Frequently asked questions
Pricing, timing, data safety, warranty, home visits, theft recovery, and more. Browse by topic below, or jump to a section.
After 16 years of doing this, the same questions come up over and over. Here are the most common ones, grouped by topic. If you do not see your question, give us a call at (802) 578-9687 or send a note from our contact page.
Pricing, timing, what we work on
How much does a repair cost?
Most repairs start at $99 plus parts. If we open it up and a fix without parts is not possible, a $50 bench fee applies for the diagnosis (and gets applied to your repair if you proceed). Harder jobs like glued-in MacBook batteries cost more in labor; we always quote first.
How long do repairs take?
Most repairs are same day or next business day when the parts are in stock. Diagnostics typically take 24 to 48 hours depending on the device. Storage upgrades and data transfers are usually same day. Screen replacements that require ordered parts can take 2-4 business days.
Do you fix both Mac and PC?
Yes, Apple and Windows, laptops and desktops, all major brands. MacBook, iMac, Mac mini, Surface, ThinkPad, XPS, ProBook, Pavilion, ZenBook, Aspire, ROG, Razer Blade, Alienware, gaming PCs, and custom builds.
What if the repair is not worth it?
You can put the cost toward a refurbished laptop instead and leave the same day with your data moved over. 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: Tue to Fri 11:30 to 5:30, Sat 11:30 to 5:00. Closed Sun and Mon.
Is my data safe?
Yes. We do not browse or copy anything off your machine. If a repair could put your data at risk we will flag it; backing up is a paid add-on and is otherwise on you 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.
Do you offer warranties on repairs?
Replacement parts we install carry the parts warranty from the supplier, and our labor is backed by 16 years of repeat customers. If something goes wrong after a repair, bring it back and we will look at it.
What it covers and what to expect
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 (for example a keyboard that stops working). It does not cover accidental damage, liquid, drops, cracked screens, or viruses.
Can you move my data over?
Yes. When you buy a refurbished laptop or trade one in, we transfer your data for $60 with your purchase (half the standard $120), usually the same day.
Do you ship, or is it in store only?
Store sales are in person only at 196 College St. Many customers drive in from around the region.
Is there financing?
Yes, we are approved for Progressive Leasing. Ask us in store for details on monthly payments.
How old are the laptops you sell?
It varies. Business-class Windows laptops (ThinkPad, EliteBook, Dell Latitude) are typically 3-6 years old. Older MacBooks that still run current macOS get a lot of life. We do not sell anything that cannot comfortably handle today's web and apps.
What is the difference between refurbished and used?
Used means it was someone else's, sold as-is. Refurbished means we tested every component, replaced what needed it, cleaned it inside and out, installed a fresh operating system, and back it with a 1-year warranty.
Cash for your old tech
What devices do you buy?
Mostly Mac and PC laptops. We also buy desktops, and iPhones and iPads when they come in. Working or broken. Some monitors and Apple Watches too.
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 percent of resale value, and can be higher for machines we will sell in the store. Bring it in for a firm quote, usually a few minutes.
Do you wipe my data?
Yes, we wipe devices we buy securely. If you are trading up, we can move your data to your new laptop first and then wipe the old one.
Working or broken, will you still buy it?
Both. If it is broken, in pieces, or water damaged, we may still be interested. Even a laptop that does not turn on has parts value.
Will I get cash on the spot?
Yes. If we agree on a price, you walk out with cash, or you can apply the offer toward a refurbished laptop.
When we come to you
What does a home or office visit cost?
First hour is $120, which includes travel within 15 minutes of Burlington ($100 of labor plus a $20 travel allowance). After that, $100 per hour in 15-minute steps. One-hour minimum.
How far do you travel?
The first hour at $120 covers travel within about 15 minutes of Burlington. We are happy to go farther for a travel fee that covers the extra distance. A shop drop-off is always the cheaper option if that works.
Do you do business or just home visits?
Both. Small offices and home offices are common. For larger ongoing IT needs we will be honest if a full IT firm 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 use the rest of the time on anything else you want to tackle.
Hours, location, walking in
Where are you located?
196 College Street in downtown Burlington, half a block off Church Street Marketplace. Metered street parking is usually available out front.
What are your hours?
Tuesday to Friday 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Saturday 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed Sunday and Monday.
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; we respond fast.
Do I need an appointment?
No. Walk-ins are welcome for repair drop-offs, refurbished browsing, sell or trade quotes, and accessory shopping. Home visits and some larger jobs we schedule ahead.
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 on you before drop-off. When we wipe a device we are buying, we use a secure wipe.
What does the 1-year hardware warranty cover?
Hardware failure on refurbished laptops we sell in the store (for example a keyboard that stops working, a battery that fails earlier than expected, a port that stops functioning). It does not cover accidental damage, liquid, drops, cracked screens, or viruses.
What is your return policy?
If a laptop fails for a covered hardware reason within the 1-year warranty window, bring it back and we will look at it. We honor what we sell.
What to record now, what to do if it goes missing
What should I record about my laptop before something goes wrong?
Write down the serial number, the wifi MAC address, the make, model, color, and any distinguishing marks (stickers, scratches, engraving). Keep this list somewhere not on the laptop itself, like a notes app on your phone.
What do I do if my laptop is stolen?
Report it to local law enforcement with all the details above. The faster a report goes in with serial and MAC address, the better the chances of recovery. Use Find My (Mac) or Find My Device (Windows) to try to locate it. Change passwords for email, banking, and any other accounts logged in on the laptop.
How do shops help with recovery?
Reputable shops record buyer info and serial numbers on every laptop they buy. When a stolen laptop is reported to law enforcement, those records get searched. The faster your report and the more complete it is, the more likely a match turns up.
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 prevent it happening in the first place?
Never leave a laptop visible in a car. Use a strong login password and enable disk encryption (FileVault on Mac, BitLocker on Windows). Turn on Find My. In public spaces, do not leave the laptop unattended even briefly. A tracker like AirTag in the sleeve is a useful backup.
Our Computer Grant program
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 help, or recycle it responsibly if it is past use.
Can my school or nonprofit get a donated computer?
Maybe. We donate refurbished computers to local organizations through our Computer Grant program. Reach out from our giving back page; we talk through what you need and what we have.
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 is part of the same idea: extending the life of working technology and keeping it out of the landfill.
Did not find your answer?
Send a note and we will get back to you fast.