[S-99]

Yeesh, I really wish microsoft would go back to the old hotmail or windows live look as I missed an important email from a CEO of Hybrid Cloud Solutions asking me for a quote on:

Installing windows 7 professional, microsoft office, and antivirus on 6 identical laptops. My normal rate is $40 an hour. It takes me about 3 to 4 hours sometimes faster when installing windows, drivers, updates, programs, and user accounts for one computer (windows is not timely as it is not as efficient as linux). Since all computers are the same and getting the same software load out, it's pretty easy to tell that I will be working on as many at one time as I can. I'll split the 6 laptops into two groups for one half to be complete before getting to the other half. I'm figuring 10-12 hours max for theoretical work time also accounting for stupid bull**** project hiccups. I would go ahead and work on one and image a hard drive for the rest, but the guy mentioned windows 7 professional licenses; so nothing convenient like a multiple use license.

Should I just say $500 and it's all good?

EDIT: The dude also said he has back up files for the computers. I don't really know how to quote him. $600, am i going to over the top or something? Should i charge for less if less hours worked than me now figuring 15, or just stick with a quote?

[TechnoD11]

Well, from a math perspective:
Assuming 3 hours per laptop, as you write. Also 6 laptops. That's 18 hours of labor. Now take the $500 you are suggesting as a price.
500 / 18 = $27.78 per hour.
You say you normally work for $40 an hour.

However, I don't know if you have any personal connections with your client or if you offer bulk discounts (I know that I personally do not). That being said, yeah i would up the ante a bit in terms of cost if its just a regular install service.

Just make sure you break down the cost for him (like above) so that its not just a "that'll be $600 please" kinda deal. The client likes to know where their money is going.

Anyways, good luck.

[Phantom Hoover]

to price 6 laptops:

step 1: price 1 laptop
step 2: multiply by 6

[S-99]

I'll just do what phantom said. Didn't quite realize it was that easy for quoting, aside from technicalities.

The other idea was charging slightly lower as to appease more interest.

EDIT:  turns out that this was a scam trying to get my personal information to steal my identity. All they got out of me was a computer repair strategy.

[Scourge of Ages]

EDIT:  turns out that this was a scam trying to get my personal information to steal my identity. All they got out of me was a computer repair strategy.

waaaaaat? 

[S-99]

It wasn't fishy the first email. Someone asking for a quote for a small contract job. The second time around asked for waaaay too much information. I just didn't reply again.

[An4ximandros]

I had a call from the Indian IT scam... half way through one of my IT classes. Sadly, I had the phone off.

Anyways, good to see what I will be dealing with soon enough...