Higher Gas Prices Could Be Difficult For Small Businesses

Posted on February 21, 2012 by catprotector

Gas prices are on the rise once again and it’s sure to affect small businesses already having to compete for more customers from bigger companies that might offer lower prices. What could higher fuel prices mean? It could cause smaller businesses that are now starting to win back consumers to raise their prices.

At Panther TEK we aren’t immune to higher prices at the pump. We end up travelling all over the Phoenix metro area to the customer’s location to solve their computer issues. Currently, we haven’t had to raise prices in the last 4 years, but like many businesses it’s always a consideration when higher gas prices are involved.

Right now the media has reported that we could see gas prices once again reach $4 a gallon or more. One news station has asked the question if $5 a gallon by April is a possibility? Anything is possible and right now high gas prices are a reality. Already, we’re seeing not just a rise in higher food and fuel costs but also in technology as well. Over the past two years we’ve seen some computers and some parts needed to run them going up in price, sometimes by 20% or more. While most of the IT industry remains steady, we’re seeing a decline in some purchases of equipment. Besides serving residential needs Panther TEK also serves small businesses and some are cutting back on replacing computers (especially older models) as they break down. This can get pretty expensive when you call in a technician to deal with problems on what would now be considered ancient technology by IT standards.

Fuel prices will indeed affect small businesses much more so than some of the bigger companies that are a bit more prepared for such things to happen. Of course, supporting small businesses might be the best way to get through the rising cost of gas. Many small businesses like ours can save you money due to low overhead and in service. Yes, that’s right your money goes further with a small business than it does with a national chain. For every $100 you spend locally that means $70 gets returned back to the local economy. This means more jobs are created and by more people working they’ll have enough money to put into their gas tank.

Supporting local small businesses could probably be the best thing you can do to deal with rising gas costs. The more you support them, the longer they can keep their doors open so you have a choice in who serves your needs. In our case we come to the customer’s location to do the work, which means you are not only saving money but also keep more fuel in your car’s gas tank. As the cost of fuel rises some will consider cutting back on the amount of driving they do. This means an increase in local service businesses that travels to the customer to do the work. If you want to save on gas, that’s not a bad route to go. Of course, because of higher gas prices, many companies whos employees that travel to the customer’s location are also charging a trip fee. Still, if you get quality work done from a local business, which in the long term you’re saving money instead of spending more of it on quick fixes.

There are options here, but small businesses overall will need our support to get through certain crisises. In fact you’ll be glad that when you have a service need that a small business will be your first responder. Of course, they can’t serve you if their tank is empty, so spend your money locally. After all, local businesses could also use your help and support. Now more than ever.

If you need computer help then give Panther TEK a call at 480-980-8541. We offer computer repair, troubleshooting and installation services to residential and small business customers throughout the Phoenix metro area.

Looking To Get Your Business Recognized? Stand Out & Be Different!

Posted on February 20, 2012 by catprotector

Like all businesses Panther TEK does what it can to not only be there when our customers need their computer problems solved but we also find new ways to grow our business and let the public know we exist. However, getting the word out about your business can be tough, especially when your main competition seems to be bigger companies. So, how do you reach the masses that your company exists? Our advice is simple. Stand up and do something different.

Panther TEK’s owner loves cats and as you’ve noticed the company’s logo is a cat sitting on top of a computer. The logo not only gets people talking, but it also is remembered by customers who when they need their computer fixed, will call. They also remember the person as well. If you can strike an interest in someone’s mind they could buy from you. Yes, if you can plant the seed, the tree will grow with the right nurturing.

Computer repair companies aren’t known for taking action to help animal rescue organizations, but Panther TEK is a supporter of Safe Haven For Animals and is currently hosting a cat and kitten food drive to help all the cats in their care. Our company also believes in volunteering to help the cats and also is a sponsor of Tails Of The Season which is a yearly animal adoption event that happens in November. It’s different for an IT company to sponsor such events but also a great way to get your company’s name out there.

