Virus Removal Fees

[PC_Repair_Man]

I'm not sure if it's taboo to ask this here on these forums but I was looking for some opinions on what to charge when I do a virus removal job? I have always used flat rates and I basically have a price sheet that is pretty cut and dry for all types of PC repairs, BUT with viruses the jobs are rarely "cut and dry". Some viruses take 30 minutes to remove, some take a couple hours, and I'm just tired of cutting myself short with customers trying to give them a deal. Any advice?

[Ima Dunce]

It would be nice if you could post the virus removing steps you use to a financially challenged damsel in distress.

[PC_Repair_Man]

Sure thing,

Basically for most simple virus/spyware infections I do several full-system scans. I use Malwarebytes, Spybot S&D, SuperAntiSpyware, and either AVG antivirus or the customer's prefered AV program.

Before I start the scans I usually take the system for a test drive and try to duplicate the problems that they've been having and also look for typical symptoms.

Once I get all my software installed/updated and working correctly I will typically turn off system restore and I also usually perform the scans in safe mode.

For more complex viruses I have to basically figure out the name of the virus and if it's something that I haven't dealt with alot before I just have to google it and try to find search results that list successful removal methods. This type of virus removal requires alot of hacking around and trying differnt things, especially with some less popular viruses, and takes alot of time.

Of course there is the worst case scenario: Re-install Windows

[Dave@Bytes]

Maybe you can charge an hourly rate with a minimum of 30 minutes and a max of 90 minutes or so. This way users know what to expect in advance.

[PC_Repair_Man]

Thanks for the advice Dave. Since I made this post I've been doing some snooping on my competition to see what they charge. Only one or two businesses in my area charge hourly rates for virus removal and their rates are HIGH!!! I'm trying to stick with something very affordable since the name of my business is Affordable PC Repair, Upgrades, & Networking and my whole business scheme revolves around having the cheapest rates in town. What I did find in doing my snooping was that I am ripping myself off just a little with my removal fees so I found the cheapest rate from a competitor, knocked it down $5 and now I'm still the cheapest in town but at a rate that I'm more comfortable with.

Thanks again for your help Dave.

[Bama19642]

It's been years since I needed to know, but people used to charge about $50 to install Windows. That was their hourly rate, and even though they didn't actually work an hour it was how long it took for Windows to install. So a pc sitting in their shop while the files were transferred is what people paid. At least my favorite guy told me the truth, other than putting the cd in there isn't much to it.

[PC_Repair_Man]

Yea Bama in a city the going rate for that is still about $50, in some smaller towns the rate jumps to about $75 - $100, it all just depends on how much comeptition is in the area in regards to how much you can charge.

I personally think $50 for the install is worth every penny. I mean with alot of systems it is very cut and dry with no issues BUT then you have those few with driver problems and this and that which turns a simple install into a headache job. I try to base prices on worst case scenarios and the worst case scenario for doing a windows install to me is worth $50.