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How Do We Start Designing Your System?
Give me a call, send me an email , or use the form above to schedule an appointment. I will come to your house or office, examine your computers, and discuss with you how you are currently using them and what things you would like to improve. We will jointly agree on a general concept of what computer and networking equipment to add, the work to be done, and the general cost guidelines.
I will return at a later time with a detailed estimate of the work before proceeding. Once you approve the estimate, I will require payment for the estimated cost of the hardware and software components. I then purchase the components and do the pre-assembly and testing in my shop, to the extent I can, before returning to your location for the final installation. Be aware that if networking and broadband access are involved, I may require a significant amount of time in your house or office to accomplish the work.
Once the entire system is in place and operational, I will demonstrate to you how the new systems and software operate. We will need to do this at a time when all the people that will be using the system can be present to observe and ask questions.
Finally, payment is due for the remaining balance. This is primarily the charge for my services. But it will also include adjustments to the component cost based on their actual price on the day that I purchased them.
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Once It’s Installed, What Then?
After the job is done, I’m still here. If you have a question or concern, call me or email me. I want to make sure you are thrilled with your new setup.
If you need detailed training on how to do particular activities, I can provide that. Let’s schedule it.
If, due to cost considerations or uncertainty of your exact needs, you deferred some of the options I had proposed to you – let me know when you are ready to add them in. Or maybe you thought of something new. Please keep in touch. This is a journey, not a destination.
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What I Do and Don’t Do?
The term "consultant" in Home PC Consultant implies some things that I do and some that I don’t do.
- I don’t sell anything – except my service. However, part of my service entails my buying things for you and delivering them to you, at my cost, and installing them. I make a reasonable effort to buy components at a "good" price. But, I don’t guarantee it’s the lowest price.
- I don’t do house construction. I cannot accept the legal liability for making structural changes or doing electrical wiring to your house. When you (or someone you contract) are pulling network cable through walls, I can help you with providing the cable and the termination boxes. I must insist that you drill any holes in your walls and floors. (Note that wireless networks, while more expensive and a little less reliable, don’t require drilling any holes.)
- I don’t buy anything without your approval. (Just a little self preservation here. I don’t want to get stuck with it.)
- I don’t provide Emergency Repair Service. That’s not to say that if your kid has a term paper due tomorrow and your PC is balking at it, I won’t do everything I can to help you when you call. I will. But, I would greatly prefer an email describing your problem and having some time to research before I come over.
- I don’t leave you when I’m done. If you have any questions or concerns, email or call (see the previous item). I’ll strive to make you glad that you did.
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