Repair Tech
[phone repair] Pixel motherboard issues — when do you stop quoting?
Hey everyone, I run a small repair shop and recently, I've been dealing with a lot of Pixel phone motherboard issues. I often find myself in a bind when quoting prices for repairs. There are times when the damage is more extensive than I initially thought, and I have to keep adjusting my quotes. At what point do you all decide to stop quoting and just walk away from a job? I want to be fair to my customers but also protect my business from losing money on repairs that aren't worth it. For example, I had a Pixel 5 come in last week with liquid damage signs, but after opening it up, I found corrosion on the motherboard that would require multiple component replacements. I quoted initially around $150, but by the time I figured in the parts from my usual vendor and labor, I was closer to $300. I ended up doing the repair, but I'm wondering if I should have just cut my losses and said no after the initial diagnosis. Any advice would be appreciated!
2 Answers
I totally understand your dilemma! In my shop, I usually give a preliminary quote based on the initial inspection, but I always make it clear to the customer that it could change once I dive deeper into the repair. If I hit the point where the total exceeds 75% of the phone's value, I will discuss with the customer whether it's worth continuing. For parts, I've had good luck with suppliers like iFixit and RepairsUniverse, so I always keep those on hand. Communication is key, and I try to keep the customer involved in the process so they feel part of the decision-making. Using software like RepairShopr helps me track these quotes and customer communications, making it easier to manage expectations and avoid surprises for everyone involved.
I feel your pain! I think it really comes down to the specific situation and your comfort level. For me, if I see serious motherboard issues, I usually set a limit of around $200 for quoting. If it goes beyond that, I’ll just advise the customer about the potential costs without committing to a full quote right away. I've had good experiences sourcing parts from local suppliers which can save time and money, too. Just remember, sometimes saying no is the best option for both you and the customer in the long run!