How many times have you or one of your technicians spent three or more hours working on a spyware, virus, or quirky hardware problem? I’d guess the number is much higher than one. How about the number of times where more than one hour was spent? Probably still at least one right?

While it can be difficult to do, especially for technical staff, you and/or your staff need to recognize when a specific problem just isn’t worth the time. With new basic computers costing $500 or less, it is a disservice to your clients to bill them three hours fixing a 2+ year old machine… buy a new one.

Even just reloading a computer can cost more than it’s worth. Fixing extensive and advanced spyware and virus problems is crazy. It is definitely worth trying to fix the problem. Typically spyware and virus problems can be fixed pretty quickly. I’m talking about the issues that you have already spent an hour trying to resolve. There needs to be a cut-off point. A point at which you have the business sense to step back and realize that it just isn’t worth it.

It is in the clients’ best interest for you and your staff to be able to realize when it no longer makes sense to spend time on that particular issue. Workstations are cheap. Your time is not. If your customer does not understand this concept, explain it to them. They will appreciate that you are looking out for their best interest.

Zachary M. Morvik