What SHOULD i be charging, anywho?

[captain_slinky]

When/if Family members insist that I charge them for help with electronics/computers, what should I charge them? i seriously have no idea :/

Comments

[nani-ka.livejournal.com]

Computer shops where you drop off your machine charge $60/hr. People like the Geek Squad charge probably twice as much. Depending on how much trouble they make themselves, anywhere from $30 - $60/hr would be fair, although if its your mom you can always charge her less in exchange for guilt-trip waivers, or other equivalent exchanges.

[dotgirl.livejournal.com]

Well, it gets awkward because you don't want to ask for too much .. or too little. What about suggesting they give you whatever they're comfortable with?

[amazon-ww.livejournal.com]

One case of beer or the cash equivalent.

[lynna12000.livejournal.com]

The case of beer is a good idea. Or, if the family member has a particular culinary specialty, they could make that, i.e. lasagne, ravioli, etc. (that's what'd done in my family.) Charging family members cash is always tricky. Always remember, they may be the ones selecting your retirement home.

[hallerlake.livejournal.com]

if it takes you an hour of work, charge them two or three hours of babysitting, or one meal for your family, or the like. or if they have some trade skill, take it as even. Trading computer maintenance for carpentry or babyproofing assistance (or whatever else is applicable - car repair? electrical work?) is probably a winner.

[teegin.livejournal.com]

I used to charge $20 an hour or barter system. Depends on the job and what people are willing to cough up as well. My favorite response is whatever you can milk out of them ..hehe

[collisions.livejournal.com]

Take it from someone who did this professionally for far too long - you charge someone actual money and it sets up a different dynamic.

Say you're helping with the computer and something craps out. If you're doing it for free, you say, "Hey, suck. You should buy new whatever." You're helping with the computer but charging for it and something craps out, suddenly there are more questions about what you did, whether they should get their money back, etc. And what if they pay you to fix something and the issue comes back? Then you are somewhat obligated to come back and keep working on it.

Anyway, I'd charge them babysitting, not cash.