Starting Computer Business. Questions.....

[cbsmith]

I am starting my own business on the side supporting computers. The company my wife works for is looking for someone to support their computer network with about 25 computers on it. They asked me to do the job. Also, my parents own a business with about 10 PC's that they want me to support too.

I have no problem supporting these, but I do have a few questions. I am applying for a tax number this week. I have all the knowledge needed ot do this. I also want to put some ads in the bargain flyers and stuff to do some home computer repairs, etc. Where I live it costs nothing to get a tax number and I have a lot fo the tools needed already, so it will not cost me a lot to start this up. Even if I don't get any other customers than the 2 who want me now, it will still be a little bit of extra money.

One concern I have right now is getting spare/repalcement parts. Once I have my tax number, can I shop at wholesale computer places? People have told me that I can and that they do it, so I assume I can.

Does anyone know any wholesale computer stores that are located in Canada, specifically Eastern Canada?

Thanks,

Chris

 

[compuwiz1]

I can tell you from experience, that most "wholesale" distributors are not going to be measurably cheaper than what you can find if you shop around. Little guys don't get the price breaks. Check MA Labs.

One advantage you will have, is that you generally only pay real shipping charges. Example, when I used to order 40 or 60 CPU's at a time, I generally only paid $10-$15 shipping for all of them, not 10-15ea, like most retail vendors.

 

[cbsmith]

I am looking for sites that are located in Canada.


Thanks,

Chris

 

[sandorski]

My bro has a home based computer business, I'll try to get back to you tomorrow(or later today) with some Canadian wholesalers.

 

[cbsmith]

Thanks a lot.


Chris

 

[Eli]

Good luck, You'll need it. That's all I can offer.. lol

 

[cbsmith]

<< Good luck, You'll need it. That's all I can offer.. lol >>



Why do you say that? I already do the work for my parents, they just can't pay me unless I start a business. My wife does most of the work at her office. She gets paid some money for it in her salary, but not much. They want to pay me (or her) as a business instea dof salary.



Chris

 

[cbsmith]

Anyone else?

 

[SuperSix]

<< I have all the knowledge needed ot do this. >>



With that attitude, you are destined to fail.

 

[cbsmith]

<<

<< I have all the knowledge needed to do this. >>



With that attitude, you are destined to fail. >>



I am not being cocky or anything. I am just saying that I am a network technician for a company that has over 4500 PCs during the daytime. I feel that I should be able to handle the two companies with around 40 PCs combined. I didn't mean that I know everything about computers. If I started working on a lot of home PCs I am sure I would run into a few problems that I would need help on.


Does anyone else know of any Canadian wholesalers?

Thanks,

Chris



** EDIT **
I just reread my post. When I said I had the knowledge, I was refering to actually starting the business. I meant that I had talked to some people that are already doing this part time. I know what steps I have to do to actually register my business with the government. Sorry for any confusion.

 

[sandorski]

Here are 2 wholesalers my bro uses.
GB Micro

Supercom

My bro told me 3 different places, but I have forgot 1 of them, so I'll get back with that 1.


Here are some links I found from a Google search
Core Micro

 

[sandorski]

Here's a couple more:

Ingram Micro this place requires a $300 fee

Tech Data

 

[cbsmith]

Thank you very much.


Chris

 

[AubZ]

Eastern Canada? Exactly where?
The furthest east you'll be able to find is probably Montreal with 3 or 4 warehouses. I recall Quebec City and Halifax might have one or two each.
Next on the list after Montreal would be Toronto, where I'm at, and also where ALL the major distros will have their CDN HQ, if not a presence.

 

[OutHouse]

dude dont even touch Ingram-Micro they are the most expensive place to buy stuff.

 

[HappyPuppy]

Been there. Done that. Don't do it any more.

 

[cbsmith]

I am located in New Brunswick. I figured the closest would be in Ontario. Do you know of any online in Ontario?

Thanks,


Chris