My Services Are Not Free!

I have a question for you to think about. Why is it that most people think computer help should be free or cheap?

How much do you pay your landscaper or babysitter or anyone else you ask to do a service for? Even though there are many computer service techs it does not mean our time is complimentary.

Remember you get what you pay for, free help does not mean free quality help. Everything comes with a price and I am sure you would not want to do work for your boss for free, that’s unthinkable.

As a computer professional, I have put in my time to learn the technology and skills required to do a quality job. This is the training required for any skilled professional you welcome into your home. Would you honestly invite a plumber or electrician into you home and expect not to pay him for his time or materials? Probably not, but you see no problem paying little or no money for a computer consultant to come to your home or office to perform computer work on your behalf.

Most of the work I offer and perform is either part of a package with a set price or discounted based on the amount of work needed and I still get asked for a lower price, barter or if I can do the work for free.

I understand that times are tough but we all have to make a living. I remember back in college when I started helping fellow classmates with their computer coursework I would be offered free meals, coffee, tickets to shows, or what little money was available for my time. Those times were very tough but I would be rewarded fairly for my time but now being a professional I think I speak for my colleagues that time should be paid for no matter what work is performed. My goal has always to offer a fair price for quality work.

The next time you call you plumber, electrician, gardener, babysitter, tutor, cab driver, or any other company providing services ask them if they will perform the work for free. I am sure you will either get a hang-up refusal to do the work. Just because there are many computer techs out there it doesn’t mean we come cheap.

Your comments are welcome. Thank you.