Repair Intake & Service Agreement
This form is intended for customers dropping off equipment for evaluation or repair.
Please read the following information carefully before submitting.
Diagnosis Process
Diagnosing and repairing consumer electronic devices such as desktops, laptops, game consoles, mobile devices, and other low-voltage electronics is often a process rather than a single, definitive step.
Many issues cannot be precisely identified without opening, testing, and attempting repair.
I will spend up to 15 minutes at no charge diagnosing the likely issue and, if possible within that timeframe, give you an estimate based on that assessment.
If I can't reach an estimate within 15 minutes, I'll let you know how much billable time it will take to open the unit and diagnose further.
As with most independent repair shops, Ness Computer Services does not maintain specialized laboratory-grade diagnostic equipment that can guarantee exact fault identification before work begins.
Troubleshooting typically involves addressing the most likely and/or least expensive causes first (hopefully they are one and the same), then proceeding based on results.
If you require a single-step diagnosis with a guaranteed outcome and fixed price prior to any repair attempt, you may wish to use a certified electronics diagnostics or failure-analysis laboratory.
These facilities specialize in advanced component-level testing and formal analysis.
Due to the investment in specialized equipment and expert labor, such services typically cost hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on complexity and reporting requirements — significantly higher than standard repair diagnostics.
If you'd like, I can recommend one.
Additional Issues Found During Repair
Once repair work begins, additional issues may become evident that may or may not affect basic functioning of the system.
Some issues may require further repair to achieve a fully operational system.
(Example: a dropped laptop with a broken screen which, after screen replacement, turns out to also have a damaged hard drive from the fall.)
If additional issues are found once work has begun, you may choose not to repair them — but you are still responsible for paying for the original repair's parts and labor as agreed.
Communication & Approval
I will open an emailed support case, which we'll use to communicate regarding your repair.
I will explain the likely cause and proposed solution and get your approval before beginning work.
If I find new information relevant to the repair, or the assessment changes, I will notify you along the way.
If I'm unable to reach you for approval within 30 days of an estimate being sent, the device will be held pending contact; a diagnostic/storage fee may apply if further attempts are needed.
Data & Liability
Repairing electronic devices carries an inherent risk to stored data, especially on devices that are already damaged or failing.
I strongly recommend backing up your data before drop-off.
If the computer will not boot and you don't have a backup, I can back up an operational drive to an external drive that I will keep until the computer is bootable and returned to you, after which the data will be deleted.
The charge is 1 hour of labor at the current rate.
I am not responsible for data loss during diagnosis or repair.
If your drive fails during repair and you have opted for me to create a backup, restoration of the data will take an additional 1 hour of labor.
I am also not liable for pre-existing damage or conditions discovered during service that are unrelated to the reported issue.
My liability for any device is limited to the lesser of the cost of repair or the fair market value of the device.
Payment
Payment is due before or at pickup time.
I accept cash, check, and credit card.
A deposit may be required in advance for parts orders on certain repairs.
Returned Checks
A fee of $40 will be charged for any check returned unpaid by the bank for any reason (insufficient funds, closed account, etc.), in addition to the original amount owed.
Payment for the returned check plus the fee must be made by cash, card, or money order.
Warranty
Labor is warrantied for 180 days from date of completion; parts carry the manufacturer's warranty where applicable.
Unclaimed Devices
Devices not picked up within 30 days of a completion or contact notice may be considered abandoned.
Abandoned devices may be disposed of or sold to recover outstanding costs, in accordance with applicable local law.
Replaced Parts
Parts replaced during repair will be processed through electronics recycling unless requested otherwise.
By submitting this form, you acknowledge and agree to these terms and conditions and this repair approach.
