Computer Company?

[Minten]

I'm really debating on starting a small company assembling computers.. It would legally have to be under my parents name and need some good funding behind it.

Most high end computers cost about $1,500 to build now days. The average consumer barely knows what parts go into a computer. This is where I step in. I order and/or pick up parts and assemble the computer and give the purchaser a good knowledge of their new computer.

In this I will charge the cost of all parts and shipping and an $50 - $100 assembly fee.... I really have put some thought into this, so try to work with me on this... Any thought?

 

[HawkShot99]

Make sure you promote yourself with your business cards.

There sure to bring in tons of business....

 

[polaris dude]

It is an idea with potential. But the problem is people ordering the computer so u get the parts, put it together, and they no longer want it and your stuck with the expensive computer.

I think you would have more success if you just made high demand models of computers, then sold them via the internet. But the main problem I forsee in your future is A) the startup money and B) the cost to ship the parts TO you and the finished product FROM you. That and the assembly fee seems to me like it would eliminate the saving from the consumer so you would need a reputation as a great computer builder to get people onto your site and willing to hand over their money.

But honestly, if I had the money I would totally invest in your "company" if you were to make it. There is surely a market out there for what you could do and I think you have enough knowledge of computers.

 

[Minten]

It is an idea with potential. But the problem is people ordering the computer so u get the parts, put it together, and they no longer want it and your stuck with the expensive computer.

I think you would have more success if you just made high demand models of computers, then sold them via the internet. But the main problem I forsee in your future is A) the startup money and B) the cost to ship the parts TO you and the finished product FROM you. That and the assembly fee seems to me like it would eliminate the saving from the consumer so you would need a reputation as a great computer builder to get people onto your site and willing to hand over their money.

But honestly, if I had the money I would totally invest in your "company" if you were to make it. There is surely a market out there for what you could do and I think you have enough knowledge of computers.

That's the thing with the economy right now. I'm actually talking to a good friend of mine who sleds (hit a tree on the trail...?) and we're planning on a build in December when he gets the money. $1700 is a projected price with shipping, assembly, and tax.

Like you said though, the hardest thing is the start up cost. Getting 2k to start something is not easy to do.....

I am actually looking into different solutions of selling points. I'm looking into Craigslist to start my lower end builds until I can get a good reputation before a lot of long distance shippings are available.

I thought about a situation if a custom backs out of a purchase.... I'm trying to develop a payment system so that after say 50% of the build is complete, I collect 50% of the money and when fully completed I can receive the rest. This would also include a 10% initial deposit after completion of order.

The best thing about this though, I receive more experience and it's another hobby that I can actually make money off of!

 

[Mafesto]

I see more demand in maintaining existing computers if you have that talent.

De-bugging, adding components, adding capacity etc.

Provide on site service & operation training.


I am a computer retard, but that's where I see an existing market.

 

[polaris dude]

I see more demand in maintaining existing computers if you have that talent.

De-bugging, adding components, adding capacity etc.

Provide on site service & operation training.


I am a computer retard, but that's where I see an existing market.

I think this is also true. I couldn't fix the hardware components on my computer to save my life and quite frankly if you can manage it theres a lot of people who would pay you to fix it over spending 100$ for some lame company to do it.


But yeah with your other idea I would start small on ebay to build a reputation there.

 

[newmy1]

Who pays $1500 for a computer these days? Do you want to deal with warranty issues and follow up service for $50? Might not be a bad proposition if you live in a small community but thinking beyond that in taking on the big guys that sell these systems dirt cheap is another story. They put most the small guys out of business a long time ago.

Support services per above post is probably worth more $$ in your pocket.

 

[ruffryder]

if I had the money I would totally invest in your "company" if you were to make it.

I love statements like that...

Miten,

Somethings to think about.

1) People that are smart enough to intelligently choose individual components of a computer most often times can also put it together. So be careful on your target audience.

2) The operating systems are expensive and is where computer manufacturers gain some of their margin. You might not be able to get the same advantage.. unless you get the OEM 10 packs I guess..

Anyways, sounds interesting, good luck to you.

 

[polaris dude]

ha ruffy u know im a broke college student. If I had a real job and wasn't in debt I would invest. Hows that?

 

[ruffryder]

ha ruffy u know im a broke college student. If I had a real job and wasn't in debt I would invest. Hows that?

not much better... lol.

Sometimes when you read into the statement from a jaded perspective, it can be read like this.

Instead of
"If I had money I would invest"

it would read
"I can't invest because I am not smart with money"

Not saying that is you, but the statement can make me thing about it..

 

[judger101]

the only bad part is that there are thousands of people doing the exact same thing online. how are you going to separate yourself from them? at 50-100 per computer, that isnt alot of money for your time for ordering the parts and completing the build. im sure there is some money to be made here, but you have to have everything set up right and you will have to move some good volume of computers to be worth it, otherwise you could probably make more money mowing lawns.

 

[av8er]

I spent 3 years building computers and tech support

the margins are really low and I personally would not do business with a 14 yer old kid, plus you cannot enter into a legally binding transaction such as a pc sale, build in most states until the age of 18. Also the general public doesn't know the difference between a hdd at 5400 rpm or a 7200 rpm hdd, or know what a 802.11n networking card is. I used to go do in home tech support and consulting and it was never truly worth my time and effort. especially in this chitty economy most people want a $500-$800 computer. it's become a disposable piece of electronics, no one wants to use an old, slow computer

 

[judger101]

yes, i agree, there are people who like high end computers, like myself. but most of the people that actually know everything about computers, will likely know enough to build them themselves.

 

[go high fast]

Use your first and last name for your company name. Use your own money for all start-up and ongoing funds. You'll need to figure out how to market your services. Now you will begin to understand what being self employed is all about.

It also seems to me that you would want to know a fair amount about how the tech needs differ from one computer user to the next. A graphic designer may have different tech needs than an attorney.

You may want to consider 12 months of employment with your local tech store to see what products and services they offer and if there is a segment of the market (like the one you're proposing) that is not being served or is underserved.

Now you're off and running in the world of self employment. Good luck.

 

[Mafesto]

Most kids your age mow lawns for spending money.
If you could get something like this off of the ground, you could have your buddies mow your yard!

Just be prepared to keep trying if you fail.
Most successful people experience several failures along the way.

 

[polaris dude]

Honestly, the lawn mowing industry is pretty good! There is a lot of $$ to make there, I mowed my grandparents lawns both and kept myself going till junior year of highschool when I got a real job. I have a friend who actually did start a lawn mowing company and he does pretty good He just bought his own lawn mower(big one) just recently in cash.

 

[Mafesto]

My point is you will not get rich mowing lawns.
You could very well get rich paying several employees to mow lawns, but the current administration has made it socially immoral to profit from your employees labor.
Sorry for getting off of the original topic here.

 

[judger101]

well i highly doubt you will get rich building custom computers either....

 

[togwotee9]

My point is you will not get rich mowing lawns.
You could very well get rich paying several employees to mow lawns, but the current administration has made it socially immoral to profit from your employees labor.
Sorry for getting off of the original topic here.

I seem to do just fine profiting from my employees immoral or not

 

[Minten]

It is a very touch subject.

Thanks for the input guys. Until I'm done with my computer now, we'll have to see what can happen....