What should the quote include?
Ask what diagnosis includes, how a recovery result will be checked and how recovered files are delivered. Clarify whether success means any files or your named priority files.
Which charges need a closer look?
Check inspection, shipping, replacement storage and urgent-service fees. Have any no-recovery-no-fee offer explain its exclusions in writing.
Have the provider mark each item as included, optional or charged separately. An item left blank is a question to resolve, not something to count as free.
Before you decide
Avoid repeated repair attempts on a failing device while deciding what to do. Set an approval limit and ask about confidentiality and deletion of the provider's working copies after delivery.
Compare the total you would pay
Put the offers side by side using the same work, dates and quantities. Add required extras and applicable taxes to each starting price. Keep optional upgrades separate so you can choose them deliberately.
- For an hourly price: ask about minimum time, the expected hours and approval before the bill grows.
- For a package: ask about its limits, expiry and the price of work outside it.
- For a deposit: confirm whether it counts toward the total, when the balance is due and what happens if you cancel.
Keep the agreed price and work list together. If the plan changes, ask for the revised total before agreeing to the extra work.
The rewrite date records an editorial update, not a verification of local prices. How we research fees.