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Wel-l-l-l, maybe. I don't
know about you but I don't usually have the thick skin required to do
some of the things the author suggests. But here are his tips anyway.
Perhaps you can use some of them. He starts of by saying:
"One moment you're happily fighting the aliens
who populate your favorite computer game. Then, without warning, the
screen goes blank.
"This isn't a glitch. Your machine is
stone-cold dead. You are the proud owner of a $2,000 beige paperweight.
You know a few things about computers. You try them all, to no avail.
You're in over your head...
"So you need to find a repair shop. The irony
is that, since you really are capable of fixing minor problems, you
don't have any experience with repair shops. "
Then he outlines several steps to take as follows:
"How do you choose a good one? Here are a few tips that can save you mow and trouble:
" Pay attention to how long a shop has been in
business. The marketplace is pretty smart about weeding out the worst
shops, but it takes awhile. So find a shop that has been in business for
a few years, That may be unfair to the many competent repair shops that
are just starting up, but a lack of mind-reading skills makes it
impossible to know which of the new ones are worthwhile.
" Ask your friends (and the computer guy at
work) for recommendations, Word of mouth, when it comes from enough
people, is a good guide.
" Get references from the shop you choose. If
the shop is unable or unwilling to give them, walk away. True, this is
sort of a stacked deck; no shop will give you a list of unhappy
customers. But talking to three or four people who have had good
experiences at the shop can still give you a feel for things.
" Insist on a written estimate of charges.
Then call around to check and make sure the charges are within the norm.
You're not necessarily looking for absolute bottom dollar. But do make
sure the estimate is reasonable. The written estimate should state
clearly that your permission must be granted if there are any unexpected
charges.
" Demand a written warranty on the work.
Here's another case where a shop that has been around for a while has an
advantage. If your repair shop goes out of business, the warranty is
worthless.
" Use the skills that make you a smart
consumer. Some of the usual rules apply, whether you are looking for a
computer repair shop or a good place to get the heels replaced on your
shoes. If you don't like the impressions you're getting when you talk to
the shop personnel, take it seriously.
" If you have a brand-name PC, check with the
manufacturer. In most cases you can trust the manufacturer or its
authorized repair center.
" Find out how long the repair will take. When
you take your car to a mechanic, it is possible, even at a good shop,
that repairs will take longer than expected. Same for computers. But
having that estimate at least sets a loose deadline. Even if it is true,
never say, "I'm in no hurry, take your time". Work can pile up at any
shop, and your nonchalance gives the shop owner permission to put your
repair dead last.
" When you pick up your machine, make sure the
repair has been done properly before leaving the shop. If that means
turning the PC on, so be it. Since PCs are complex systems, just as are
automobiles, it's
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possible for the repair to be done right and
for an unrelated problem to develop within days. By checking the
computer in the shop, there's less chance you'll be told that your PC
isn't working because of a new, unrelated problem.
" If you are not pleased with the repair, be
polite when you state your case. You're more likely to get help if you
appear to be reasonable and calm. If your polite request doesn't do the
job make your complaint in writing and send it by certified mail.
"Most repair shops that have been around for a few
years are ethical and competent. When you find one, tell your friends.
Pay attention to how long a shop has been in business. The marketplace
is pretty smart about weeding out the worst shops, but it takes awhile.
So find a shop that has been in business for a few years, That may be
unfair to the many competent repair shops that are just starting up, but
a lack of mind-reading skills makes it impossible to know which of the
new ones are worthwhile.
" Ask your friends (and the computer guy at
work) for recommendations, Word of mouth, when it comes from enough
people, is a good guide.
" Get references from the shop you choose. If
the shop is unable or unwilling to give them, walk away. True, this is
sort of a stacked deck; no shop will give you a list of unhappy
customers. But talking to three or four people who have had good
experiences at the shop can still give you a feel for things.
" Insist on a written estimate of charges.
Then call around to check and make sure the charges are within the norm.
You're not necessarily looking for absolute bottom dollar. But
" Demand a written warranty on the work.
Here's another case where a shop that has been around for a while has an
advantage. If your repair shop goes out of business, the warranty is
worthless.
" Use the skills that make you a smart
consumer. Some of the usual rules apply, whether you are looking for a
computer repair shop or a good place to get the heels replaced on your
shoes. If you don't like the impressions you're getting when you talk to
the shop personnel, take it seriously.
" If you have a brand-name PC, check with the
manufacturer. In most cases you can trust the manufacturer or its
authorized repair center.
" Find out how long the repair will take. When
you take your car to a mechanic, it is possible, even at a good shop,
that repairs will take longer than expected. Same for computers. But
having that estimate at least sets a loose deadline. Even if it is true,
never say, "I'm in no hurry, take your time". Work can pile up at any
shop, and your nonchalance gives the shop owner permission to put your
repair dead last.
" When you pick up your machine, make sure the
repair has been done properly before leaving the shop. If that means
turning the PC on, so be it. Since PCs are complex systems, just as are
automobiles, it's possible for the repair to be done right and for an
unrelated problem to develop within days. By checking the computer in
the shop, there's less chance you'll be told that your PC isn't working
because of a new, unrelated problem.
" If you are not pleased with the repair, be
polite when you state your case. You're more likely to get help if you
appear to be reasonable and calm. If your polite request doesn't do the
job make your complaint in writing and send it by certified mail.
"Most repair shops that have been around for a
few years are ethical and competent. When you find one, tell your
friends."
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