Frequently Asked Questions
Do I come to you or do you come to me?
Typically, we work on-site unless specific arrangements are made to drop the computer off.
What are your hours?
East Bay Mac Menders is a full-time operation, so just call or drop us an e-mail and we work out a place and time.
What's your past experience and why should I let you within 8,000 miles of my computer?
The business has existed since 2002, we're tech nerds and we genuinely want to help you out. Beyond that, references are immediately available upon request.
Do you sell computers?
No, we're not an Apple Authorized Reseeller, nor do I have numerous new, used and refurbished Macs for sale. Check out eBay, CDW, Craigslist.org, or Apple for prices on hardware for sale.
Will you buy my computer?
Probably not. There may be a rare or useful component such as a hard drive or RAM chip that I wouldn't mind paying a token fee for, but otherwise, I'm not interested in taking an old computer off your hands.
Where do I go with my old Mac?
You can usually get a receipt that can be used as a charitable donation on your taxes from the Salvation Army and Goodwill. The Salvation Army will take any computer in good working order while Goodwill has stated that they'll only take Macs from within the last five years. Another route is the Time Dollar firm, which will provide the appropriate receipt and work to make sure the system is sent through the right channels. Simply check when your computer was made, try to have it in good working order when you donate it and you can provide a nice piece of technology to someone that ordinarily couldn't afford it.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We currently accept cash, checks, PayPal, Venmo, Square, Cash App, and credit and debit cards.
Do you provide telephone support?
Yes, and we'll do the best I can to help you through a problem. This moves into a bit of a gray area since after 10 minutes or so, it becomes a billable issue and the honor system kicks in. We'll track the time appropriately, but keep in mind that there will be an invoice once the problem is resolved and there's really only so much anyone can do over the phone to help another person with a computer problem. We'll give it our best, but it's not a free service, nor is it equivalent to being able to sit down with the computer and work with it in person.
Do you work on retainer?
If the problems are small enough to only need 10-15 minutes of attention and the commute distance is short, then this can be discussed.
Do you back up data before beginning to work on a computer?
Of course. Just point out the files that are important to you, that need to be worked with while your computer is being repaired or can't be replaced and we'll make sure there's a copy on hand throughout the process.
Do you advise on and buy hardware for clients?
Yes, but there's a fee for this service (typically $25 on top of the reimbursement price of the item or items in question). Happy to go out there, ponder what's needed, stand in line and pick up the item, but it's not completely free.
Do you design web sites as well?
Typically, no. This isn't something we have much time for and there are better people for this task than me. Check around and you can probably find someone more than capable of the job at hand.
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Do you install or replace hardware?
In most cases, yes. If it's something like replacing a hard drive, internal clock battery or installing additional RAM, we're happy to do it. Call or drop an e-mail describing the problem at hand and we'll see what we can work out.
Can you provide help setting up a cable modem/DSL/Wi-Fi/local network?
Yes on all of these. The network portion depends on what needs to be done. Call or drop an e-mail to discuss specifics.
Do you support PCs as well?
Yes. We now currently support all Mac, Windows and Linux operating systems.
"But it was working before..."
Yes, and dinosaurs once used to playfully scamper across the landscape before they were wiped out and small mammals took over. The point is that while you have a generally reliable device that generally works without fail. At the moment it's decided to do otherwise. The same goes with your car, laundry machine or cell phone. My advice is to appreciate the technology you have in your life and take care of it as best you can. Leaving a bouquet of flowers by the toaster to show that you care never hurts either.
So, what's your sign?
Virgo, baby. Virgo.
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