Who hasn’t run into a serious computer issue at some point?
Whether your device shows signs of having a virus, or you’re struggling to update your system to a new OS without losing all of your data, technical problems can be stressful, expensive and time-consuming to repair.
“To call your average technician, you’ll spend a minimum of $100,” said Anthony Inguaggiato, founder of new startup Loyal Techs. “We charge you $10 to get a technician to you on site or remotely.”
Launched this summer, Inguaggiato’s Worcester-based company has a simple goal: To bring a “breath of fresh air” to the antiquated industry of software tech support.
Loyal Techs provides on-demand software tech support provided by vetted and tested local IT professionals. They offer remote and on-site support for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS.
Inguaggiato said most of the company’s competitors take at least a day or week to send tech support on site, while his team could theoretically be dispatched in five minutes.
“We want to be the ‘Uber for tech support,’” Inguaggiato said.
To book a technician, users simply describe the problem they are experiencing, select the device type and select the devices operating system or firmware and press "call" via Loyal Techs’ website or mobile app.
Once users request a “Diagnostic Call Out,” a technician will connect with them as soon as possible.
Most technicians average two hours or less to arrive on-site, while the app provides updates.
Each diagnostic call out is a 20-minute diagnostic session via remote or on-site, which costs $9.99. During this time, users can ask their technician any questions they may have and even request a continued service.
Frequent asks include diagnosing and troubleshooting single issues, checking for updates, searching for hard drive errors and for files and programs that can be removed for optimization.
Outside diagnostic call outs, Loyal Techs offers services ranging from new computer setup ($75 for on site), to virus removal ($80). Remote services cost less.
“During our launch, our target customers are primarily college students who need tech support on demand and more elderly clients,” Inguaggiato said. “But ultimately we really want to be tech support for all ages.”
The founder’s goals for 2017 are to expand the platform’s full suite of services throughout Boston, then expand into New York City.
“We’re trying to do away with customers getting robbed by technicians,” Inguaggiato said.
