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pricing advice on install

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  • Business Computing
Last response: in Business Computing
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March 19, 2013 3:39:55 PM

So i have a client that is looking to install a welch allyn image capture system. Now we looked into the kit and it retails over 3.600$ now i was able to get the parts threw other means so ive cut the cost well below retail in total around 200$. My question is what should i charge for install labor, my thought was at least 1000$ seeing how i saved him so much money and that was just for the kit and not labor which im sure a tech would have added on top of the 3.600$. Any input is greatly appreciated, keep in mind he is a doctor so i would think 1k wouldnt be an outrages ammount but then again i wouldnt know which is why im here

More about : pricing advice install

March 19, 2013 5:53:07 PM

Hmm, I guess you don't do this stuff professionally. Since we have no clue about where you are installing this, what kind of installation you need to do, if it requires your tools, how much time you think it will take, where in the world this installation is going into, etc., etc., etc., it is impossible for us to give you a realistic markup. Please give us more information, but also realize it's very unlikely for us to give you the answer you want.
March 19, 2013 6:12:08 PM

tigerg said:
Hmm, I guess you don't do this stuff professionally. Since we have no clue about where you are installing this, what kind of installation you need to do, if it requires your tools, how much time you think it will take, where in the world this installation is going into, etc., etc., etc., it is impossible for us to give you a realistic markup. Please give us more information, but also realize it's very unlikely for us to give you the answer you want.


Currently on my phone writing this up so wasnt able to post a link to the hardware, this machine is used by a OBGYN doctor for his exams, i dont do proffesional installs but i know well enough to be ok as far as the install procedure seems pretty standard, this machine will be placed in his workplace in a patient room, as far as tools not much is needed maybe taking my laptop for driver lookups, everything is pretty much just wiring everything into the machine and matching ports. Ps machine is called welch allyn image capture system, i realize i wont get the answer im looking just want a ruff estimate what i should charge for the install i saved him tons of cash just gettn the parts individualy just want to know how much piece of the pie i can ask for, thx in advance
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March 20, 2013 3:00:55 PM

For something like this

- Researching parts and building the machine - good couple of hours at least
- Installing Windows with service packs, updates, drivers, software etc - another couple of hours
- Setting up his software, printers, emails etc? - another 2-3 hours, maybe more.

You are talking a good 7-8 hours of work. We would usually charge around $550 labour for a job like this plus any mark-up on parts. We are UK based though and probably a lot cheaper as based in a small town.

If you saved $200 on the parts he doesn't need to know. You could tell him you saved $50 and keep the rest as your mark-up. He is happy with you for saving $50 - you get an extra $150 - everyone wins.

Some might see that as dishonest but I see it like this.
He was happy to pay full price.
You put the time, effort and knowledge into researching cheaper parts.
He benefits for it? no way! You deserve it
March 20, 2013 4:43:59 PM

What kind of warranty and support coverage do you plan on providing to him and what would have come with the welch allyn image capture system? You have to heavily factor this in as well.

I'm not sure where you are located, but look at it this way: I'm assuming you didn't tell him you are providing 1 year of warranty and technical support coverage free of charge (pretty standard on pre-assembled systems here in the US) and would be extreme surprised if you offered him longer than that. More expensive equipment typically comes with even better coverage.

In purchasing the pre-assembled item, your customer would have been paying more, but you have had the peace of mind of knowing he had that support and warranty for a product that was tested and works. You have assembled individual parts into a piece of equipment that should function in a similar manner. Does it look as nice/sleek as the real thing? How thoroughly have you tested it? How confident are you that he won't run into any technical/compatibility difficulties in the next 3-5 years? How about durability? How confident are you that the unit will still be working 5 years from now?

All of these things severely drop the value of the product you have provided. At the same time, you should be reimbursed fairly for the work you put in. If you spent 40 hours of real work on this project then you should definitely be paid more than you would be had you only spent 5 hours assembling parts.

In the end you can charge him whatever you wish, but I certainly think $1000 profit seems a bit much for just finding the parts/adapters to allow a standard external video capture device to interface with this doctor's medical equipment.
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