HelpPro.ca
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Remote help with Windows, computers, printers and networks, for Canadian pawn shops.
We know it all feels like one thing.
When something stops working at the counter, it doesn't matter to you whether it's the software, Windows or the printer. You just need it fixed, and the first call you think to make is to your software company. That makes complete sense.
PawnSmarts builds and supports pawn software, and it can't also be every shop's computer technician. So computer and equipment help has its own home here, with someone whose whole job is your computer, at a fair price.
So there are no surprises: HelpPro is a paid service, and it isn't part of a PawnSmarts subscription.
Two different kinds of help.
HelpPro.ca is an affiliate of PawnSmarts, here in a supporting role. PawnSmarts looks after the software. When the trouble is the computer or the equipment around it, PawnSmarts will conveniently point you here.
- What it is
- Pawn shop management software
- What you pay
- A monthly subscription
- What that covers
- The PawnSmarts app, and help using it
- What's outside it
- Your computer, Windows, printers, scanners or network
- What it is
- Remote computer and hardware help
- What you pay
- $29 CDN per 15 minutes, on its own invoice
- What that covers
- Windows, computers, printers, scanners, networks, files and email
- What's outside it
- PawnSmarts itself. For software questions, PawnSmarts is glad to help.
Fair questions.
I already pay for PawnSmarts. Shouldn't this be included?
It's a fair thing to wonder. Your subscription is for the development and maintenance of the software. Looking after computers and equipment is a different trade, and keeping the two apart is part of what lets PawnSmarts stay affordable.
Could PawnSmarts just take a quick look?
We understand, and we wish it were that simple. Quick looks add up across many shops, and they take time away from the software everyone depends on. So PawnSmarts sends computer and equipment questions here, for every shop, every time. It's never personal. It's what keeps things fair for everyone.
What if I can't tell which one it is?
Fairly easy: issues with computers, Windows, printers and communications aren't software issues. Save a service charge by becoming familiar with the tools on which your shop and business depend.
Tell us what's wrong
Email support@helppro.us with what you are experiencing. In most cases we'll open a service request and send a link to connect to your computer to assist.
We connect and fix it
A technician works on your computer remotely while you keep serving customers. If a part is dead, we tell you what to buy and set up the replacement.
One simple, fair bill
$29 CDN per 15 minutes, with a $29 CDN minimum. You'll get one clear invoice from HelpPro, separate from your software subscription.
Try this first.
A few minutes with these often saves a call. They're free, and most of the time one of them is the answer.
Printer not working?
Turning everything off and back on clears more printer trouble than anything else.
- Is the printer switched on, with a steady green light?
- Is the cable snug at both ends?
- Is there paper or labels loaded, the right way round?
- Does it print from another program? If nothing prints, it's the printer or Windows.
Everything slow?
Slowness usually comes from the computer or the connection.
- Check memory: press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, then Performance, then Memory.
- If it's nearly full, close other programs, spare browser tabs and music.
- On Wi-Fi? It's usually slower and less steady than a cable.
- Run a cable from the router to the computer, or add a Wi-Fi extender.
Scanner not reading?
Most scanner trouble is a loose plug or a cursor in the wrong place.
- Unplug the scanner and plug it back in, ideally into a different USB port.
- Click into the box where the barcode should go, then scan.
- Scan into Notepad. If numbers appear there, the scanner is fine.
- Wipe the scanner window and try a clean, flat barcode.
No internet?
See whether it's one computer or the whole shop.
- Does another website open? Does your phone work on the shop Wi-Fi?
- Unplug the modem and router for 30 seconds, then plug them back in.
- Check the network cable is clicked in at both ends.
- If the whole shop is offline, your internet provider is the one to call.
Frozen or acting strange?
A proper restart fixes a surprising amount.
- Save your work, then choose Restart from the Start menu. Shut down isn't the same.
- Let Windows finish any updates. Don't power off partway through.
- Close and reopen your browser, then sign in again.
- Check the date and time are right. A wrong clock can block sign-ins.
It's easy to blame the software when the screen is where you see the problem. More often it's the printer, the computer or the connection underneath. Still stuck after these? That's what we're here for.
Something not working? We'd be glad to help.
[YOUR HOURS] · Remote help anywhere in Canada · $29 CDN per 15 minutes