said by takeahike:said by H_T_R_N:I make my living off of people not being able to get to the hard drive.
Price your repair acordlingly and infor the client that you might have to destroy the keyboard to get to the drive and that if you do there will be an additional charge. Simple!
Haven't you heard the line: For that, I'll just buy a new computer!
That still does not address the original issue they brought the device to you in the first place, the data. If they are willing to throw the data away then it wasn't that important to them in the first place. And if they hadn't thought that far ahead, its your job to enlighten them. Remember they brought it to you for your "expert" help. Provide it to them and they will be willing to pay. Act like they are the smart ones in the conversation and you will lose every time.
And yes I have heard that line. I usually make the original amount for the data recovery, plus a margin on the new laptop, up-selling some hardware, software and a backup service, a bit of extra on the disposal fee and the resale of the parts on eBay. So when I hear that they would rather buy a new device, I hear $ signs!