Computer repair is a hallowed affair. The recourse of the few and in-between suited to its rigors. It does not lend itself easily to just about any rookie hoping to work it for fast currency. It calls for dedication; a mind geared toward quality and learning. Long hours in the workplace – and a lot of customer interaction pain.
Because of these systemic barriers, the techs skilled in its wares are meager in number. And so the service fees they demand are exorbitant and uncompetitive.
Of course, not all ‘techs’ who call themselves as such are professionals in the popular sense. Some are even undeserving of the affixation on account of an active-work disability. They are only in it because of connections or some other shortcut. Reliant, in total, on the facilitation afforded by computer shop software. Unable, as it were, to push their own muscle into the endeavor.
The good ones, like Mobile Geeks IT Support, however are also present. Otherwise, you’d see a complete dissolution of the allied computer repair industry as we know it. Device brands, themselves, would see to all the fixing work. Leading to another, parallel, monopoly in the making.
Here, I’m going to be discussing four prominent signs for their (the ‘pros’) identification.
I’ve found these pointers to hold true in my own experiences in the field. And I’m certain that they can render the same service for you. Enable you to divert your hard-earned currency, as it were, toward the right person(s).
So without much further ado.
First Condition: Repair Competence & Knowledge
The universal prerequisite for gaining specialist entry to the domain. Generic: applicable to every vertical.
For starters, an individual without a baseline competence in tech cannot function in the field. Because repair entails opening up and salvaging dysfunctional hardware. A person unfamiliar with normal device functioning can’t diagnose when it goes awry. These takeaways are obvious.
An added complication is the fact that the domain is always expanding. Evolving through its necessary integration with the global IT infrastructure. The point of access/flow where repair management software applications – and the like – enter the equation.
For the serious tech, the cognizance of and a working familiarity with these frameworks are essential pickings. Otherwise, the self-proclaimed professional risks becoming redundant. Bested by competitors who have their learning game in better order.
At the same time, techs – at least those worth their salt – need to be amenable to constant unlearning. There are times when more refined repair skills make their market/field debut. These can either be strategic (process) or tool-facilitated upgrades. Oftentimes, their adherence entails more worker efficiency and economies of scale. So ignoring them would not be in the repair tech’s or setup’s best interest.
Second Condition: A (Somewhat) Insular Disposition
Ascension in repair, beyond the entry-level phase, requires a breakage of social convention. The repair tech’s maintenance, in other words, of a work-centered life. A kind of toil/currency-revolved existence where work/life balance is an alien concept.
There’s no way to sugarcoat this fact. And the implications of relegating it to the back-burner are openly lamented in the field. They can render entire salvaging operations unviable on the commercial front.
In repair, the devout ‘workaholic’ is considered the archetypal ideal. The workplace construct that needs to be built towards and emulated. I often liken this species of human to the repetitive prowess of repair ticket management software. A new-age implement that does not tire of customer notes creation.
[Aside: I’ve often thought that human beings start to emulate the function of their ambient tools. By way of some kind of psychological conditioning, perhaps, that proceeds in the subconscious. Always wielding its influence; never retiring in its assimilation]
A mind distracted by the mundane concerns of living cannot tackle the mental rigors associated with the domain. It needs what I call a ‘muscle building’ focus. The firing and cultivation of new neural pathways which turn the occupation into a reflex.
If all this sounds too suffocating, change gear.
Or, better yet, change path – because repair, for most people, is a one-way street.
By the reverse token, consider your device in good hands if your tech imbibes this personality orientation. Chances are – you’ll get a good return on your investment.
Third Condition: Online Reviews Satisfaction
These days, online reviews are business quality accreditors like no other. Rendered on such public platforms as Facebook, Yelp, and a host of similarly-geared spaces. The ranking algorithms of these engines, further, are committed to impartial recordings. In some cases, they require the reviewer to confirm product/service purchase and usage.
As a repair customer, if your chosen tech appears in good standing on these listings, proceed with the exchange. You particularly want to confirm their quality, timeliness, and affordability ratings.
But you want to be wary of reviews with only a handful of user testimonials. This is to prevent your being lured into a scam laid by the reviewed individuals’ affiliates. Just like other types of con schemes rampant on the internet, these traps are not unheard of.
Here, I should mention that I’ve been a victim of such a swindle myself. An incident which occurred almost 10 years ago, when I happened to be researching different computer shop software applications. Entranced by a misleading sales pitch, I paid several 100 bucks for the subscription. It wasn’t long before I came to know of the embezzlement. The recipient company was a shell setup with no legal existence.
Fourth Condition: Not a Gut Offender!
When corresponding with a repair tech or business, you also want to pay close attention to your instincts. Just like most people, you’re mind is a good judge of character. And unless you’re dealing with a masterful criminal, chances are you’ll be able to spot a professional worker.
Cases of amateurs posing as expert technicians and endangering broken gadgets are as prevalent as the wind. Fully relaint on computer shop software, they try to make do without any personal input. And the results of their pursuits – as expected – almost always disappoint.
So the lesson here is to trust your sixth sense. It’s there for a reason.
If you’re someone who frequently deals with repair techs, you probably have your own criteria for conducting evaluations. The pointers above are opinion-based, after all – not set in stone, by any stretch.
So, if you’ve got some better ones to share, please do so in the comments below.
Your take is just as valuable – if not more.
