Are you tired of being ripped off for minor fixes?
It could just be a single wire replacement yet you’re paying hundreds to replace.
From the moment your computer starts being problematic, the first thought that usually comes to mind is that maybe it’s time to take it for repairs locally.
However, there’s a pretty great chance that there are so many options to choose from and you’re going to want to choose the best.
When it comes to choosing a local repair shop, here are five tips to aid with your final decision:
#1 Always Get Referrals
If you’ve already got a pretty great idea of the computer repair service that you’re interested in, chances are you were referred to this one.
Nothing beats knowing that numerous people have had exceptional services from this particular service shop and there’s a great opportunity for you to experience the same type of service.
While personal referrals are fantastic, there’s a high possibility that you’re not really going to find a decent number that’s going to make you comfortable about this particular computer repair shop.
As such, we definitely recommend that you do some extra research online.
Soon enough you’re going to be completely comfortable since you’re going to see a ton of online reviews about services and of course customer care.
If you didn’t already know, Yelp is an awesome site that aids with this service and it even gives the location information on Google Maps.
#2 Big Ads Don’t Always Mean The Best
Simply put, fliers aren’t relevant enough to be considered as a referral.
This also means that ads fall into the same category and are not a referral and neither is a fully coloured ad in your local Sunday paper a referral.
So, don’t confuse what you see with what you think you know about a company because you only know what they’ve told you or rather wanted you to know.
No matter how much a company advertises, there is always going to be some form of biased message within the ad.
However, don’t get us wrong because the information can be completely honest, but you’re never really going to know too much from the size of an ad.
#3 Don’t Reward Failure
If you’ve ever had poor service at a local repair shop, it’s best to look at other alternatives.
There’s simply no reason to provide business to a repair shop that has already proven themselves unworthy on the first try.
#4 Do A Little Reconnaissance
You should take the initiative to spy on any potential business that you’re considering.
Most businesses tend to have a neat retail area at their business. However, larger retail outlets are typically affiliated with a chain service. When you visit their outlet, be sure to pay attention to customers while you browse.
This is the perfect opportunity for you to observe customers coming and going and you’ll be able to get first-hand exposure to the quality of service that they may have received.
Sydney wedding celebrant Darran Moran agrees and explains “I use my laptop for work every day. I can’t run my business without that hardware, so staying on top of repairs is key. I can’t risk taking it to a sub-par team, so I’ll look around, read reviews and get quotes. That’s how you make an informed decision.”
It’s also a great idea to observe the staff as well as their work ethic and professionalism while dealing with clients. If you’ve decided that you’re not satisfied, you can take your business elsewhere.
#5 Question Assumptions
Did you think on more than one occasion that big retailers were your only option?
Have you ever consciously avoided national chain services simply because they were too big? Simply put, it’s never a good idea to rely on assumptions.
Assumptions should never be the basis for your final decision when it comes to computer repairs. So, be sure to do some research and ask various people that you may know.
In most cases, the repair service deserving of your business is simply the one that gives you the best value overall without their ad or building size being an issue.
As a bonus tip, financial specialists Metro Bookkeeping recommend keeping all receipts. They explain “you never know when a receipt will come in handy. But it’s always better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!”
What Next?
After you’ve decided on a company that you’re comfortable with, it’s a good idea to determine the best questions that you should aim to ask any repair professional.
It might also be a great idea to research the best answers to these questions as well.
When speaking to your potential service provider, be sure to thoroughly describe your problem and giving them a better head start at tackle your problem efficiently.
Looking to repair your computer or laptop? Chat to the experts from Come2U today!
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Written by: Deirdre Henderson