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[Splinter]

This has to be one of my least favourite jobs.
Naturally I charge for this service and give them a disclaimer, but it's still a pain, mainly because they usually don't know where everything is, and/or don't know how to do it.
If it's over 50Gb, which it normally is, I always ask them to provide their own media, but that's not always possible.
I haven't had any major 'fails' yet, but that's always a worry; like some indispensable file that has gone awol........................
And of course the screening of the files if I have to use a donor PC.
This is what you might call a mini-rant as i'm doing one now for 200Gb, but at least he provided a USB HDD.
 

[Thermalsig]

Splint, if you're not already doing so, you have to try Fab's AutoBackup 4. You can set it and forget it. It's awesome. You can run Fab's, nuke and pave(reformat) and reinstall all the customers info. When you hand it back to the customer, they'll wonder if you did anything at all, because it will look exactly as they gave it to you, wallpaper, icons, browser settings, user accounts...etc. I HIGHLY recommend it. All you need is one big drive for the data to transfer to and from. No disposable media needed, unless the customer requests it. Check it out, it's worth every penny.
Fab's AutoBackup 4 Link


Edit-it also works on a failing drive or an infected drive if you use a Linux live CD.

[Splinter]

Thanks Therm, I may try that although €50 seems a bit steep 

[Wooster]

Surely you'd make up those kind of costs through the customers who need the service?
In the current climate, no-one gets anything for nothing.

Given the time it takes to make and restore backups, I'd reckon the cost could be recouped (if it's good) after the second customer and then you are into profit (maybe not on income, but on time (which=money)).  

[Splinter]

Surely you'd make up those kind of costs through the customers who need the service?
In the current climate, no-one gets anything for nothing.

Given the time it takes to make and restore backups, I'd reckon the cost could be recouped (if it's good) after the second customer and then you are into profit (maybe not on income, but on time (which=money)).  

Very true! I'd easily make it up in no time. I'm just a bit tight that's all.

[Wooster]

You probably just don't charge enough.
I had no concept of the 'standard rates' until I got into contract work.

I probably wouldn't price jobs as high, but a lot of companies will happily pay it.


The least amount I made contracting (for the company I am now working for) five years ago was £800 per week, not counting the commission the agency placed on it.
Now that I'm 'on the books' it's just over half that.

...but it's steady work.