To Charge Family Or Not To Charge....

[Maverick811]

As much as I'd like to charge my family for the number of times that I work on their computers, I just can't do it. I find myself in this situation all the time - "hey, can you come by and look at my machine, I can't do this and that, blah blah blah." I don't know how much time I've spent doing various fixes and such for family members. But, somehow I just can't bring myself to charging - I think that I'd feel bad if I asked.. But I believe that if you feel you should be compensated, then you should at least charge something - not as much as a normal vendor, but something... Personally though, I just can't do it...

[FamStars&Straps]

Well, what I would do is say something like "Alllright, I'll do it again this time, but you owe me dinner!" Things like that. Small things. Don't directly say "You owe me this much" It could break relationships. Little subtle things like dinner, movies, or favors are good ways to get something back.

Even though the feeling of helping someone else should be enough :P

[instronics]

Hmmm, im sorry if im falling out of line here a bit....... Your question can only be answered by yourself. Never ask how to handle family to non family members. It depends on how close you are to your family. If i charged my family, it would render our relationship. My opinion is that you should decide yourself whether to charge them or not. In the end, they would have no other choice than to pay someone to fix their problem (which is like abusing thier situation). Dont get me wrong. Charge only the expenses you might have to fix their problems (hardware/software/travel/etc...) Anyways, at the moment im talking against my real point here (thats all that i would do), but its YOU who has to decide. Again sorry if my answer is not exactly what you wanted from me. Good luck on making that decision.

[tyger_claw]

I like how Tedob1 said it:

but im almost willing to bet that you practically begged them to let you work on their computers at first.

Actually, no.... I "happen" to be over one day (or invited) and was asked what to do "if" something *insert scenario* were to happen. (my fiancee was kind enough to brag about my skills, how nice )

So I explained to them several solutions, some being more indebt then others (like registry editing) and they said, "hey!, you could fix the problem then....?" I was then led to the wounded beast for vetenerian duties...

Since then, I've been mr. Fix-It on call.

Anyways... I hear what you are all saying. Unfortunetly, he works as shelf stuffer at Wal-Mart (night crew) and she works in pharmaceuticals (I don't do drugs, in case someone's thinking it) Also, these people are quite reserved, so their social circle is limited.

But! Like many of you said, he *should* be able to give some of his time when I'm in need, like say; moving stuff, dinners, and what not....

And, like many of you said, it could cause a conflict with family if I started sticking out a bill for the services (even at a fraction of their costs).

So I guess I'll work it the old peseant way. The trade market way

[GandalfTheGray]

One downside of charging is that, no matter how low the fee, one has a right to expect performance. I don't charge my family members, but, since I work long days and travel a lot, I choose my times to work on their machines. If they have to wait a week or two to repair the damage they caused, they are more cautious next time.

In one extreme case, I had to tell a friend that if he felt competent enough to install software, the next time an install went wrong he could rebuild the system. I stuck with it and I know that he has done that several times. Some people are slow learners.

[KPATTE456]

Well theres always the "family discount" (Inflate the price 100% then give them a 50% discount) hehe. I own a repair business myself (auto-Truck) i ran into the same problem I dont charge labor but i do charge for parts.....and theres always the " Im very busy and i dont know when i can get there " excuse then they go elsewhere when they are tired of waiting for me.
Only ones that get away free are Mom and Dad. They raised me, fed me , clothed me and paid for my education, they did without so i could have. The least i can do is help them when they need it, espcially that they are retired on a fixed income.
Id guess in your case you have to make a decission, but remember, if they went somewhere else, they WOULD pay.

[invader]

According to me, FamStars&Straps's advice is the best.
You cant ask money, it'll not look nice.
You might need your family at sometime and they'll remember the way you talked to them. I wouldnt be able to bring myself to even asking 'em for money. IF they're asking you too frequently, indirectly convey the message that you are busy. Just think you are doing it for your girlfriend/wife, im sure you wouldnt mind doing as many times. But i think it'll be indecent to ask for money.

Anyway, it's only opinion.

[bimmer]

i bielive you don't have to charge them any cent.
coz as they need you now, you might need them one day.
that's why friends and family there for.
i never charged any of my friends or family, but when i need them they are always there for me.
this is life , u give and get , but it's something good if they really show you how much they really appreciate what you do for them.
like my uncle once when he went to the states he bought me a gift , that was really nice for him.

[nabylbt]

Yeap, charging familly just doesn't work but they pay you back in different ways, emotional, food, rides.... whenever my sister ask me to fix "her" pc well it's dinner time and it jsut happen to be the one night that she needs the kids to be babisitted ... and also that my favorite dish is just laying around .... how convenient .... but i don't mind at all plus i think of her pc as mine too because i use it all the time ...
so enjoy the pizza and the beer, for friends i only ask a 6 pack to keep me company !