Matthew Burke experiences the rise in everyday prices at the grocery store and gas pump like everyone else, but feels the impact of inflation in the technology sector firsthand.

As owner and lead technician of Preferred Computer Solutions in Jaffrey, Burke has worked with computers for decades. Recently, he has seen random-access memory (RAM) and storage prices rise by over 300% as artificial intelligence demand overwhelms supply, leaving consumers behind.

“The supply chain is becoming smaller and smaller,” Burke said.

To combat rising product prices, Burke recently downsized his workshop to his home in Jaffrey.

“It was honestly either that or having to increase my labor prices. It’s hard because I’ve had to increase my parts prices, but in some cases, I still pay to sell stuff,” he said. “It’s the cost of doing business.”

Burke prides himself on being a local alternative to large retailers like Walmart and Staples, and wants to stay that way.

“We don’t have the big box store mentality. We don’t have things manufactured just to meet our price point. … I sell a much higher-quality product,” he said. “I refuse to put my name on anything subpar.”

Unlike larger corporations, Burke offers a fast turnaround, ideally getting customers their computers or systems back in one to three days.

“I have no problem working all through the night and getting it done for the following morning,” he said.

Meeting that standard has become harder as manufacturers stop making products or stop honoring their warranties.

Currently, Burke is rebuilding a customer’s high-end PC gaming system that originally cost about $5,000; the fix will cost close to $16,000. The memory, which cost $600 to $700 a year ago, can now cost as much as $2,000.

To avoid breaking the bank, Burke contacted memory manufacturer TeamGroup over a month ago, asking the company to honor his customer’s lifetime warranty.

In the past, he has seen manufacturers refuse to replace memory or storage and instead reimburse the customer for the original purchase price. While TeamGroup hasn’t denied the request, Burke hasn’t heard from it in over a month.

“The manufacturers don’t want to take in that cost to actually honor the warranty and replace it,” Burke said.

He has also noticed fewer people ordering upgrades.

“People just can’t afford it,” he said.

In the end, people choose the cheaper option, which means they have to fix the computer or system sooner, something Burke wants to avoid.

Since moving from his Peterborough store to an appointment-only schedule based in his home workshop, Burke said he’s been busier than ever.

His business relies heavily on sales. His repair work has increased, but he notices customers are often taken aback by prices.

“I’m thankful the customers are very patient and understanding, but I understand the frustration on their part, and I’m the face of the problem,” Burke said.

Burke knows the big money is with businesses and corporations, but for 22 years he’s been working to help people.

“My bread and butter has always been residential customers,” he said. “There’s just not enough services for the average person.”