| 10/10/2008 9:50:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article |
|
| Aaron VanderWall (L) and Casey Cochran started Imperial Computer Solutions at 110 Courtland St. in downtown Rockford. |
|
New computer repair shop in Rockford
Kathy Berlin
Reporter
Imperial Computer Solutions opened three weeks ago and is already enjoying a stream of customers in the former Bangz location at 110 Courtland.
Owners Casey Cochran and Aaron VanderWall - who also have stores in Kentwood, Cascade and Walker - saw a need in the Rockford area for their business fixing laptops and desktop units, trouble-shooting network problems, setting up Web sites and just about anything else pertaining to computer technology.
"Basically we do everything, from residential computer repair to corporate work," said VanderWall.
Cochran agreed, and added that one of their niches is making home calls at $85, a rate approximately two-thirds that of the big box stores. That fee usually includes taking care of the problem, too, with no additional fees.
"We're full service," said Cochran. "Nine out of 10 times you can fix computer problems. Most people use laptops and we have the premiere laptop technician people in the area. We can do the repairs most of the other places do and we can usually do it for a lot less."
He notes that while the big box stores typically charge $280 to $320 to reload and backup data lost on a computer, his business charges around $100. Cochran encourages people to simply walk in with their unit and they will take a look at it on the spot.
The business also sells reconditioned units, which carry the same warranty as a new one.
"We warranty laptops and desktops for one year," he said. "We fix them here, so customers don't have to wait while it gets shipped out somewhere."
Cochran added that a common problem with laptops involves the DC jack on the back where the plug connects.
"The jack becomes loose and won't work. Most places won't touch those jacks because it has to be soldered to the motherboard. We'll solder a new jack to the motherboard for $130.
"We run into that problem quite a bit."
An optimization and cleanup typically runs $60 to $79, although can run as low as $40 for a simple procedure or as high as $99 for more complex, severe issues.
"No one can beat us on price and we have a fast turnaround time," said Cochran, who added that computers are usually fixed and back with owners within one or two days, unless a special part is being ordered. Even then, in compelling cases, they will provide a loaner.
Another common problem occurs when people wait too long before bringing in their unit when they offer a free diagnostic service.
"If people could just understand it's not that expensive to get it fixed if you bring it in when it gets sluggish or has little glitches, instead of waiting until it completely shuts down and doesn't work anymore."
|
Article Comment Submission Form
|
|
 |
|
