TechButler Frequently asked questions.
Below are the questions I get asked most often. If yours isn't here, call or text (971) 717-8080.
1. How much will it cost?
Standard rate is $150 per hour with a one and a half hour minimum, so most visits start at $225. Longer projects of three hours or more drop to $135 per hour. Remote support is $75 per hour when the work doesn't need me in person. I tell you the estimate before any work starts.
2. What if you can't fix it?
You're paying for time, not a guaranteed outcome. Most issues I can resolve on the spot. If something is beyond what makes sense to fix in your home (rare, but it happens with deep hardware failures), I'll tell you straight, recommend the right path forward, and you only pay for the time we spent diagnosing.
3. Do I have to pay the $75 deposit upfront?
To book online through the calendar, yes. The deposit confirms your slot and applies to your final invoice. If prepaying isn't a good fit for you, just call me at (971) 717-8080 and we'll work it out. The deposit exists to keep the schedule honest, not to gate the conversation.
4. Do I need to be home the whole time?
For most visits, yes. I work in your space, on your devices, and I want you available for questions or to log into things only you have access to. If you'd rather hand me the keys and run errands, we can talk about that for repeat clients, but the default is you're around.
5. What about my data? Could you lose something important?
Before any repair or major change, I recommend you have a current backup. I'm careful, but storage devices can fail at the worst moment and I won't promise data is safe when the underlying hardware is the problem. If you don't have a backup setup, that can be the first thing we do together.
6. What areas do you serve?
The Portland metro area. Most of my work is in Lake Oswego, Dunthorpe, West Linn, the West Hills, the Pearl, Nob Hill, Alameda, and Irvington. If you're a bit outside those, ask. I travel within the metro at no extra charge.
7. How soon can you come out?
Usually within the same week, often within a day or two. Same-day is sometimes possible if the calendar allows. Call if it's urgent.
8. What if I only need a quick thing? Do I still pay for an hour and a half?
Yes. The minimum exists because the drive, the setup, and the conversation all take real time on my end, and pricing it any other way means I'd have to raise the hourly rate. A "quick thing" almost always turns into "while you're here, can you also look at..." which is fine. We use the time however you need.