why not build & sell computers on eBay?

[thebeyonder]

I was checking that out. aside from "used" computers being sold to clear up desk space, I saw a bunch that had been built by computer stores specifically to be sold on eBay.

of those that I looked at, the computer was selling for less than the cost of parts. so that's a no-go. can't do that. computer stores got me beat.

but there were some more expensive ones that were up for sale for a little more than the cost of parts... but they weren't selling.

whazzup? can you buy parts from, say, newegg or tigerdirect, put them together and sell it on ebay, and make it worth your time?

opinions?

 

[Soundmanred]

Nope, noth worth doing whether it's local selling or eBay.
Lots of threads on why if you care to search.

 

[Blain]

This is really an "Off Topic" subject.

"can you buy parts from, say, newegg or tigerdirect, put them together and sell it on ebay, and make it worth your time?"

It all depends how much you value your time. :laugh:
If you miss selling at your price for one or two rigs, it kills any profit you might have made.
Then when you factor in paying taxes on top of that, you could easily go in the hole.
Obviously you'd pay your income taxes because you don't want to face tax evasion charges from the IRS.
This forum wouldn't allow you to advocate "tax evasion" either. 😱

 

[Zepper]

Yup, it is not impossible, but it is very difficult. And what about support? Most individuals can't compete on the low end and the support consequences of building with low end parts loom very large. Then there are warranty issues - buying parts from Newegg et al. means you are the warranted party, so you would have to handle all RMA/warranty issues personally. Of course you could hook up with some distributors, but then you may be at a price disadvantage again.
. Lots of issues to consider before jumping in...

.bh.

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Most of the "white box" sellers on ebay try and make a premium for "prebuilt overclocked systems". And most of them list pictures and specs and give you many upgrade options but they don't have the machine in hand, when they receive payment they place an express order with newegg/ZZF ect... They usually state something like "allow 7 days for assembly and testing" which means, when I get your money I will order the parts and build it.

As Zepper points out the real problem is service and warranty

 

[amdfansftw]

the real problem isn't service that can be avoided by going through a single distributer for all parts as a small business owner. the real problem and where you will lose money is your time you have to invest. you can't make enough money selling one or two you would have to sell atleast 10-15 or more every couple weeks. that's alot. takes much time and you gotta pay taxes on it.

 

[corkyg]

Another aspect to consider is this - would a smart shopper buy anything of that nature from an unknown source on E-Bay? I don't think so. E-Bay is frought with junk and scams - but also there are good deals. You have to be judicious in finding them. How would you provide tech support? RMAs? Component warranties?