I'm starting my own IT business after 20 years working as a Sys/Network Admin, and I'm a bit lost on how to set my pricing. I have some specific questions that I hope you can help me with:
- Should I charge a bench fee for diagnosing work? I have a shared storefront where customers can bring in their equipment.
- If I do on-site work, how should I charge for that, especially for residential clients, and how does this differ for business customers?
- What are the current common rates for PC repair and system admin/networking services?
- Is it a good idea to have flat rates for services like new PC setups?
I'm looking to understand the current market as I take this leap into being self-employed and I have several certifications to back me up. Thanks for any insights!
6 Answers
Consider joining some MSP-focused groups to get insights from people in the field. Also, for retail services, I used to charge about $45 an hour and $119 for OS reinstalls back in the day. I didn’t usually charge a bench fee but made it clear in my pricing structure. That way, customers know what to expect!
It's definitely a good idea to nail down your pricing before diving in! It can vary a lot based on your location, so I suggest checking out what local competitors are charging. You can also look into what people in similar areas are saying about their prices.
Market research is key! Look at what comparable businesses charge in your area for similar services. It’s also worth noting that many startups struggle, so plan for that possibility—the first few years can be tough until you find your footing.
Honestly, the IT repair market can be tricky. A lot of folks simply buy new computers instead of repairing the old ones. You might want to focus more on B2B work where you can provide solutions that genuinely help companies thrive instead of just fixing PCs for individuals.
Best of luck with your new venture! Gaining clients is going to be the real challenge, but maintaining good IT standards will set you apart from those who rush just to get clients. Focus on building relationships!
A solid starting point is to figure out your desired annual income. Calculate your costs like LLC fees, insurance, and any other expenses you might have. After that, estimate how many hours you're willing to work and divide your expenses by that number to find your hourly rate. Remember, getting clients can be a job in itself, and that time isn't billable!
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