Computer AMC charges are often copied from a competitor's quote. That works until a client with old machines eats your margin. A better way is to price each device type from your own costs. Here is the method with an illustrative example; the figures are not market rates.
Computer AMC charges: the method
- Visits: preventive visits per year x time per device x your hourly cost.
- Calls: expected breakdown calls per device per year, split remote and on-site.
- Parts (comprehensive only): expected parts cost per device per year plus a buffer.
- Overhead: travel, coordinator time, tools.
- Margin.
Worked example (illustrative, not a market rate)
A desktop, non-comprehensive, 4 preventive visits a year:
- Visits: 4 x 20 minutes = 80 minutes x Rs 300 an hour = Rs 400
- Calls: 2 remote (Rs 100 each) + 1 on-site (Rs 300) = Rs 500
- Overhead share: Rs 200
- Cost Rs 1,100; with a 35% margin, about Rs 1,700 per desktop per year
For comprehensive cover, add the expected parts cost (for example a power supply or RAM failure rate across your installed base) and a safety margin, and exclude costly parts such as motherboards on old machines if you cannot predict them.
Adjust for the client
- Devices over a certain age or out of warranty: higher rate or non-comprehensive only.
- Faster response time: higher rate.
- Many devices at one site: lower travel per device.
Check it at renewal
Before renewal, compare the fee with the visits, calls and parts actually spent on the client. Raise the price where it lost money, with the price increase letter. ServicePilot records jobs, parts and expenses against each AMC, so the comparison is ready. Quote with the computer AMC quotation format.