Businesses that stand out and celebrate they are different do indeed get recognized. Going with what your competitors are doing may be popular but ask yourself if you’re company is doing any better than them or just getting an equal amount of business? When you don’t do something that makes you unique and special, how will customers know you exist? The best way to get ahead is not to worry about what others might think, but instead be proud of your brand and start your own path for others to follow. Remember, a tree can’t grow if it isn’t nurtured and allowed to have its roots grow in all directions.

The best place to start on the path to be different is with the first step. It worked for us, and it can indeed work for you. All you need to do is believe, follow your heart and have faith. Good luck.

Do you have computer issues? Give Panther TEK a call at 480-980-8541. We offer computer repair, troubleshooting and installation services for residential and small business customers throughout the Phoenix metro area.

Do You Need Help With Your Computer? You Can Find Techs Using Social Media

Posted on February 15, 2012 by catprotector

Are you needing help with your computer and don’t know where to look? Chances are, many of the IT companies can be found using social media. Sure, using Google maps to find the right computer repair company might be ideal but sometimes you can get a much clearer picture of how active they are with customers by going to social media sites.

At Panther TEK we are often reaching out to our customers via social media and some customers have even found our company as a result. We try to remain very active on all the social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and yes even Google+. When customers see that you’re active online it shows that you’re there willing to help. The other bonus to regularly posting on social media sites is that it helps in your search engine rankings. The more information you’re able to post the better it is.

Often, we’re posting computer repair tips and other useful information to not only help our current customers but also to help potential ones as well. Social media has indeed grown and has become a place for both news to be posted as well as allowing customers to get answers to questions answered if they prefer not to use traditional email.

So, if your company isn’t on social media, then it’s something to consider. After all, don’t you want to get to know the very people that might be working on your computer?

Panther TEK specializes in computer repair, troubleshooting and installation services for residential and small business customers. If you need computer help give us a call at 480-980-8541.

Panther TEK Cat & Kitten Food Drive To Help Out Safe Haven Continues

Posted on February 1, 2012 by catprotector

The economy has certainly gotten a lot of people cutting back in their donations to animal rescue groups but Panther TEK is certainly one local business that isn’t giving up on its efforts of helping cats in the Phoenix metro area. In 2010 we started a cat and kitten food drive to help feed all the cats at Safe Haven For Animals. Our goal is to collect 2 tons of food, and right now 1.5 years later the most we’ve collected has been a little over 1300 lbs. Will 2012 be the year we reach our goal? We sure hope so.

It’s very rare for any computer repair company to get involved with helping cats but Panther TEK has remained committed to making sure that we do our part in the community. Safe Haven is a special place for those cats needing a helping paw, and everyday volunteers take time out of their busy schedules to spend time at the shelter to care for the cats who’s only wish is to find a good loving home.

Right now 55+ cats roam the shelter and that means a lot of mouths to feed. In many cases the volunteers end up paying for the food out of their own pockets which can be a real burden when Safe Haven is faced with many other expenses like veterinary costs, purchasing cat litter, utility costs, and yes even having to pay rent at the facility they now are presently at. While they need a new shelter, Safe Haven presses on to help those cats that need a second chance at finding a loving forever home. They’re also a no-kill facility which means no cat will be euthanized due to space issues or for some medical issue that won’t diminish their quality of life.

Everyday, animal shelters and rescue organizations here in the Phoenix area are working to save our 4-legged friends and for places like Safe Haven, this means having the resources they need to care for the cats they’ve taken in. Next month, kitten season once again starts up and that means not only feeding the cats they’re already caring for but also the new arrivals they’re sure to take in as a result of unwanted litters because humans fail to get their cats spayed and neutered.

When kitten season hits, places like Safe Haven will really feel the burden and will need the public’s help. A bag or can of food will indeed go a long way to help them. While the economy is indeed unstable, random acts of kindness certainly can make our world a little brighter. Feeding a hungry cat is one way to accomplish a smile and prove to the world that one person can indeed make a difference.

