Step 2 · Ask
What to ask a repair shop.
Ten questions for the phone call, the answers that should make you think twice, and what to check before you pay. Print it or keep it open while you call.
On the phone
- Do you charge to look at it? How much, and is it taken off the repair if I go ahead?
- Will I get a written estimate before any work starts?
- Will you call me before going over the estimate? Tell them your limit.
- How long is the repair guaranteed? Parts and labour both?
- Will my files still be there? Some repairs mean wiping the drive.
- Do you need my password? A good answer offers another way.
- New, used or refurbished parts? And can I have the old ones back?
- How long will it take, and how will you tell me it is ready?
- What happens if it can’t be fixed? What do I pay then?
- How long do you keep a computer that isn’t collected?
Think twice when…
- They won’t give any estimate, even a range, until you leave the computer.
- They want the full repair price before they have looked at it.
- They insist on your password written down, with no other option.
- Nothing is guaranteed, or the guarantee is only spoken.
- They called you, or a pop-up told you to call them. That is a known scam pattern: read the FTC’s advice on tech support scams.
- They ask to be paid by gift card, wire or cryptocurrency.
When you pick it up
- Tried the fault I reported. It is fixed.
- Looked it over: no new scratches, cracks or loose parts.
- Got back everything I handed over.
- Opened a few of my important files.
- Invoice matches the estimate (or I agreed to the change).
- Warranty length is written on the invoice.
- Got the old parts back (if I asked).