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JTG Systems
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JTG Systems
Monday to Friday, 12PM-6PM · Bring your device and we'll take it from there—no booking, no fuss.
577 Niagara Street
Welland, ON L3C 1L9
FREE diagnostic upon walk-in.
Check in at the front desk and we'll get started.
(905) 892-4555
FREE estimates - call us!
Prefer face-to-face? Drop by.
No appointment required.
Same-day repairs while you explore downtown Welland.
When your computer breaks down or needs repair, choosing the right technician is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Your computer contains personal data, financial information, and sensitive files that need to be protected. This decision can have serious implications for your security, privacy, and peace of mind. Yet many people overlook critical factors when selecting a computer technician. In this article, we'll discuss what really matters when hiring a computer technician—and it's not always what you might think.
While certifications like A+, Network+, or other industry qualifications might sound impressive, they don't tell the complete story about a technician's trustworthiness or reliability. Importantly, many technicians lack basic background checks or have criminal histories that could put your home or business at risk. This is a serious issue in the industry that many customers overlook.
A credential on paper doesn't necessarily mean you can trust someone with access to your computer, your home, or your business. What matters most is verifiable evidence that a technician is trustworthy, competent, and reliable.
The most important factor when choosing a computer technician is their track record. This means:
How long has the company been operating? Long-established businesses have a reputation to protect and are more likely to stand behind their work. Companies that survive for 5, 10, 20+ years have demonstrated they provide quality service and customer satisfaction.
Does the company have a history of consistently serving customers in your area? Have they built relationships with local businesses and residents? A strong local presence demonstrates reliability and community trust.
Ask if the company maintains detailed records of the work they've performed. Legitimate technicians keep documentation of what was diagnosed, what was fixed, what parts were used, and what warranty or guarantee was provided. This protects both you and the technician.
A reliable technician should be available when you need them. Do they have consistent hours? Can they be reached easily? Will they be in business next month if you have a problem with the repair?
What do actual customers say about their experience? This is one of the most honest indicators of quality and trustworthiness. When evaluating reviews:
Check Google reviews, Yelp, Better Business Bureau, Facebook, and other review platforms. Look for patterns of positive feedback about professionalism, honesty, and quality of work. Reviews should mention specific positive experiences.
Negative reviews are often more valuable than positive ones. How a company responds to criticism matters. Do they address the complaint professionally? Do they offer to fix the problem? Or do they become defensive? A company that ignores or dismisses negative feedback is a red flag.
Be skeptical of reviews that are too generic or overly promotional. Real customer reviews usually include specific details: "The technician diagnosed the hard drive failure quickly and had a replacement available the same day," or "They were honest that my laptop was too old to repair cost-effectively."
A company with hundreds of reviews averaging 4.5+ stars is generally more trustworthy than one with only a few perfect reviews. Consistency over time shows reliability.
When you see negative reviews, check if the company responded. A company that addresses complaints professionally and offers to make things right is a good sign.
Look for evidence that the technician participates in professional communities and maintains ethical standards:
Is the company a member of industry organizations? Membership in groups like Better Business Bureau, CompTIA, or local Chamber of Commerce indicates they meet certain standards and agree to ethical business practices.
Do they sponsor local events? Do they provide services to schools, nonprofits, or community organizations? Companies that invest in their community tend to have stronger reputations and higher ethical standards.
Even if a technician doesn't have formal certifications, do they stay current with technology? Ask about their training practices. Legitimate technicians are always learning.
This is perhaps the most critical factor that many customers overlook. Before inviting any technician into your home or business, you should know:
Any technician who will be working in homes or businesses should undergo a police record check. This verifies they don't have a criminal history that could pose a risk to you or your family.
Unfortunately, a significant number of computer technicians do not pass background checks. Many have criminal records—including convictions for theft, fraud, or other crimes. This is a serious issue that the industry doesn't often discuss openly. When you hire a technician without verifying their background, you could literally be inviting someone with a criminal history into your home or giving them access to your sensitive data.
Your computer may contain:
A technician with a criminal history—particularly one involving theft or fraud—poses a real risk to your security and privacy.
When hiring a technician, ask directly:
A legitimate technician will have no problem answering these questions. In fact, they should volunteer this information as part of building trust.
A good technician will explain what's wrong with your computer, what options you have, and how much each option costs. They should never pressure you into expensive repairs you don't need. If a technician tells you your computer needs a complete replacement when a simple repair would work, that's a red flag.
Ask how the technician handles your data while working on your computer. Do they:
Does the technician offer a warranty on their work? A warranty shows they stand behind their repairs. Legitimate technicians often offer 30-90 day warranties on repairs.
From your first interaction, does the technician communicate clearly? Do they explain technical issues in ways you can understand? Are they punctual and respectful of your time? These qualities matter as much as technical expertise.
Be cautious if a technician or company:
One of the best ways to find a good technician is through personal referrals. Ask family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors who they've used. People are usually happy to recommend someone who did good work, and they'll often warn you about someone to avoid.
Don't rely on just one review source. Check:
Ask how long they've been in business and request references from recent customers. A company with a solid track record will be able to provide both.
This is non-negotiable. Ask if technicians undergo background checks and request documentation. If they can't or won't provide this information, move on to someone else.
Before committing to a repair, get quotes from at least two or three technicians. Compare not just the price, but the diagnosis, the proposed solution, and the timeline. The cheapest option isn't always the best.
After your first interaction with a technician, do you feel comfortable trusting them with your computer and your data? If something feels off, keep looking. Your comfort level and peace of mind matter.
Ultimately, you are responsible for who you invite into your home or business and who you give access to your computer. Take the time to research, ask questions, and verify information. A trustworthy technician with a strong track record, excellent customer reviews, and verified background clearance is worth the extra effort to find.
Your computer and your data are too important to entrust to just anyone. Choose carefully.
When looking for a computer technician, focus on what really matters: track record, customer reviews, professional associations, and background verification. Don't be swayed by certifications alone—they're nice to have, but they don't tell you everything about a technician's trustworthiness or reliability. Ask the hard questions about background checks and data security. Check reviews from multiple sources. Look for a company that's been in business for years and is active in the community. Most importantly, if you're inviting someone into your home or office to work on your computer, verify that they've passed a police record check. This is the most critical step in protecting yourself, your family, and your data.
Certifications can indicate a certain level of knowledge, but they are far less important than track record, customer reviews, and background verification. A technician with years of experience and excellent reviews is more trustworthy than one with fancy certifications but no track record.
Yes. Absolutely. Any technician who will be working in your home or accessing your computer should have undergone a police record check. This is a basic safety measure. If a technician can't or won't provide documentation of a background check, you should hire someone else.
One negative review out of many positive reviews is normal. However, if you see multiple similar complaints, or if the company responds to criticism defensively, be cautious. Look for patterns rather than isolated complaints.
Ask the technician about their data security practices. Ask if they can work only on the specific problem without accessing other files. Some technicians will allow you to be present during the repair. For very sensitive work, you might want to back up your data before handing over your computer.
Most reputable technicians offer a 30 to 90-day warranty on their work. This means if the same problem occurs within the warranty period, they'll fix it again at no charge. Ask about warranty options before committing to a repair.
Ready to make a decision about repair vs. replacement? Once you have chosen a trustworthy technician, learn more about whether repairing your existing computer or replacing it makes financial sense. Read our comprehensive repair vs. replace cost-benefit guide to understand your options and savings potential.