Time For Spring (Computer) Cleaning!
By: Matthew Rodela on April 9th, 2010
Categories: Phase 2:Trial and Error, Stories from the "Trenches"
It’s that time of year again. The warmth is overtaking the cold and people are crawling out of their caves to enjoy the outdoors. That could mean less business for us computer repair folks, as people are spending less time in front of their glowing CRT altar.
One marketing trend that you can take advantage of is the tried and true “Spring Cleaning” ritual that many folks go through this time of year. While cleaning out closets and scrubbing floors is fresh on your customer’s minds, why not remind them that their computer can get rather dirty too (literally and digitally).
This doesn’t need to be a marketing campaign for new customers. Instead, why not email all your current and past customers with a “Spring Cleaning Special”, or a similar discounted bundle. These folks already trust you and know you, and they’ll be much more willing to let you freshen up their electronic life than someone they’ve never met before.
Some things you can offer as part of this service:
- Virus and Malware Scan and clean
- Defrag (with a good defrag program like Diskeeper or Perfect Disk)
- File Cleanup using something like CCleaner and PC Decrapifier.
- Run Windows Update
- Check for Driver Updates
- De-dust the case (if desktop)
- Use compressed air to get gunk our of keyboard and mouse and then wipe with sanitizing wipes
- Wipe down monitor and external cases
- Etc. (get creative!)
I’m sure many of you offer this service already, something like a “tune-up” or “health check”. But now is the time to bring this service front and center, stamp it with the Spring Cleaning moniker, and make some extra service calls.
Have any of you tried a Spring Cleaning campaign? How successful was it?
April 11th, 2010 at 8:38 am
Computer Guy - You are right, I would more likely use with service with someone I trust.
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April 12th, 2010 at 12:08 am
I like this idea. I may just take your advice here and see who needs some PC cleaning! Sometimes, though, it’s easier to get around to cleaning other people’s computers and neglect my own!
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Matt R.
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April 13th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
I know the feeling Tim!
But that same neglect is the main reason why this idea can be successful. I ran this concept past some people and the feedback they gave me was: “Why would anyone hire you to do this when they could easily just do it themselves?” My response: Why do people hire maids or take their car to Jiffy Lube to get the oil changed? Convenience and laziness!
So why not offer to take care of a tedious task like computer cleaning! There’s plenty of folks out there who would rather not worry about it.
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April 14th, 2010 at 2:04 am
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May 19th, 2010 at 10:57 am
One good tip to really bring home the importance of a computer cleaning is to have before and after pictures. So for those of you with a blog or web site that are going to offer this service here are some more tips….
As stated above have before and after shots for people to see
Tell what harm all that dust and debris can do (Static discharge, improper air flow)
When their bring their computer in (If it is a desktop) open it up and show them what it looks like inside.
While their computer is with you you will probably want ot perform a full diag and look for other issues. Offer to clean the computer for free if you are also doing others services.
Give a Free Cleaning with “other service” coupon to anyone that comes in and ask them to share it with their friends and family.
Brain Store and have fun with this.
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