing protection from fire, water damage, natural disaster and
basic liability. Also, keep in mind that your PC is safer in a house than in a completely unattended commercial
building. Proven Fact!
Q: Do you offer reciepts and documentation on my repair? I like to have my peace of mind.
A: Excellent question. I do just that! Upon request you can be given reciepts for any tender provided but you get
a signed service order, which shows that SDS is not the owner of your PC, upon dropoff and pickup.
Q: My machine is so old that it needs carbon dating! Can I do anything with it?
A: Believe it or not, yes. SDS has managed to get Windows XP running smoothly on 300MHz computers with 192MB of RAM.
Let see you do THAT (insert competitors name here)!
Q: Your staff seems young. Are you guys SURE you know what you're doing?
A: Well, we're not in middle school if thats what you mean. All of our staff are experienced freelancers, 21 or older,
with college aspirations. Our technician is currently striving to get some degrees under his belt, but we have to pay
for it somehow. College isn't cheap! :-)
Q: What is the big deal about having a custom built PC? They're more expensive!
A: A custom built PC makes repairs cheap, enables you to use just about any part in it, provides expansive upgrade
capabilities, and they just look plain nifty. But most importantly, with a name-brand PC, if your motherboard dies then
you are looking at a $295.00 - $800.00 replacement just for the board, and that doesn't include installation!
Q: Do you provide on-site repairs?
A: Yes! A $20.00 USD service fee will be added to your repair fee in order to cover transportation costs. Please remember that house
calls are based on availability so I may not be able to come out to your home immediately. Some of our onsite services include
home/office networking, file and print-sharing setup and network troubleshooting/diagnostics/repair. Onsite services are subject to
sliding fees based on the complexity of the work performed. Multiple visits may incurr additional charges, but never in excess of what
you consider reasonable/affordable.
Q: You fixed my PC, installed Internet Explorer 7, and now my browser crashes when I go to certain websites! What gives?
A: A common problem. IE7 doesn't include the Adobe Flash Player or Adobe Shockwave Player plug-ins by default. I don't
install them during repairs unless specifically requested to do so. This is so you know EXACTLY whats on your computer. To
install these plug-ins, it's as simple as pulling up Google and putting in "Adobe Flash Player" and "Adobe Shockwave Player"
into the search function. You'll find non-geek directions on installing the plug-ins.
Q: When you do data backups and/or system restores, are my programs saved too?
A: Nope. If we have to erase and reinstall your operating system and hard drive, then all the programs you had installed will
need to be reinstalled. On the up-side, all the documents you created or downloaded with those programs will still be there.
So just reinstall them from the CD/floppy, or bring them with you and we'll do it upon completing repair.
Q: Why don't you offer technical support?
A: I would be on the phone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year if I did that. I simply don't have the time to provide phone
support to everyone. Now, you can ask simple questions through e-mail, but don't be mad if it takes me a while to get back
to you. For technical support with a product, just call the manufacturer. I only provide support for work that I
performed on your PC. I don't provide support for usage of the product though, just the basic education on how to use it
when you come to pick up your PC.
Q: Do guarantee your work?
A: Absolutely. If your machine stops working unexpectedly, bring it back! While I don't provide support on custom builds
after the product warranties run out, I DO provide support if your pre-existing machine starts acting oddly a few days after
you pick it up. I do not provide free repairs for self-inflicted Operating System or Hardware damage. I only guarantee what
I did to the machine; getting running like you've always wanted it to.
Q: I don't have the money for the parts or services needed to fix my PC, can I run a line of credit or pay you back?
A: Sorry, but all repairs and/or parts must be paid for in full by the client when checking in. SDS cannot establish any line
of credit with any client. Sliding scale, however, is offered on SERVICE CHARGES ONLY.
Q: I'm interested in your sliding scale services, how does that work?
A: You simply show me your two most recent paystubs and I'll go from there. If you need parts, I will help you find
them as cheaply as possible. If you are unemployed, then proof of your financial situation must be presented. All information
is kept private for security purposes.
Q: Lastly, what's your privacy policy when I disclose my contact information and/or financial information?
A: I will, under NO CONDITION, release any of your information to anyone. (Even close family members.) I will not use your
personal or financial information for benefit. All parts orders are performed in a secure enviroment and all records are kept
private. I will never sell your personal information or put you on any mailing lists.
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