Geekatoo

Geekatoo has been billed as the Uber of tech support, and although it hasn’t gained quite as much media attention as the smartphone ride sharing service, it’s gaining notice. The company connects computer and gadget-savvy workers with customers who need help with upgrades, repairs, and setting things up in the first place. So far, Geekatoo has attracted more than $2 million in venture capital as investors bet on Baby Boomers preferring to hire someone to set up home wireless networks, mount TVs, and program their smart-home devices.

Service Description:

Geekatoo connects customers who need technical help with experts (called “providers”) who can help them out. Customers can request help online or by phone, and a provider will get in touch, most often within the hour and 9 out of 10 times within 24 hours.

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Pros:

The service request process is straightforward and seems designed to reduce surprises. Users can call Geekatoo’s toll-free service line to request service or use the online request tool. By answering a few questions about what they need, customers receive a base-cost price and an explanation of what is (and isn’t) included. Geekatoo service providers can come to customers’ homes, offices, or a nearby public place such as a coffee shop or diner to tackle the problem, so there’s no need to ship a device or bring it to a repair center. Geekatoo is accredited with the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating.

Cons:

Geekatoo runs criminal background checks on its providers but does not verify that providers are licensed or insured and bonded.

Fine print:

Annual plan customers can cancel their plan for a full refund within the first 30 days. After that, pro-rated refunds are available. Customers whose issues aren’t solved during their service call have 30 days to request a refund from Geekatoo.

Cost:

A la carte service prices vary, from computer-repair service starting at $35 to smart home service starting at $99. Geekatoo promises customers that if its experts can’t diagnose or fix the problem, they can get a full refund.

Geekatoo also offers annual service plans that cover all listed services except for video games and TV mounting:

• The basic “green” plan is $179 per year or $9 per month with a $79 setup fee, and provides one in-home service and unlimited remote support for 3 devices.

• The mid-level “gold” plan costs $299 per year or $19 per month with a $79 setup fee, and provides 3 in-home visits and unlimited remote support for 4 devices.

• The top-level “platinum” plan costs $499 per year or $39 per month with the $79 setup fee, and provides 5 in-home service calls and unlimited remote support for 5 devices.

Best for…

Geekatoo seems best for people who enjoy the latest gadgets and security tools but would rather have an expert handle the setup, for adult children who live too far away or don’t have time to help their parents with computer problems, and for people who would rather deal with a hired expert than a manufacturer’s help line when there’s a problem with their computer, TV, or other device.