Build and sell custom computers?

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skylord_

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Apr 8, 2015
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Has anybody ever built and sold custom computers?
I am thinking of doing this on Craigslist partially because their are a few people selling computers that once could build for $750 for well over $1000. Also I feel like I could just help people get a good computer for their needs without ripping people off
 
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If your local market is lacking in terms of vendors or people who provide this kind of service, it's definitely a good idea. I used to do this in my own local market many years ago and did quite well for a time, but the vendors eventually got to a point where they were pricing the service so low that they eliminated the private competition.

If you can do it, go for it :)
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ShakedG

ShakedG

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Dec 2, 2014
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That's a great idea! And yes, there are many people who do this. It's especially exciting since you get to work with so many different components and machines! I wish you best of luck :)
 
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bistwo

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This is typically not a very good business model because the people who are interested in getting a custom computer typically want to build it themselves. Name brand computers are typically cheaper because the manufacturer can buy parts in bulk so the buyer of a prebuilt system will go towards them.
 
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BadBoyGreek

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May 15, 2014
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If your local market is lacking in terms of vendors or people who provide this kind of service, it's definitely a good idea. I used to do this in my own local market many years ago and did quite well for a time, but the vendors eventually got to a point where they were pricing the service so low that they eliminated the private competition.

If you can do it, go for it :)
 
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skylord_

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Apr 8, 2015
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Thanks for all of the quick responses, i might try it later this summer when i have more free time.

Another idea is simply buying barebones off of places like tiger direct or newegg, any thoughts on that?
 
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spentshells

spentshells

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Apr 1, 2006
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I wouldn't bother unless you plan to include ebay on your list of places you wish to sell. Craigslist and it's ilk everyone wants a deal. I've done it twice, each time I had to make concessions. Sell the gpu separately. or accepting lower offers. On my last build for direct sale I had to sell the gpu, then give the rest of it to my x wife. I made a small profit (50) and scored 4 games out of the deal.

The time before, the Person I sold it to assumed he was getting a years worth of windows support along with the deal. ..... the computer I sold did not come with windows....It really is a hot mess out there on craigslist. Steer clear.
 
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BadBoyGreek

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Ultimately you'd have to take a consultative approach to it. You would have to talk to potential customers, identify their budget, intended purpose for the machine and see how picky they are about having a plain looking barebones system vs. a full custom build. It can be a lot of work, but also lucrative if you can get a system down pat.

As suggested by others as well, you would also have to make it clear that you're only providing the build service and that ongoing tech support is not included in the initial cost.

Good luck!
 
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