Small time computer builder and wholesale prices

[dimensionless]

Is it possible for a small time commercial computer builder to obtain parts at wholesale prices? My initial goal would be to only sell 20-100 specialty systems per year, so I can't buy in bulk.

 

[pitz]

Yeah, when I was involved in that stuff just slightly over a decade ago, Ingram and the other big boys had no problems giving out accounts to builders that small. Generally you need to establish that you have an incorporated business that is legitimately registered with the proper tax authorities, has its own business bank accounts, and you have banking and trade references.

Minimum order through Ingram here in Canada is $1750.

 

[paperfist]

Is it possible to get Windows 7 at discount prices through that channel as well? That seems to always be the largest cost when building in small volume.

 

[Zap]

Hello dimensionless, and welcome to Anandtech Forums.

It is really tough to be price competitive as a small-time system builder, especially with lower end systems. If you have a reseller's certificate (meaning you collect tax and such) then you should be able to buy from distributors like Ingram Micro and ASI.

Some manufacturers will also sell to you direct, though not all will.

AFAIK you cannot buy Windows 7 with any channel discount. Microsoft has a system builder program, but they want you to buy Windows as part of the OPK (OEM Preinstallation Pack) which is usually a 3-pack of Windows. It basically isn't any cheaper than just ordering a single one through Newegg.

It is possible to get windows for a lot cheaper, but you have to be turning a pretty huge volume. 20-100 systems/year is peanuts. You likely have to be doing 10-20 times that amount.

 

[tcsenter]

Is it possible for a small time commercial computer builder to obtain parts at wholesale prices? My initial goal would be to only sell 20-100 specialty systems per year, so I can't buy in bulk.

There is no such thing as "wholesale prices". There are only volume/bulk prices. Practically any wholesale distributor will do business with a small shop. What you will not get is a decent pricing tier, especially from the big guns like Ingram Micro or Tech Data.

Back when I had accounts with Ingram, Tech Data, SED, and a couple others, there was literally nothing that I could buy cheaper from them than competitive retail prices from Newegg or some other competitive volume retailer.

The only advantage they offered was the pass-through warranty coverage that extended to the end-user, some marketing and promotional materials or co-op programs.

 

[DominionSeraph]

especially with lower end systems.

Oh god, yes.
I'm working on a contract and just priced a Core 2 Duo E7500 system from Dell. $399 including monitor.

To build it yourself:
$100 processor
$100 OS
$100 monitor.

So, in that last $99, all you need to fit in is a case, motherboard, RAM, hard drive, DVD-ROM, keyboard + mouse; and a power supply that won't fail in a week's time making you look like a n00b.

Plus you have to squeeze in your profit.

No friggin' way.