> How do I benefit from pchomehelp+

Instead of wasting hours, tearing your hair out, one of our experienced Helpers will visit you at your home at a time to suit you and fix whatever problem computer related problem you're having. The cost is just £30 for the first hour, and £7.50 per subsequent half hour if required. There's no callout charge.

> Why does it only cost £30

Because (a) we operate on very low overheads and (b) we don't have high tech, fulltime, highly paid engineers driving round in expensive cars. But that doesn't mean our Helpers can't cure your problem.

>What sort of things can the Helpers help with

Pretty much any computer related problem. That includes computers themselves, along with printer, broadband, wifi, modem routers, anti-virus and general software issues, email problems etc Hardware help includes general repairs, RAM upgrades, replacing faulty CD drives and so on. Our Helpers can also show you how to get more from specific software programs and from the internet.

>What is a Helper - and who are they

Our Helpers come from a variety of backgrounds. Some are full time professionals. Many are competent university students. The beauty of the pchomehelp+ network is that Helpers match the jobs with their knowledge and experience. Because each job is offered to a number of Helpers, it's the suitably skilled Helper that takes the job.

>How quickly can I get my problem fixed

Sometimes, very quickly - within a few hours even. Usually, however, it can take a couple of days. But please be aware: the pchomehelp+ site attempts to match your request for help with a willing Helper. On rare occasions, we may not be able to find a suitable Helper for your particular request.
See What happens if I get no response.

>I have a small business - can I use the pchomehelp+ service

If you have a small home-based business, probably yes. Our pchomehelp+ service is not suitable to large networks or small businesses with mission critical requirements and deadlines. But a typical home set up such as a couple of PC's, a printer, wifi etc is fine.

>Does the service operate in the evenings and at weekends

Yes - at no extra cost! Because our Helpers often have full time responsibilities elsewhere, evening and weekend visits usually suit them better anyway.

>What about if I need spare parts

Your Helper should be able to source these for you, if you wish. Alternatively, a Helper will gladly fit your own spares.

>What if the helper can't fix my problem

It is very unlikely that the Helper cannot resolve the issue however you can re-list your job on pchomehelp+ and try someone else. The first Helper may be able to advise you how to describe the work required in order to get a more suitably qualified Helper.

>What happens if the problem only takes a couple of minutes to fix

It's up to you. If you're happy, you can pay the Helper and that's it. But the £30 charge does cover up to an hour, so you can ask the Helper to take a look at something else if you prefer. Or you can take the opportunity to ask some of those general computer questions that you've always wondered about.

>Do I need to be there when the Helper visits

Yes. But remember, you agree a mutually convenient time for the Helper to visit you - and that can be during an evening or at a weekend if you prefer,

>Can I book a job over the phone rather than log it on the website

Yes, this service is available during standard office hours. Please be aware that we use a premium rate service to help pay for this facility.

>What do I do if I cure my problem before the Helper arrives

Please log on pchomehelp+.co.uk straightaway and update the job record accordingly. You do this through the 'mypchomehelp+' area of the site. See also next question

>What is the 'mypchomehelp+' area of the website

It's the area you go to in order to add a job and to view and edit existing and past jobs. If you like, it's your own personal control panel. Once you've joined, you get to the 'mypchomehelp+' area by clicking on the 'Sign In' link on the top right hand corner of the homepage.

>Can I ask the Helper to do more than one job at a time

Yes, within reason. Make sure you list the main problem or request first. Then you could add on your request something like 'time permitting I would also like to handle xyz problem as well if possible'. Usually, it's best to request help on your one or two most pressing tasks. Listing too many tasks in one go might mean that no one takes the job.

What happens if I get no response

Most jobs get a response within 24 hours, however, sometimes a job will go unanswered, this may be due to lack of helpers in your area or the type of work requested. We cannot instruct our helpers to carry out work, they have to choose it - this is one of the unique points of our service. We are increasing the number of helpers we have weekly, and this in turn, improves our coverage.

If you get fed up waiting you could ask for help through www.pcprohelp.co.uk our sister-network, this is a national team of computer technicians who carry out work for BT among others and will arrange an appointment with you.

We can offer a guaranteed sameday/nextday service for just £59 for the first hour then £20 for each subsequent 30 minutes. You can choose an appointment for the next working day when you book, and the engineer will be with you at the time specified. All prices include VAT. To take advantage of this service email admin@pchomehelp.org with a subject of "Upgrade" please remember to quote your job number or username and the date you added the original job.

If you decide that you have waited for too long and do not require our help, please login and remove the job, this will stop any further contact from our helpers.