Hi Thomas,
May I ask how old you are. I know it seems a bit rude maybe.
But for about 20 years I have been fixing computers for friends, and by them recommending my name to to other people or friends of them.
You hit the point about making a loss or profit from the service you are providing.
And that's why your crying a bit now.
There is an air of good faith here, between yourself and the person or customer.
But you are providing the service, since the customer cannot fix the computer in question them self.
Now in a case where your asked to visit a person who asks you to look at there pc because it is not working.
Here is the rule to not leave yourself open.
Where you can arrange a time that is right for you and the customer to meet with the said customer/computer, if at there house and property.
Diagnose the fault, with the customer present. And then detail to them the problem.
And how it can be fixed, and the cost of doing so.
You then have given them the option, to decline you repair it.
But you have done your job.
Because that is what you were there for.
And the customer called you because they had no clue on how to resolve or fix it.
If they say yes, then you require payment for the devices or hardware first to repair the system. It`s as simple as that. By stating the cost of parts to fix it.
And of course your fee for doing so. Prepping installing. testing. Labour or time to fix it, or factor in transport costs.
If you are running a mobile computer repair service.
You get payment, then take the device fit the new parts and return it. Providing the receipts back to them of the devices you bought to fix the problem.
She is in doubt as to you actually fixing the computer, so she wants to see it working first. And why she is retaining the amount of money it cost you to fix it.
Proof.
Follow the rule above.
A word about retaining a customers computer.
It can lead to an accusation of theft.
But if you retain and can prove, that the device by the person was given to you under repair, and you still retain the receipts for the new parts bought, and installed.
And it can be proved it was done under a service you provided.
But it was retained under non payment for services rendered. Customer not paying bill.
Then you cover your ass in such a case. As an accusation of theft by another. or taken to court at worst case.
If you footed the bill out of your own pocket for the parts, and service first. It`s then a civil matter.
The client has not, settled the bill of services rendered.
If the client, or customer agreed for you to go ahead with the new parts for install, or repair. By word or written consent. Technically a contract.
Dispute, in the eyes of the law. Not theft, and classed as a civil matter.
It`s not were anybody would like to be.
But it`s a tip to remember to keep yourself safe.
If a accusation of theft by the customer or client is made.
Where you retained it under non payment of services rendered. And that is how you stop people having you over a barrel.