Computer repair - what would you do here?

[dave 911]

My son's computer stopped recognizing the hard drive (Apple, gave the folder icon w/ the question mark). We took it to a shop last year that replaced the hard drive, so we took it back to him again. He had the computer for a week, diagnosed the hard drive ok, then thought it was a cable, replaced it w/ no luck, then thought it was the motherboard. He called today to say he had fixed it, it was the cable, the first one that he tried was bad.

When I asked how much I owed him, he said nothing, since he had it so long and since he repaired it a year ago.

I don't feel right not giving him some compensation, especially considering we thought we were looking at a new computer. What would you do?

This is the same guy that I took an iphone to that I had replaced the screen on myself, that I couldn't get the screen to work - he fixed that in about 10 minutes and didn't want to charge me for that either (I think I gave him $25 for that)...

So...let me know what you would do - thanks.

[1990C4S]

Pay him 30 minutes at his usual rate.

[968rz]

Beer is usually accepted, unless he doesn't drink; then a nice cash tip.

[rusnak]

I would pay him what you think it's worth. Your conscience is worth more than whatever that is anyway.

No one ever does work for me for free, not unless it's a friend, and even then I pay them back some how.

[porsche4life]

I bet he wouldnt turn down a $20 when you pick it up. Not much time spent and a very cheap part.


More importantly, grab some of his cards and refer him to everyone you know!

[A930Rocket]

you might have saved me some money! My daughter just had this happen to her macbook.

Originally Posted by dave 911

......(Apple, gave the folder icon w/ the question mark)...