Frequently asked questions
Straight answers before you call — and if something’s not covered here, that’s what the phone’s for.
Cost & scheduling
How much will my repair cost?
It depends on what’s actually wrong, not the size or brand of the device — there’s no flat, one-price-fits-all rate card. Every repair starts with a free diagnosis, so you’ll know what it costs before any work begins. See the full repair cost guide for what to expect by category.
Is the diagnosis really free?
Yes. Call, text, or email with what the device is doing, or bring it by, and you’ll get an honest read on the problem and the cost before committing to anything.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
Calling, texting, or emailing ahead is the best way to make sure Ed’s at the bench when you arrive. Reach out first with what the device is doing and you’ll get a time that works.
How long does a repair take?
It depends on the fault and whether a part needs to be sourced. Straightforward repairs — a belt, a battery, a cracked screen — are often quick; anything that needs an ordered part takes longer. You’ll get a realistic timeline once the device has been diagnosed.
Is it worth fixing?
What if my device turns out not to be worth fixing?
You’ll be told plainly, before any work starts. If a repair would cost more than the device is worth, or more than a comparable used replacement, that’s the honest answer you’ll get — no pressure to fix it anyway.
Do you work on older or retro electronics, not just current models?
Yes. Retro game consoles, older tube TVs, VCRs, and other legacy hardware get the same careful diagnosis as anything currently on shelves — degraded capacitors, worn belts, and aged connectors are common and usually fixable.
Data, tapes & privacy
Can you recover data from a drive that won’t boot at all?
Often, yes — a drive that isn’t recognized by the computer is one of the most common data recovery cases, and frequently one of the most recoverable, since the underlying data is often untouched. If a drive clicks or grinds, stop powering it on and bring it in as soon as possible.
I don’t have a working VCR anymore — can you still transfer my old tapes?
Yes. You don’t need a working deck of your own — a properly serviced VCR is part of the transfer process. Bring in the tapes themselves: VHS, camcorder tape, or audio cassette.
Is my data private when you work on my device?
Your device is handled directly by Ed, not shipped off to a third-party lab or call center. If a drive is being recycled rather than repaired, it’s wiped or physically destroyed on request before anything moves on.
Getting your device to Ed
I don’t live near Arnold, Severna Park, or Glen Burnie — can you still help?
If you’re elsewhere in Anne Arundel County, reach out anyway — see the full service area for the towns regularly served. And for many repairs, mail-in service is available from anywhere in the U.S.
What’s the difference between dropping something off and mailing it in?
Dropping off works for anyone in Anne Arundel County. Mail-in repair is available nationwide for most repairs — ship the device in, and you’ll hear back the same way you would in person: an honest diagnosis before any work starts.
Do you recycle electronics that aren’t worth repairing?
Yes. TVs, computers, phones, and AV equipment are accepted, working parts get pulled and kept for future repairs, and anything with personal data on it is wiped or destroyed on request. It’s generally free for typical household quantities.
Still have a question?
Call, text, or email — Ed answers this himself.