What would you charge him?

[Bald Shadow]

I've been approched by a local merchant in my area. He wants me to go behind someone elses mess and straighten out his network. Well it's really not that big a deal really, simply because there is only one server and a laptop. If I agree to do this for him he would also like me to add a workstation to his network.

Basically, the person he was dealing with before, only gave him access to the My Document Folder and when the merchant tries to access his workgroup, he can't. There are quite a few folders that he would like to access as well but can't. The best part is when he wants to print something, he has to transfer the documents to the computer that is attached to the printer.

I have never heard of such a thing. I couldn't believe what he was saying until he showed me. As sure as water is wet, it was true. His network (if you want to call that a network) is a mess.

What would YOU charge him to straighten it out for him. The OS is w2k

[{PMS}fishy]

It would seem to be a pretty easy task for some one with computer knowledge. Still though if he wants your help I say in the area of $75 an hour. Most places are far more expensive than that, and who knows what issues you could uncover. I also prefer to barter, what does he do?

[Bald Shadow]

He owns a hardware store. So that means sales, inventory, etc...certain progams he needs to access as well. He has about 6 to 8 employees. Some i would imagine would need access to inventory records, past sales, etc.

The workstation would be on the second floor. The server and the laptop would be located on the first floor.

[pcgirl]

I would say $75-$100 an hour is fair....because you're basically going to have to wipe everything out (like network settings and sharing and stuff) and start over, right?

[Bald Shadow]

That was my plan. Essentially I was planning on starting out with a clean slate. I would save myself alot of grief that way.

[don256us]

In my area, network guys won't leave thier house for less than $75/hr and some are more than $100.

Straight up PC guys in the area are $40 for homes and $60/hr for bussiness'.

Sometimes it is just easier to do a 'slash and burn'. Easier for you and in the long run, more economical for the client. Besides, he's gonna write it off on taxes anyway.

And remember, less than $400 = no 1099 tax form. Or was that $600?

[don256us]

In my area, network guys won't leave thier house for less than $75/hr and some are more than $100.

Straight up PC guys in the area are $40 for homes and $60/hr for bussiness'.

Sometimes it is just easier to do a 'slash and burn'. Easier for you and in the long run, more economical for the client. Besides, he's gonna write it off on taxes anyway.

And remember, less than $400 = no 1099 tax form. Or was that $600?

[don256us]

In my area, network guys won't leave thier house for less than $75/hr and some are more than $100.

Straight up PC guys in the area are $40 for homes and $60/hr for bussiness'.

Sometimes it is just easier to do a 'slash and burn'. Easier for you and in the long run, more economical for the client. Besides, he's gonna write it off on taxes anyway.

And remember, less than $400 = no 1099 tax form. Or was that $600?

[don256us]

In my area, network guys won't leave thier house for less than $75/hr and some are more than $100.

Straight up PC guys in the area are $40 for homes and $60/hr for bussiness'.

Sometimes it is just easier to do a 'slash and burn'. Easier for you and in the long run, more economical for the client. Besides, he's gonna write it off on taxes anyway.

And remember, less than $400 = no 1099 tax form. Or was that $600?

[|the sys admin|]

Wow, a quadruple post! That's just not right.

[Carnil]

Speaking as someone who's done self-employment taxes, I'd recommend a fee of $75 an hour, with a maximum of $400.

[Bald Shadow]

Thank you all for the quick replies and the sound advice:) Especially fom don256us, who was compelled to post his reply 4 times:D .

We've agreed on $90.00/hour. I also negotiated that if i start into another hour, even if its 10 minutes into the hour, I will be paid the entire $90.00 not just a fraction there of. I also have it in writing. My guess is he just wants to get it over with and be done with it once and for all.

[don256us]

Sorry for the quad post. Problems at work with the network. I didn't think that it even posted once.