Repair: Pricing, Timing, and What We Work On

How Much Does a Repair Cost?

Most repairs start at $99 plus parts. If no repair is completed, a $50 bench fee applies for diagnosis.

More involved repairs may cost more depending on labor and parts. We’ll provide a quote before any repair work begins.

How Long Do Repairs Take?

Many repairs are completed the same day or by the next business day when parts are in stock. Diagnostics typically take 24 to 48 hours, depending on the device.

Storage upgrades and data transfers are usually completed the same day. Screen replacements that require ordered parts can take two to four business days.

Do You Fix Both Mac and PC?

Yes. We repair Apple and Windows laptops and desktops from most major brands, including MacBook, iMac, Mac mini, ThinkPad, XPS, ProBook, Pavilion, ZenBook, Aspire, ROG, Razer Blade, Alienware, gaming PCs, and custom builds. We also provide software services for Microsoft Surface devices.

What if the Repair Is Not Worth It?

If repairing your computer doesn’t make financial sense, we can explain your trade-in and refurbished replacement options. Data transfer is available for $60 with your purchase.

That trade-up is the idea Computers for Change was built on.

Do You Need an Appointment?

No. Walk in any time during shop hours.

Tuesday–Friday: 11:30 AM–5:30 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM–5:00 PM
Sunday and Monday: Closed

Is My Data Safe?

Yes. We do not browse or copy your personal files. If a repair could put your data at risk, we will flag it. Backing up is a paid add-on and is otherwise your responsibility before drop-off.

When you buy a refurbished laptop from us, we move your data over for $60 with your purchase, half the standard $120 price.

Do You Offer Warranties on Repairs?

Replacement parts we install carry the parts warranty from the supplier. If something goes wrong after a repair, bring the device back, and we will assess the issue.

Refurbished Laptops: Warranty, Data Transfer, and Buying

Do Refurbished Laptops Come With a Warranty?

Yes. Every laptop sold in the store comes with a 1-year hardware warranty. It covers hardware failure, such as a keyboard that stops working.

It does not cover accidental damage, liquid exposure, drops, cracked screens, or viruses.

Can You Move My Data Over?

Yes. When you buy a refurbished laptop or trade up to one, data transfer is available for $60 with your purchase, half the standard $120 price. Data transfers are usually completed the same day.

Do You Ship, or Is It In-Store Only?

Store sales are in person only at 196 College Street. Many customers drive in from around the region.

Is Financing Available?

Yes. We are approved for Progressive Leasing. Ask us in the store for details about monthly payments.

How Old Are the Laptops You Sell?

It varies. Business-class Windows laptops, including ThinkPad, EliteBook, and Dell Latitude models, are typically three to six years old. Older MacBooks that still run current macOS can also have plenty of useful life left.

We do not sell anything that cannot comfortably handle today’s websites and applications.

What Is the Difference Between Refurbished and Used?

Used means the device belonged to someone else and is sold as-is.

Refurbished means we thoroughly test the device, replace components when needed, clean and prepare it for resale, install a fresh operating system, and back it with our 1-year hardware warranty.

Sell or Trade: Getting Cash for Your Old Technology

What Devices Do You Buy?

We mostly buy Mac and PC laptops. We also buy desktops, iPhones, and iPads when they come in, whether they are working or broken. We may also buy some monitors and Apple Watches.

How Much Will I Get for My Old Laptop?

It depends on the model and condition. As a guideline, we pay up to $125 for PC laptops and up to $400 for Mac laptops, with exceptions for the right device.

Offers are generally based on recent eBay sold prices, usually 30% to 60% of resale value, and can be higher for machines we will sell in the store. Bring your device in for a firm in-store quote. Many evaluations can be completed in just a few minutes.

Do You Wipe My Data?

When we wipe a device we are buying, we use a secure wipe. If you are trading up, we can move your data to your new laptop first and then wipe the old one.

Will You Still Buy a Device That Is Broken?

Yes. If it is broken, in pieces, or water-damaged, we may still be interested. Even a laptop that does not turn on can have value for its parts.

Will I Get Cash on the Spot?

Yes. If we agree on a price, you can walk out with cash or apply the offer toward a refurbished laptop.

Home & Office Visits

What Does a Home or Office Visit Cost?

The first hour is $120, which includes local travel within the standard service area. That rate includes $100 of labor plus a $20 travel allowance.

After the first hour, the rate is $100 per hour, billed in 15-minute increments. A one-hour minimum applies.

How Far Do You Travel?

