Fix the Shop First · Part 4 of 9 Free quotes are not free diagnostics Quotes are free. Diagnosis is work. Where a tech repair shop should draw the line, how to set the fee from your floor rate, and what to say at the counter. Fix the Shop First  |  A 9-part series  |  Tech Care Association Should a tech repair shop charge a diagnostic fee?

Join eWaste Warriors, a global network of empowered individuals committed to reducing electronic waste through education, repair skills, and sustainable practices.

Over two weeks, the TCA read a couple hundred comments from repair professionals arguing about labor. $85 an hour. A $100 minimum that drops to $60 on quick jobs. "I can't go over $85 because of the chain in the next town." Every owner knew their price. Not one described how the number was built.

Over two weeks, the TCA read a couple hundred comments from repair professionals arguing about labor. $85 an hour. A $100 minimum that drops to $60 on quick jobs. "I can't go over $85 because of the chain in the next town." Every owner knew their price. Not one described how the number was built.

Over two weeks, the TCA read a couple hundred comments from repair professionals arguing about labor. $85 an hour. A $100 minimum that drops to $60 on quick jobs. "I can't go over $85 because of the chain in the next town." Every owner knew their price. Not one described how the number was built.

"A best practice becomes a policy. Policy becomes a roadblock."Ri...

Five numbers separate a busy repair shop from a profitable one. Formulas, where the inputs live, and a free worksheet to do it in under an hour a week.

Over two weeks, the TCA read a couple hundred comments from repair professionals arguing about labor. $85 an hour. A $100 minimum that drops to $60 on quick jobs. "I can't go over $85 because of the chain in the next town." Every owner knew their price. Not one described how the number was built.

Over two weeks, the TCA read a couple hundred comments from repair professionals arguing about labor. $85 an hour. A $100 minimum that drops to $60 on quick jobs. "I can't go over $85 because of the chain in the next town." Every owner knew their price. Not one described how the number was built.

Over two weeks, the TCA read a couple hundred comments from repair professionals arguing about labor. $85 an hour. A $100 minimum that drops to $60 on quick jobs. "I can't go over $85 because of the chain in the next town." Every owner knew their price. Not one described how the number was built.

Over two weeks, the TCA read a couple hundred comments from repair professionals arguing about labor. $85 an hour. A $100 minimum that drops to $60 on quick jobs. "I can't go over $85 because of the chain in the next town." Every owner knew their price. Not one described how the number was built.

"A best practice becomes a policy. Policy becomes a roadblock."Ri...

You don't have to upgrade just because something broke. Four questions tell you whether to repair or replace any device.

You don't have to upgrade just because something broke. Four questions tell you whether to repair or replace any device.

"A best practice becomes a policy. Policy becomes a roadblock."Ri...

"You don't throw away your car after you're done with it. You typic...

Your tech repair shop labor rate is a math problem, not a market guess. Add monthly fixed costs to your technician's loaded cost, divide by the hours that actually land on tickets, then add the margin the shop needs. That is your floor, and the shop down the street does not know it. Part 3 of the nine-part Fix the Shop First series, with current BLS wage data and a free calculator that shows the math line by line.

"You don't throw away your car after you're done with it. You typic...

"You don't throw away your car after you're done with it. You typic...

You don't have to upgrade just because something broke. Four questions tell you whether to repair or replace any device.

Cracked screen, dead battery, or a laptop that won't charge? Start with repair. This guide shows how to decide whether to repair or replace any device, why the Hassle Factor belongs in the math, and how to get a quote you can trust.

This month, Washingtonian named TCA Founder and CEO Rob Link to its 2026 Tech Titans list, recognizing the most important and innovative leaders in Washington's digital economy. Rob was honored in "The Connectors" section for bringing together repair professionals and local businesses, and the artic...

This month, Washingtonian named TCA Founder and CEO Rob Link to its 2026 Tech Titans list, recognizing the most important and innovative leaders in Washington's digital economy. Rob was honored in "The Connectors" section for bringing together repair professionals and local businesses, and the artic...

Most charging failures are cheap. Only one of the three usual causes costs real money, and even that one is a fraction of a new phone. Here's how to tell which one you have.

Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.

This month, Washingtonian named TCA Founder and CEO Rob Link to its 2026 Tech Titans list, recognizing the most important and innovative leaders in Washington's digital economy. Rob was honored in "The Connectors" section for bringing together repair professionals and local businesses, and the artic...

"There are no schools teaching reverse logistics."Tony Sciarrotta...

Revenue tells you the shop is busy. Five numbers tell you whether it survives. Gross margin per ticket, average ticket, labor utilization, callback rate, and months of cash reserve, each with its formula and a free worksheet to capture all five in under an hour a week.

Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.

Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.

It is late, your phone is at four percent, and the charging bolt will not appear. Before you price a replacement, know this: a phone that won't charge is almost always a cable, a lint-packed port, or a worn part, and all three are repairs. Here is the ten-minute triage and when to hand it to a pro.