What to charge for labor for a custom-built PC including OS install

[HaRuMaN]

This would be a from-scratch build, including OS installation.

[Blanka]

Just make a an hour estimation and an hour price. Especially the hours on the software can go fast.

[Malenko]

depends on how long it takes, OS install isnt exactly hard, just time consuming; I'd guesstimate about $100?

[XyloSesame]

depends on how long it takes, OS install isnt exactly hard, just time consuming; I'd guesstimate about $100?

I've struggled with this as well and usually end up short-changing myself. Where do you draw the line of fairness vs. actual time? Most OS install times are set-and-forget; does the clock turn off while the progress bar is the only thing working and you're getting (another) beer?

[Hoopz]

I'd also look at the total cost of the custom built PC.  If it's a $200 build, then it's a different story than a $800 build....  Is this a good friend or doing it for a guy who is a friend of a friend etc.

OS install is boring and you can do a lot of other things during that time.  Are you tweaking the system too?

Standard rate should be about 8-10 cases of good beer.  

[DaveMMR]

I would charge about $100 for that service if all the parts are already purchased and all I have to do is pop them in the case and install the OS.  If shopping needs to be done, I'd add an extra $25 (plus cost of parts, obviously). 

If you have to do anything extraordinary (unnecessary but cool case mods, as an example), add more too.  But otherwise, $100 seems like a fair price.  Waiting around for an OS to install does not 'stop the clock' in my opinion.

[Blanka]

I did not mention the hours on the progress bar, but on tweaking the setup to a more smooth one. For example to startup using all cores, setting up firewall, disable annoying warnings, trashing unnecessary startup items etc.

[HaRuMaN]

Thanks for the feedback, there are obviously a lot of variables involved, and would likely need to be something decided on a case - by - case basis. 

Most people here have chose the $101 to $150 option, that seems pretty reasonable.

[ark_ader]

Go for the most expensive. 

Go cheap and that is what you will get.

You get what you pay for.

[HaRuMaN]

Go for the most expensive. 

Go cheap and that is what you will get.

You get what you pay for.

Huh?

I'm talking about what I would charge to do a custom build for someone else.

[ChadTower]

Dress up like the joker when you give them the bill.  If they balk, set up a pencil on the table and ask them to come closer.

[massive88]

10% of raw materials cost imo.

$100 for a solid mid range computer, less for a budget pc, more for a beast.

[HaRuMaN]

Dress up like the joker when you give them the bill.  If they balk, set up a pencil on the table and ask them to come closer.

I could do that... 

[ark_ader]

Go for the most expensive. 

Go cheap and that is what you will get.

You get what you pay for.

Huh?

I'm talking about what I would charge to do a custom build for someone else.

Exactly.

If you sell yourself short and charge $100, then others will expect the same service.  Charge $200 and they will think twice before asking.  I always charge the most - as some jobs can eat into your profits.  Your time and knowledge is what the customer is paying for.

So my comments works for the worker and the customer. 

You get what you pay for.  I get custom work by word of mouth.  Customers expect the best and I deliver that, but I don't differentiate between legitimate customer and friends.  They all pay the same.  The most I can get.

It is not rocket science, just good economics.   

[SithMaster]

Go for the most expensive. 

Go cheap and that is what you will get.

You get what you pay for.

Huh?

I'm talking about what I would charge to do a custom build for someone else.

Exactly.

If you sell yourself short and charge $100, then others will expect the same service.  Charge $200 and they will think twice before asking.  I always charge the most - as some jobs can eat into your profits.  Your time and knowledge is what the customer is paying for.

So my comments works for the worker and the customer. 

You get what you pay for.  I get custom work by word of mouth.  Customers expect the best and I deliver that, but I don't differentiate between legitimate customer and friends.  They all pay the same.  The most I can get.

It is not rocket science, just good economics.   

Just because he can charge $200 doesn't mean he should.  It depends on the max they are willing to spend before they decide trying it himself is more cost effective.

Don't forget to add in the cost of the costume and pencil.  Get a nice one too and maybe have the draw string just in case.

[Ummon]

It depends on how firm he is on his service, or if he wants to be of service. Like ark said, figure his price and stick to it.

[DaOld Man]

If you are including the price of the OS, and the OS is Widows XP or Vista, and it is a legally purchased copy, then you need to bump the choices up even higher.
Also, I have found that most people will fall back on you for advice or help, especially if they are inexperienced operators.
It wouldnt hurt to charge a few more bucks to cover that, unless you tell them right up front that any calls will be charged for. You dont want to hurt your customers feelings when they think it just aint doing right, by charging them a service call fee, unless they agree to this up front.
Hurt feelings have a way of expressing negatives to possible word-of-mouth customers.

[ark_ader]

If you are including the price of the OS, and the OS is Widows XP or Vista, and it is a legally purchased copy, then you need to bump the choices up even higher.
Also, I have found that most people will fall back on you for advice or help, especially if they are inexperienced operators.
It wouldnt hurt to charge a few more bucks to cover that, unless you tell them right up front that any calls will be charged for. You dont want to hurt your customers feelings when they think it just aint doing right, by charging them a service call fee, unless they agree to this up front.
Hurt feelings have a way of expressing negatives to possible word-of-mouth customers.

Especially when you have to factor in gas, wear and tear on your vehicle, Indemnity Insurance.  Gee Whats that? 

If you screw something up you can get sued, nice to get covered for life's little unexpected problems.  Sure he is your firend, and probably still will be after he takes you to court if you break anything valuable.

I had excellent cover from my home insurance provider. Real cheap, half a million dollar coverage, should be enough.

Software licenses can be got cheaper via OEM, not retail boxed.  If you are putting XP on all future PCs - look at getting bulk licenses direct from a Micro$oft preferred supplier or an outfit like Misco.

I bet TMI is at the fore front of your thoughts right now HarumaN.

But to put it in the words of your favorite character:

"If you are good at doing something, don't do it for free".