The first hour at $120 covers travel within about 15 minutes of Burlington. We are happy to travel farther for a fee that covers the additional distance.

A shop drop-off is always the less expensive option if that works for you.

Do You Visit Businesses or Just Homes?

Both. Small offices and home offices are common. For larger, ongoing IT needs, we will be honest if a full-service IT company is a better fit.

Is the First Hour Really the Full Hour?

Yes. If your list takes 20 minutes, you still pay the one-hour minimum. We can use the remaining time to help with anything else you want to tackle.

Visiting the Shop: Hours, Location, and Walk-Ins

Where Are You Located?

196 College Street in downtown Burlington, half a block from Church Street Marketplace. Metered street parking is available along College Street.

What Are Your Hours?

Tuesday–Friday: 11:30 AM–5:30 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM–5:00 PM
Sunday and Monday: Closed

How Do I Reach You?

Call (802) 578-9687 during shop hours or email info@computersforchange.com. You can also send a quote request from any page, and we will respond as quickly as possible.

Do I Need an Appointment?

No. Walk-ins are welcome for repair drop-offs, refurbished computer shopping, sell or trade quotes, and accessory shopping.

Home visits and some larger jobs are scheduled ahead of time.

Data and Warranty: Privacy, Returns, and What We Stand Behind

Is My Personal Data Safe With You?

Yes. We do not browse, copy, or look through your files. If a repair could affect your data, we will flag it. Backing up is a paid add-on and is otherwise your responsibility before drop-off.

When we wipe a device we are buying, we use a secure wipe.

What Does the 1-Year Hardware Warranty Cover?

The warranty covers hardware failure on refurbished laptops we sell in the store, such as a keyboard that stops working, a battery that fails earlier than expected, or a port that stops functioning.

It does not cover accidental damage, liquid exposure, drops, cracked screens, or viruses.

What Should I Do if I Have a Warranty Issue?

If a laptop develops a covered hardware issue within the 1-year warranty period, bring it back, and we’ll assess the problem under the warranty.

Laptop Theft: What to Record and What to Do if It Goes Missing

What Should I Record About My Laptop Before Something Goes Wrong?

Write down the serial number, Wi-Fi MAC address, make, model, color, and any distinguishing marks, such as stickers, scratches, or engraving.

Keep this information somewhere other than the laptop itself, such as a notes app on your phone.

What Should I Do if My Laptop Is Stolen?

Report it to local law enforcement with all the details above. File a report as soon as possible and provide the serial number, make, model, and any other identifying information you have.

Use Find My on Mac or Find My Device on Windows to try to locate it. Change the passwords for your email, banking, and any other accounts logged in on the laptop.

How Do Shops Help With Recovery?

Some resale and repair shops maintain buyer and device records that may assist law enforcement if a stolen laptop is later identified. When a stolen laptop is reported to law enforcement, those records can be searched.

Providing complete identifying information can make it easier to match a recovered or resold device to your report.

What Are the Local Law Enforcement Numbers in the Burlington Area?

UVM Police Services: (802) 656-3473
Burlington Police Department: (802) 658-2704
South Burlington Police Department: (802) 846-4111
Vermont State Police Williston Barracks: (802) 878-7111

How Can I Help Prevent Laptop Theft?

Never leave a laptop visible in a car
Use a strong login password
Enable disk encryption with FileVault on Mac or BitLocker on Windows
Turn on Find My
Never leave your laptop unattended in public, even briefly
Consider using a compatible device tracker or location feature as an additional recovery aid

Donations and Giving Back

Do You Accept Donated Computers?

Yes. Working laptops and desktops you no longer need can be dropped off at the shop.

Donations go into the mix that keeps our community work going. We may refurbish and donate a machine, refurbish and sell it to fund other assistance, or recycle it responsibly if it is past use.

Can My School or Nonprofit Get a Donated Computer?

Possibly. When suitable equipment is available, we may be able to provide refurbished computers to local schools or nonprofit organizations.

Contact us through our Giving Back page so we can discuss what you need and what may be available.

Is Sustainability Really Part of What You Do?

Yes. Repair, reuse, and responsible recycling come up in every part of the shop, not just the donation side.

Buying refurbished supports the same idea: extending the useful life of working technology and helping reduce electronic waste.

Did Not Find Your Answer?

Send a note, and we will get back to you.

Prefer to talk? Call (802) 578-9687 or stop by 196 College Street, Burlington, VT.

Contact Computers for Change

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Know Before You Visit