computer building business?

[waggythegeek]

Can I just put ads on Craigslist offering to build custom PCs for people? Is that legal? Will people bite?

[NannerBeans]

It's legal but a lot of people are doing it. You probably won't get any takers. 

[Sirnaderibrahim]

Make a website, business cards. A office,fleet of pc's built by you. Make yourself look good

[MatthewEnderle]

yes it's legal.you'd be better of doing ones for family friends and then do it word of mouth. That's what I did, but I stopped because I hated being tech supoort.

[thekeemo]

Also once you start making a decent amount you need to be licensed

[thekeemo]

Its not too expensive

[Dzzope]

More money in doing computer repairs than system builds (unless you get into high-end systems and modding)

[manikyath]

honestly, if you want to do it seriously, start up a local buisiness and try to get customers from the professional world, like local stores or offices.

^ thats what drove the two local computer stores in my area into a success story.

 

the money doesnt come from average joe around the corner that wants a "banging" gaming computer, its from buisinesses that need 10 bottom of the barrel computers, and need someone to support them in case they catch fire.

 

building a computer = €50 worth of labor around here.

tech support = €40 an hour in some cases, and companies WILL pay if you prove to be a helpful individual that can solve their problems at a low parts cost.

[KirbyTech]

It's legal but a lot of people are doing it. You probably won't get any takers. 

Pretty much this, I put one up about once a month and get maybe one or two. Worth the 5 min to put it up. OP don't expect to make much though.

[xeromynd]

Something I've also heard Linus+Jay+all the others say:

 

Also look into servicing computers, and the computers you build. Consensus seems to be that that's an easier business to build than just building machines (not to building a computer service business is easy, just easier)

[beach_boy98]

Don't build pcs for people because then they think they are entitled to free unlimited tech support for life.

[GodSpoon]

Its hard, i've been doing it for a while, difficult when the market is so inflated (Dell All in ones, Competition, etc.)

[Speedbird]

Also once you start making a decent amount you need to be licensed

What do you mean licensed?

[d3sl91]

What do you mean licensed?

 

Once you make over a certain amount of money, you need to pay taxes and get a business licence. Now, this all depends on location etc. So, your best bet is to ask local small business owners for advice, and/or local tax offices. 

[d3sl91]

Can I just put ads on Craigslist offering to build custom PCs for people? Is that legal? Will people bite?

Read my post above, and also, just be sure you know what you're doing. Have them sign a waiver. If you loose someones documents.... they can sue you. 

[Kyuubixchidori]

people would rather go to a store then buy a pc from someone.

 

would you rather buy a car off a lot, or some custom built car built from scratch from some guy on craigslist?

[d3sl91]

people would rather go to a store then buy a pc from someone.

 

would you rather buy a car off a lot, or some custom built car built from scratch from some guy on craigslist?

 

Guy from craigslist. 

 

General public? yeah, they don't know any difference, and they think the local office supply store computer repair is perfect. Which sucks for the rest of us. 

[Yoinkerman]

I don't bother because people seem to think support/time is cheap. I tell them my time is worth money and they can go to future shop(rip) or somewhere else then. They usually do and get a pos.

[thekeemo]

What do you mean licensed?

become a real business