Computer Repair: What to look for in a Good Service Provider?

The best time to look for a good service provider is NOT when your computer breaks down! When you find yourself in a desperate situation, you could end up wasting time and money, cause more damage to your system, lose valuable data or even become the victim of a scam or fraud.

The best time to find the right repair services is when you have the time and patience to identify the right one.

Word-of-mouth is still the most powerful advertising medium. A good reputation for speedy, honest and expert service provided by a trustworthy colleague, family member or friend is best way to find the right service provider.

Expertise and experience are crucial. Do not hesitate to quiz the service provider about their qualifications and years of experience in the business. Ask for references and follow-up on these. Make sure that you're not being provided with students or trainees. Even if they do visit as part of their training, ensure that they're always accompanied by an experienced professional and that they do not handle your systems independently.

Check with the manufacturer. If you've bought a branded item, then locate the nearest authorized service provider in your area and connect with them, get details about rates, turnaround times, warranties, parts and services.

Look for transparency as far as rates, extras, time taken, cost of parts plus shipping, minimum billable hours, site-visits, taxes etc are concerned. A good service provider has no problem being upfront and giving you the complete details.

Guarantees are important, since there are many fly-by-night operators in this business. Giving a written contract/receipt for services provided is one of the hallmarks of a good provider. You may also check about follow-up visits and money-back guarantees. Usually, if the problem is not fixed adequately, a good provider will stay engaged till you get complete closure.

360 degree services: The ideal service provider should be able to give you solutions to hardware and software problems, give advice on upgrades, offer good trade-ins, alert you on new stuff in the market. If some of these are not available with them, they should be able to point you in the right direction and also take responsibility for any issues that arise from such outsourcing.

Attitude is something you must feel comfortable with in a good computer repair service. You need re-assurance on data protection, confidentiality and also someone who will assure you of a cost-effective solution. You can only check this when you have the time and leisure to do it and not in a crisis situation.