We hope many of you will come out and support this effort. To collect 2 tons of food will indeed help feed the cats of Safe Haven for quite a while. Cats are great companions and the love they give us is priceless. Giving back to a cat that needs help or even giving them a new home is a great way to keep the positive energy flowing, and also help make difference in the life of a cat that needs it. It’s certainly a lot easier to get through life when you have food in your stomach and nice place to stay. How can you possibly go wrong by helping a cat needing a helping paw? The truth is, you can’t.

If you’re interested in donating to the cat and kitten food drive, you can drop off your donations at the following locations.

Scottsdale Cat Clinic

4002 N. Miller Rd., Suite# 100 in Scottsdale

Accurate Care Pain Relief Center
20235 N. Cave Creek Rd., Suite #110 in Phoenix

Panther TEK Increases Customer Base & Offers Additional Computer Services

Posted on January 30, 2012 by catprotector

It’s been a great start to the year so far as more and more customers are contacting us for their computer repair needs. So far, business for Panther TEK has increased by 10% over last year and we’re working hard to make sure our customers get the support they need for their computers. No doubt, 2012 is going to be the year where more consumers will direct their business and money to small businesses.

As business increases we also saw the need to add a new service to our lineup. Besides our computer repair, troubleshooting and installation services, we’re also offering laptop DC jack repair and replacement. While we always offered troubleshooting for laptops, DC power jack replacement is a much needed service and highly requested. When it comes to hardware issues for laptops, the one component that often heard about the most is a broken DC jack connection. If a DC jack connection isn’t working properly or is broken entirely, the laptop will not power up or be able to charge the battery. The end result is having to use another computer or getting the laptop repaired. Another service we’ll be offering is laptop screen replacement as well.

Another change to our services is for after hours or off-hours support. We realize that emergencies can happen at the most inopportune time away from our normal business hours. While we will maintain our regular prices for our computer troubleshooting or repair services ($75 per hour) during normal business hours, there will now be an increased fee for after hours or off-day support (in other words we’re closed on Sunday so if you call in with an emergency and need service you’ll receive it an increased rate) at a rate of $100 per hour.

Panther TEK is indeed growing and we expect more consumers will be looking to small businesses like ours for their IT needs. We of course are ready to serve.

Panther TEK specializes in computer repair, troubleshooting and installation services for residential and small business customers throughout the Phoenix metro area. If you need service give us a call at 480-980-8541.

This Year Is The Time To Buy Local

Posted on January 10, 2012 by catprotector

It’s a New year but now it’s become more important than ever to buy local. As more and more small businesses fought to stay open last year due to a problematic economy, 2012 could be the year that small businesses could see an increase in customers, that is if consumers are ready to do their part in buying local.

In 2011 more small businesses were forced to close their doors due to not just a problematic economy but because many consumers failed to see that small businesses are a driving force in creating more jobs, strengthening the local economy and of course offering customers more choices. By the end of the year some consumers rallied behind small businesses seeing that they indeed give back in greater numbers to the local economy. However, during the holiday season many consumers made it very clear with their spending power that they still wish to support the big retail stores with most of their money.

Of course there are exceptions and some small businesses like Panther TEK saw prosperity despite a struggling economy. It seems despite places like Best Buy’s Geek Squad, Staples and other big corporate players in the world of computer repair, smaller local companies like ours saw an increase in customers this year. One of the biggest increases in customers for us was very clear, they wanted real value for their money. In fact, some consumers decided to spend more money in order to get quality service for their computer needs which means a boost for local businesses.

Another reason for Panther TEK’s increase in popularity came because like many small businesses we stayed involved with the community like holding a cat and kitten food drive for Safe Haven For Animals and also sponsored Tails of the Season, an animal adoption event. Customers were also finding us through local searches as well because consumers often will search for businesses closest to where they live and work. This is a benefit for those needing to have their computer’s repaired.

Overall, despite the increase in gas prices 2012 could be a good year for small businesses and while many were forced to close their doors due to a weakened economy, others like ours pressed forward to show that buying local is indeed good for the economy (for every $100 spent at local small business $70 – $80 is returned back to the local economy) and that providing solid service is one of the keys to a company’s overall success.

