Home Based Computer Shop...how do you?

[EQTitan]

When you have a client/friend come to you to fix their computer how do you get your components mainly the hardware, and Operating systems?

Would it make sense to become a reseller?

 

[dman]

Originally posted by: EQTitan
When you have a client/friend come to you to fix their computer how do you get your components mainly the hardware, and Operating systems?

Would it make sense to become a reseller?

For a small business, regular sales prices are much better via online vendors (newegg, mwave, etc). It might also get you in the door to 'local' distributors if they don't sell to the general public, but, most will sell to everyone, they just collect the tax instead of you. For new hardware find your friends deals at major pc makers you'll thank yourself later when they slow down with spyware and complain the system is crap.

 

[Crono]

It would make sense to become a reseller only if you are getting many clients and/or large contracts and want to increase the amount of profit you are making. The costs of becoming a reseller (permit or business license, large quantity orders, etc) outweigh the benefits unless you really are doing a significant amount of business. If you're only fixing and building PC's for a couple of people a month, it's not going to be worth it. Like dman said, it's far easier and cheaper to just buy from online vendors like NewEgg or from auction sites like eBay. There are some resellers that peruse this forum, and they can probably tell you better than I can exactly how much business you need before becoming a reseller makes sense.

 

[EQTitan]

Ok, I only ask because I've had a few clients over the past month during Christmas the ended up going to a local shop since I have a 3day turn around so I can order parts that are not readily on hand. The biggest thing is trying to find someone that either sells Win XP cheap (under $70) or vendors that just sell the COA stickers.

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: EQTitan
Ok, I only ask because I've had a few clients over the past month during Christmas the ended up going to a local shop since I have a 3day turn around so I can order parts that are not readily on hand. The biggest thing is trying to find someone that either sells Win XP cheap (under $70) or vendors that just sell the COA stickers.

overnight shipping?

either that or keep stock on hand which will be almost impossible unless you become a reseller or something.

 

[thomsbrain]

When I did this years back, I never attempted to promise to finish a system in less than a week, so I had time to order parts online. I always explained from the start that it would be a few days because I was getting better, cheaper parts. If they really wanted to spend more money to get it sooner, I just pointed them to a B&M store to buy a pre-packaged computer.

I usually researched common part prices and presented potential clients with some starting point systems with price/labor breakdowns. Then if they wanted something specific beyond that, I could give them a rough estimate, and provide them with a firm estimate in a few hours. I always provided final part price breakdowns and all the documentation that came with each part. I didn't mark up parts, and this way I didn't need to charge sales tax. I made it clear that I did not provide any kind of warranty or free support beyond that provided for the individual parts, but I did set up the computer in their home and show them how to use it for free. Generally my clients were small-business types who wanted a simple system without bloatware, or people with video-editing hobbies (this was back when you needed a really special gonzo system to edit video).

 

[MisterJackson]

You were losing clients because of a three day turn around??? Me thinks you're setting your turn around time too low. Don't inform the customer that it's a "X day turn around because you have to get parts". Just say it's an X day turn around and leave it at that.

If you're not busy then a three day turn around is good in my opinion for medium to hard jobs. Pidly stuff a day or two. But honestly 5 days would be a good average.

If it's a business or someones work PC then you may want to offer a priority rate for a few bucks more with a 24-48 hour turn around.

As for parts, find a local VAR (Value added reseller). They're everywhere. Develop a relationship with this person. At first you'll have to pay him up front, but over time he'll give you terms. Plus, if you end up not needing a part or have to rma a part he'll handle it and that's less headache/time lost for you.

 

[hanoverphist]

im a reseller at work, and i use that status to order parts on the side for my own customers. no conflict tho, im a reseller to supply systems/ service/ support for my customers at work, but we are not in the computer business. i never had to crunch the numbers on how much i had to buy to make the process/ overhead of becoming and maintaining reseller status, but i can tell you that it would be way more than a few a month. if this is a side business and you already have the tax ID, fill out the paperwork. i havent had to guarantee any amount or % monthly to maintain my reseller status for any of my suppliers. i havent bought a toshiba system in a year and a half, but i still am a reseller for them... they give pretty damn good breaks too. no, i will not sell you one.

 

[EQTitan]

How would I go about seeking out a VAR? I'm good friends with the owner of my local computer shop, I'm wondering if he would be willing to setup some sort of 'reseller' relationship with me...

 

[jpeyton]

Get your hardware from Newegg.

Get your software from ThePirateBay.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

If you can purchase processors in quantities of what comes to $10k, or parts in quantities of that dollar value, then you can be considered for good pricing.