Hoping to make a little money building computers...any tips on getting started?

[abracadabra1]

Hey there fellas.

I'm hoping to make a little extra cash on the side by making custom computers (strictly performance gaming or high-end business). This is something I would only be doing part time (I'm still a student). Any tips on getting started? How should I advertise my business w/o getting swamped w/ orders? Anything I should know before taking the leap?
Let me know what you guys think...suggestions are very welcome.

thx for the help guys.

 

[Mister T]

1. be wearing building for friends/relatives.
2. be clear on your warranty and support.
3. It sucks selling dumbasses computers - after 1 week they have managed to corrupt windows
and its all of a sudden your fault cause you sold them a computer.

 

[Soybomb]

I'd strongly advise against it. Offer repair services, but if you sell every time the smallest thing happens to their computer, it will be your fault and you will be called for help. This includes when they can't figure out how to use aol to send email. What happens when a part breaks and they want a replacement immediately so they do whatever life threatening thing it is they need to do.... It just isn't worth it, sell upgrade parts, install them, do repairs, just don't sell whole machines.....

 

[Jmman]

Yeah, I used to build machines also. Total nightmare, always getting calls because they can't figure out the simplest program.....ack, not worth the hassle.....

 

[mundania]

I think the big hassle in this type of business is CUSTOMER SUPPORT.
It might even detract from schoolwork. =(

If you need the money, definitely go for it. But set apart
a huge chunk of time for customer support. You can offer 'limited'
customer service, but if you want to get a good reputation,
you're going to want to offer quality customer service.

Good luck!

 

[RGN]

Yeah, I got some advice. DON'T. That's peroid

If you do anyway, dont build for friends and family. It will become something like this: "How come this POS computer doesn't work." (you): Well, what is wrong. (SCU): Well, my cpu does this noise and then my cdrom comes out and the printer doesnt work anymore. (you): well,... (SCU): and then my AOL, when it dials it makes this noise and it never used to, i think thats why word doesn't work. (you): the noise is the modem. (SCU): do I have one of those? I only wanted to use the Internet...



*SCU=Stupid Computer User

It will happen. Bank on it.

 

[Hamburgerpimp]

DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT offer software support. Load the OS and make sure it works. Then, Format it clean again and give it to them.

 

[Hamburgerpimp]

O yeah, and I made the fvcking mistake of telling my neighbor that I would help him upgrade his computer. What a pain in the ass!! It's best to not tell a soul you know anything about computers!

 

[compuwiz1]

I quit building them sometime ago. You'll tire of the seemingly endless calls that should have nothing to do with your work, but since they screwed something in windows up, it is of course always your fault, in their mind.

 

[Hamburgerpimp]

Steve, all the small stores around here give you the computer with the OS CD and let you install everything. They don't do Software support, which is smart.

 

[abracadabra1]

ttt...
any other info fellas?? advertising and such??

thx

 

[TheVrolok]

I would suggest against it as well. I used to build/sell myself for awhile, profit was low, and being the tech support for some computer users is horrible, they have no idea what they're doing sometimes. Also, warrenties are often a problem.

 

[abracadabra1]

well seems like i'll be taking all your advise and focusing myself on computer upgrades.
any idea for advertising?? what should be said in the listing??

thx

 

[Kntx]

Yes, well I make something of a living doing this.

First, you need a business license to legally be able to conduct business. If you are just building for friends and such, it's probably not important. However, if you are going to be advertising and building for people you don't know then you will need one.

Second, do you have your vendors permit??? Or some other way to get parts wholesale from distributors??? If you don't, get one! You can't make much (if any) money buying parts retail. To get one, you'll need your business licence. Also, you'll have to collect sales tax and such.

Warranties, Support, etc. Just sell the computer with the OS!!! Let the user add whatever they want beyond that. When they call you and ask why AOL doesn't work, tell them to call AOL! Same goes with any other software problem.

Advertising: Just stick a small classified in a local paper. Something along the lines of, Computer systems, parts, upgrades, repairs... blah blah blah. You ususally only get a few lines so just get to the point. Or as I do sometimes, put a classified ad with a few lines and a web address where they will find more info. Some papers have a special section for computer ads, so you might want to look into that.

I hope this helps.

note: All of the bussiness licence, vendor permit and sales tax jargon differs depending on where you live. I live in Ontario, that's how it is here.

edit: What do you mean without getting swamped with orders?? That's a good thing!!! The more orders, the more money!

 

[abracadabra1]

yup i do have a license and am able to buy parts from my distributor.
however, lots of times i can find parts on the net cheaper (i use techdata btw).

well i don't mind being swamped w/ orders i guess. but it's just that i don't have the time during the week to do tons and tons of orders.

 

[amb#cog]

Been there, done that, won't do it again.

When a friend asks for a cheap computer. I always tell him I can get him one online for cheap. What I'd do (have done actually) is buy one in For Sale/For Trade from here, and set it up for him. Making it EXTEMELY clear that I do not, under any circumstances, teach people how to use a computer.

People expect that, because they gave you some of their money, you owe them lifetime support, and will show them how to do everything.

Yuck!!!

It sends shivers up my spine just thinking about it! :Q