Pretty much 2012 is the year we need to support small business if our economy is to survive and jobs are to be created. After all, we all prosper if there are also more choices and more people working.

Panther TEK specializes in computer repair, troubleshooting and installation services for residential and small businesses throughout the Phoenix metro area. If you need service call 480-980-8541.

Off-Brands Should Be Considered For Your Next Computer Purchase

Posted on January 3, 2012 by catprotector

Happy New Year everyone! One of the most interesting events started taking place in 2011 (and of course earlier than that) and now in 2012 it continues, purchasing off brand or non-mainstream name computers. It used to be that purchasing a Dell, HP or other named brand computer was thing to do since many people thought the name brand computers had it all. Now, names like iBuyPower and CyberPower have charged up the line offering a little bit more power for the money.

Unfortunately, one of the many things still plaguing the computer and tech industry is the fact that many of the parts are still made in China. Also prices have risen slightly when it comes to computers due to manufacturing slowdowns, demand and of course gas prices. Prices for solid computers (not cheap ones) are now around $1,000 or more. Nonetheless, name brand computers are now finding themselves competing against the little guys.

Here at Panther TEK we have had a chance to use the iBuyPower computers and so-far so good minus a few of the subtle drawbacks that might drive some people crazy. One of them (iBuyPower Gamer Supreme 957i) has a sensitive power and reset button. If you lay even a keyboard on top of them, it can turn off your computer or cause it to restart. Keyboards do have some weight but it’s always a good thing not to build the power button onto the top of the computer. Not a big factor but certainly something to consider.

A plus to the consumer is the fact that the off-brand companies that the average computer user has never heard of are also making laptops as well. Both iBuyPower and CyberPower are making them, however depending on the kind you buy can be a pretty penny. You also can’t get their laptops presently through places like Newegg, Tiger Direct or even Amazon, so ordering them directly from the manufacturer is the only option at present time.

Overall, technology is changing but no longer can you say name brand is always the best choice. While Sony and Toshiba are the two top choices as far as latops go, (of course we don’t recommend you buy their lower end units with the cheaper processors just to save money. Purchase their laptops with the higher grade processors) the off brands might be a solid choice.

It’s expected that more and more off brand companies and smaller companies will develop new technology in 2012, especially with Windows 8 now getting ready to be released (although the official date has yet to be set). On the flip side of things unlike the PC attempts above, there were off brands using the Apple OS in the 90′s only to die when Apple Computer said there was to be no more Mac clones. While both Apple OS and Windows will still be locked into almost a never ending battle, on the hardware end of things more smaller companies might emerge in 2012 to offer more IT products to the average consumer. Until then, you can expect we’ll be there to help you troubleshoot or install them.

Panther TEK To Help Safe Haven During Holiday Season

Posted on December 20, 2011 by catprotector

With donations to animal rescue groups currently down this holiday season, Panther TEK is hoping to bring some holiday cheer to the cats at Safe Haven For Animals’ shelter. This week if you use our computer repair and troubleshooting services or purchase one of our gift certificates, 10% of the proceeds will be donated to Safe Haven.

We often forget that despite all the human causes out there to bring people gifts that don’t have any money (or at least can’t afford it), there are many 4-legged creatures that are without homes and the only roof they have over their heads is the one given to them due to the kindness of the animal rescuers. Even on Christmas day volunteers will be hard at work feeding and giving the cats at Safe Haven the best holiday season possible.

With all the Christmas Angel programs available to bring a needy human kid a new toy for the holidays, think about the cats and other animals who’s only wish is to find a good and loving forever home. Many of them are available for adoption at shelters across the Phoenix metro area and looking for those special humans to come save them and give them a great life. Until that happens, we hope you’ll help us bring a little holiday spirit to the cats at Safe Haven. Some of them have been at the shelter for years and while they’ve been given a place to stay until they’re adopted there is still a big need to keep them fed and cared for.

