A good laptop repair quote names the fault that was found, the exact part and its grade, the labour, any extras, the time needed and the warranty in writing. If a quote leaves out any of these, ask for it before you agree. At Xigox the inspection costs ₹350 and is credited to the bill when you go ahead, and the written quote that follows names the fault, the part and the work, so you can compare it with any other.
Most disagreements about repair bills start with a quote that was too vague to hold anyone to. A phone estimate says "around so much", the bill arrives higher, and nobody can show what changed. This guide explains what each part of a quote should say, how inspection fees work, how part grades differ and which warning signs are worth walking away from.
What a clear laptop repair quote contains
| Line on the quote | What it should say | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Fault found | The specific fault and how it was confirmed, for example a failed battery or a damaged display cable | "Motherboard problem" on its own tells you nothing about what was tested |
| Part and grade | The part by name, and whether it is original, compatible or refurbished | The grade decides how long the part lasts and what it costs |
| Labour | The work to be done, shown as its own line or inside a stated total | Lets you see what you pay for the part and what for the skill |
| Extras | Backup, Windows reinstall, cleaning, pickup and delivery | Extras are where a total changes most between two shops |
| Time | A ready date, not "soon" | You can plan around it and hold the shop to it |
| Warranty | The period, what it covers and what it excludes | A repair warranty is only useful when its terms are written down |
| Total and validity | One total, and how long the quote stands | Prevents a surprise at the counter |
What an inspection fee pays for
A fault cannot be priced until someone has found it. The inspection is the time a technician spends testing the laptop: powering it, checking the board, the battery and the display and ruling things out. At Xigox it costs ₹350, and that amount is credited to the final bill when you proceed with the repair. If the laptop cannot be repaired, or you decide against it after seeing the quote, you pay only the inspection.
Whichever shop you choose, ask three things. Is there a diagnosis fee? How much is it? Does it come off the bill if you go ahead? A clear answer to all three is a good sign. If the answer is "it depends", ask what it depends on.
Estimate, quote and final bill are not the same
- A phone estimate is a range based on what you describe. It is useful for planning and has no more weight than that, because nobody has seen the laptop.
- A written quote after inspection is the figure to rely on. It is based on a fault that has been found and tested.
- The final bill should match the quote. If the technician finds a second fault while working, the right step is to stop and ask you before adding anything.
You can read how typical repair prices are built on our price list and in the repair cost guide. Those show where a job normally sits. The written quote shows where yours sits.
Part grades explained
Ask which grade of part is in the quote, because there are three, and the price differs.
- Original or OEM. Made by the laptop brand or for it. These usually fit and perform as the first part did, and they cost the most.
- Compatible or aftermarket. Made by another company to fit your model. Quality ranges from good to poor, so the supplier and the warranty matter.
- Refurbished or used. A reconditioned original. It can be a sensible choice for an older model whose new parts are hard to find.
For a battery, ask for the capacity rating as well, shown in watt-hours or milliamp-hours (which only compare at the same voltage), and check that it matches the original. For a screen, make sure the size, resolution and refresh rate match. Our guides on screen types and checking battery health help you read those figures.
What a repair warranty should say
A warranty on a repair covers the part that was fitted and the work that fitted it. It does not usually cover new damage, such as a drop or a spill after the repair. Read for three things: how long it lasts, when it starts and what you must do to claim. At Xigox the repair carries a 90-day warranty, and the quote states it. Whichever shop you use, a warranty given only by word is hard to use later.
Warning signs worth walking away from
- The diagnosis is a word, not a fault, and the shop cannot say how it was tested
- The part is not named, or the grade is "whatever fits"
- You are asked to decide in a hurry, or told the price will go up tomorrow
- The total changes at the counter and nobody asked you first
- No warranty period is written anywhere
- The price is far lower than every other quote and nobody can explain why, which can mean a lower grade of part or a basic clean sold as a repair
How to compare two quotes properly
A lower figure is only lower if the quotes cover the same thing. Put the two side by side and check that the part grade, the repair warranty, the time to completion and the extras match. A cheaper quote with a compatible part and a short warranty is not the same offer as a dearer one with a longer warranty and a stated part type. If you hold a lower written quote from another shop, show it to us. We will tell you honestly whether we can match it.
Before you accept a quote
- Back up your files, or ask the shop whether the repair touches the drive. Our backup checklist lists what to copy.
- Photograph the laptop and note any existing marks, plus the accessories you hand over.
- Ask for the technician's name and keep the receipt.
- Ask whether the replaced part can be returned to you.
- Check the date in writing.
How it works with us
Book by call or WhatsApp and we collect the laptop within 2 hours. After the inspection you get the written quote with the lines above. Most repairs are finished the same day, and board-level work takes two to five days. If you want to see who is near you first, start with laptop repair near me, or computer repair near me if the machine is a desktop. For questions before you book, use the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Is the inspection fee refundable?
Not as cash. At Xigox it is credited to the repair bill when you go ahead. If you decide against the repair, or it cannot be done, the fee covers the inspection and nothing more is charged.
Why is the final bill sometimes different from the phone estimate?
A phone estimate is made without seeing the laptop. The inspection finds the real fault, and the written quote replaces the estimate.
Should I ask for the old part back?
You may, and it is a reasonable request. Ask the shop at the start whether it will return it.
Can I get a quote without leaving the laptop?
You can get an estimate by describing the fault, but a firm quote needs the laptop to be tested first. Be careful with any shop that gives a firm price for a vague fault.
