TL;DR (operator-honest): San Diego tech help typically runs $85–$185/hr from local solo operators · $200–$400/hr from agencies · Geek Squad/Best Buy is $100–$200 flat for residential basics but they don't do payments/automation/CRM work. PJ is $100/hr flat, on-site in NCSD (Encinitas, Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Carlsbad, La Jolla) or remote anywhere in SD County, no retainer, no minimum. Text 858-461-8054 with the actual problem — usually fixed in one back-and-forth.
• Payments: Which processor to use, how to set it up, how to stop overpaying on fees.
• Software: Which CRM, scheduling tool, or job management app fits your business — not just what's popular.
• AI & automation: What's actually worth automating, which tools to use, what to skip.
• Websites & SEO: Why you're not showing up on Google and the fastest fix.
• Getting unstuck: Something broke, something's confusing, you need a second opinion — text me.
I'm in Encinitas. Most questions take one text back and forth.
Tech Help for San Diego Small Businesses
I'm PJ — a solo tech consultant in Encinitas. I help local business owners cut through software confusion, automate the right things, and stop overpaying for tools they don't need.
858-461-8054 · Real human · No forms · No sales pitch
⚡ How it works: Text me what you're dealing with. I'll tell you what I'd do — honest recommendation, real pricing, no upsell. Most questions are answered in one reply. If it's a bigger project, I'll quote it flat — no hourly billing surprises.
Real human. Fast answer. I'm in Encinitas — I know the tools, I know the market, and I don't have a quota to fill. No sales pitch, no forms, no funnel.