Some of these cats that Safe Haven has taken in even have special needs and have been at the shelter since they were younger. One of them is Nala who was the victim of an out of control breeding situation. When it was discovered that she had a medical condition that required special attention, she was surrendered to Safe Haven. Now at 9 years old, Nala is still hoping that someone with a special heart will adopt her.

In the meantime, let’s give the animal rescue organizations like Safe Haven that miracle they need to get through the holiday season by donating cat food, money and the other items needed to keep their shelter running. This week purchase one of Panther TEK’s gift certificates or if you’re having computer problems, use our services and we in turn can make sure that cats like Nala are given the Happy Holiday they deserve. Thank you.

If you’re having computer issues, give Panther TEK a call at 480-980-8541. We offer computer repair, troubleshooting and installation services to residential and small business customers throughout the Phoenix metro area.

Spending Money On Your Computer Problems Now Can Help Your Business Succeed In 2012

Posted on December 20, 2011 by catprotector

The holiday season is here and while many people may be cutting back from spending money on themselves or someone else, if you own your own business it might not be the best thing to do. One place you should definitely not cut corners when it comes to your business is on technology. The less you’re willing to spend to have (or keep) your computer running efficiently, the more costly it will be when a serious problem happens later. Because of the economic issues currently happening in this country, there have been some interesting trends when it comes to spending money on technology especially when it comes to business.

While more consumers are choosing to have their computers repaired than to purchase new ones some are choosing to cut corners wherever they can. This can be bad for your business especially now when computers are such a big part of the operation of many companies. If a computer gets infected with a virus or you’re not able to access the internet it can be extremely frustrating for not only the user but for the business owner as well. It can also be pretty costly to your business if you are reluctant to spend the money to have a computer problem solved.

While it may be great to save money, it only takes one small problem to turn into a big one when it isn’t dealt with early. If a computer has problems and it’s a major part of your business then it’s certainly worth the expense. A computer that goes down due to a problem can lead to slower response times in serving your customers as well as loss of revenue. If you don’t have your data backed up and a computer suddenly dies, it can be pretty stressful not just on you but also be problematic for your business.

As 2011 draws to a close the last minute computer checkup may not only save you money by catching a problem in its early stages but is also an additional tax write-off for your business. Yes. December 31st isn’t that far away (which is often the last day to spend money for that last minute tax deduction) and it’s probably the best time to support your business and get things cleared up in order to be best prepared for 2012. Once January 1st hits, it’s a whole new year and whether you get a new computer or repair your current one now, being prepared technologically can indeed help in your company’s overall success. Wouldn’t that be worth the money you spend now?

If you’re having computer problems give Panther TEK a call at 480-980-8541. We specialize in computer repair, troubleshooting, and installation services for residential and small business customers throughout the Phoenix metro area. You can also visit our web site for more information at www.panthertekit.com.

Panther TEK Gift Certificates Make Great Holiday Gift Items

Posted on December 15, 2011 by catprotector

This week is Small Service Business Week and we’d like to let everyone know that Panther TEK has gift certificates available for purchase for our services. Throughout the year many people will need help with their computers, whether they end up getting a virus or simply needing to get a new one installed. Purchasing a gift certificate for our computer repair or troubleshooting isn’t just unique, but it’s certainly a great gift to give someone that’s having computer issues or might be getting a new computer for the holidays and needs to have it installed.

Our gift certificates are also able to be emailed to the person ordering them, which means all you have to do is print them out and they’re easy stocking stuffers. Also, by purchasing one of our services or a gift certificate you’re helping to support a local small business and giving a boost to the economy.

This holiday season buy local at its core as there are many local companies like ours ready to serve the customer’s needs and to help jumpstart our economy in order to get it moving in the right direction.

Panther TEK specializes in computer repair, troubleshooting and installation services for customers throughout the Phoenix metro area. We also come to your location to do the work so you don’t have to take your computer into a shop to have it worked on. If you have computer issues give us a call at 480-980-8541.

Panther Tracks

Panther TEK's computer repair blog