Questions I hear a lot.

How much does a repair cost?

Asking costs nothing: tell me what's going on and I'll tell you what it will likely cost. Once I've looked, you get a firm price, and nothing gets worked on until you say yes. House calls and bench work are billed by the hour ($125): one hour minimum, then half-hour steps. Evenings and Saturdays cost the same. Drop-offs and mail-ins start with a diagnosis ($30) that comes off the bill if you go ahead with the repair. Parts are quoted first, at my cost plus a markup you see on the quote. If it isn't worth fixing, I'll tell you so instead of selling you a repair you'd regret.

Where are you? Can I just drop by?

I am home-based in Nassau County and work by appointment, so there is no counter to walk up to. Book a hand-off time, mail the device in, or have me come to you. That is also why my prices stay reasonable: no storefront to pay for.

How long will it take?

Software fixes and cleanups are usually same or next day. Repairs that need a part take one to three days once the part arrives. Data recovery from a failing drive is the slow one; a careful copy can take days, and rushing it costs files. You get a date with the quote, and a message when it changes.

Will my files be safe?

Yes. Before any repair that could put them at risk I save a backup of the drive on my own bench, offline and never uploaded, and delete it within 30 days after you pick up. I do not look at your files beyond what the repair needs. Passwords you give me are stored encrypted and deleted when you pick the device up.

Do you need my password?

Only when the repair needs it, for example to test a keyboard or check that Windows starts. Many repairs do not. If you would rather not share it, you can make a temporary account or type it in yourself at pickup.

Do you fix phone screens?

No. Phones and tablets are software only here: setup, transfers, accounts, storage, cleanup. For a cracked screen or a battery I will point you to a shop that does them all day.

How does mail-in work?

Ask for a quote and pick “mail it in”. I send you the shipping address and packing tips. When it arrives I diagnose it (the fee comes off the bill if you go ahead) and call you with a firm price. You ship it to me; return shipping is included in the repair. You get a tracking number both ways and can follow the repair on the status page.

Is the work guaranteed?

Every repair carries a 30-day warranty on my labor. If the same problem comes back within 30 days, I fix it again at no charge. Not covered: new physical or liquid damage, new malware, or someone else's work on the device since. Parts carry the maker's warranty.

Is my computer even worth fixing?

Sometimes no, and I will say so. A rule of thumb: if the repair costs more than half of a decent replacement, we talk about replacing instead, and I can move your files to the new machine. Older computers with a slow drive are the exception; a solid-state drive brings them back for less than you would guess.

Can you fix it without me bringing it anywhere?

Remote help is part of the household plan: I connect to your computer while you watch, fix it, and you close the helper when we're done. You download a small helper from my Help page, read me the code, and approve the connection; nothing happens on your screen that you don't see. Not a member? Call me and we'll find another way, usually a house call.

How do I pay?

Card (tap your card or phone at the visit, or a secure pay link by email), bank transfer from the same link, check, or cash. Same price any way you pay. Mail-in repairs are paid before the device ships back.

Do you work with businesses?

Yes. Offices in Nassau County get the same person every time, on-site or remote: by the hour, or on a monthly plan per computer (month to month, 30 days’ notice to stop). Plan offices hear back by the next business day. Ask for a quote and mention “business” and I set up a short visit.

Any discounts?

Veterans and first responders get 10% off labor. Send me a new household plan member and you get a $25 credit. Nobody gets anything for a review: I ask everyone for an honest one.

Can you help me buy a new computer?

Need a new computer? I recommend one that fits what you do, you buy it, and I set it up and move everything over, billed by the hour. No markup on the computer, and its warranty and returns stay yours.