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Can I make some cash by building a good computer then selling it?

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  • Computers
  • Business Computing
Last response: in Business Computing
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February 26, 2014 8:35:03 PM

So I'm in high school and love computers, I want to make some money off this if I can. If you think I can how would you approach this?

More about : make cash building good computer selling

February 26, 2014 8:49:59 PM

No you can't. You would most likely lose money.
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February 26, 2014 8:58:25 PM

It's very unlikely. It's like buying a new car and trying to resell it right away. If you're not familiar with what I'm referring to, a car loses nearly half it's value the moment you drive it off the dealer lot; so the point is that most of the up front costs go into obtaining the parts. Once you try to resell it, typically most people who are interested in gaming can build it themselves and aren't willing to pay a premium for someone putting it together. I don't want to discourage you though. You just have to be aware of this as the main issue. If you can find a way to bridge the gap between those who want a rig and have no idea how to make one with yourself then maybe yes but for now it looks like a long shot. Take a look at who you'd be competing against for customers like those eg ibuypower cyberpowerpc digitalstorm. Compare what they charge vs what it would cost for you to do the same thing. I believe digital storm only charges about $100-$150 over the total cost but offer serious customer support, reduced or even free shipping options, etc and you'd have to be able to match or even beat that to be competitive. I'm not saying you couldn't build 1 or 2 here and there but to make it a full time gig could be a lot more than just some "side work" but I'd love to be wrong. Can you? Yes. Will you? It depends on how hard working and business savvy you are willing to be. Maybe to get started just be "that guy" who friends and family go to until you build such a reputation that someone asks you to do it. Charge them just for parts and ask them to mention that you built it to everyone and charge those people whatever you can negotiate whether it's $50 or $500. Maybe with the right momentum you can "build your way up" to nfl athletes or some crazy awesome situation where you can charge crazy high because they want the best. It's all about building your reputation, marketing, having a good plan for all customer types and meeting those needs. I hope someone jumps in and says, jnewegger23 you're wrong, I did this and you can do it easy. But outside of that these are realistic obstacles but NEVER let the obstacles stop you. Think speed bumps not stop signs. Find a way to keep going! Hope this helps! Best of luck to you!
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March 1, 2014 6:49:13 AM

I started my computer repair business a little less than a year ago. To do what you are talking about is very difficult. You will never be able to beat big manufacturers on price, they have exclusive deals with hardware and software companies that sadly you or I have access to. What you can do is build a solid business on repair work, and in time you will find a customer or two who would prefer a custom built machine that suits their needs. The best way to do this is, again, start by doing repair work. I charge by the hour, and I'm dirt cheap in the grand scheme of things and I've built a reliable customer base which is also doing my advertising by word of mouth and handing out my business cards. The only problem is you will work yourself out of business if you are good. You fix a problem for a customer and do good work, they won't call you back because they no longer have problems, so you really need to build that reputation of good work and use that word of mouth advertising to its full potential. Just a FYI, after taxes, fees, licenses, insurance, etc...and having all my repair equipment already, so I didn't have to buy anything for startup, my total profit for 2013 was a whopping $79. The first year is hard and you will make no money . Work hard though and the subsequent years will be much much better. I've already made more of a profit this year than in 2013. Food for thought! Good luck and stay out of my repair turf!!! Jk! Best of luck.
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