Custom build - retail

[Jimmyhocki]

Hi all,

 

Just wanted to put the idea out there and get some feedback from people who are most likely more in the know than i am!

 

I recently completed my first custom build and rather enjoyed it - my thoughts are to buy a few components, refine my skills and perhaps set up a simple ebay shop selling PC's to peoples requested spec.

 

Although I am not looking to make profit out of this really, I just see it as something I would enjoy - I am not sure what the general mark up is with custom builds sold online.

 

Although I intend to do this as a hobby if there is a chance to make some money, even £50 a pop as labor costs it would be stupid not to.

 

So I guess my question is really, what sort of mark up would be fair for me to include in a build, perhaps a percentage of however much..

 

Thank you in advance!

 

James.

[iRileyx]

Lots of places will sell a £250 pc for 25-50 more. so i guess a 10-20% profit wouldn't be too bad.

Just dont cheap out and buy unbranded stuff, to a normal person they won't care what ram or psu they have so companies take advantage of that and use the cheapest c**p they can. don't be that guy haha.

[Droidbot]

Just have some low-mid end specced machines on your eBay store and build-to-order. 

 

Here in AU it's like $100 for labor + stress testing, so that's around 50GBP? I'd say that's safe tbh 

[LogicalDrm]

Shipping will be your biggest issue. Full build rig is heavy and most shpping companies and postal services have rates for weight. Plus you might want to include insurance. You will be held liable for anything that happens for that machine otherwise, even if shipping service breaks it. Also idk how warranty system works in there. Can you transfer warranties so that buyer will have all warranties or will you be the one dealing with issues (if you can't transfer warranties). I don't think even basic buyers would be stupid enough to buy new hardware without having full warranty for it.

[Jimmyhocki]

Luckily I work in insurance so I can arrange a "mates rates" policy haha

 

true warranties didn't factor into my considerations,...I am sure any parts I purchase would be covered by warranty it would just be a matter of identifying the issue.

 

Postage is a good point also - I will look at existing companies of this nature and see how they arrange their deliveries.

 

I could start of with micro atx builds to alleviate weight issues and fit them into smaller cases but then I couldn't aim them towards the gamer market really,.. food for thought!

[SLAYR]

1 hour ago, Jimmyhocki said:

Luckily I work in insurance so I can arrange a "mates rates" policy haha

 

true warranties didn't factor into my considerations,...I am sure any parts I purchase would be covered by warranty it would just be a matter of identifying the issue.

 

Postage is a good point also - I will look at existing companies of this nature and see how they arrange their deliveries.

 

I could start of with micro atx builds to alleviate weight issues and fit them into smaller cases but then I couldn't aim them towards the gamer market really,.. food for thought!

One issue with shipping is that you will have to find a way to ship it completely built, no customer is going to want to assemble it when they receive it, and gpus, and cpu coolers that aren't properly secured more then just the screws can lead to a broken system. 

 

Especially on Ebay on such it is a better place to buy used computers, with your "new" computer you will have to lose money on builds to just sell them. If people want new computers they are much more likely to just go get an alienware or something.

 

You will also be 24/7 tech support for your customers, and they will expect it to be free, this is the biggest downside of being the oem of the machine. People will also expect replacements refunds if they don't get what they want.

 

The best way to do this would be to start locally so you don't have to worry about shipping, and tech support will be easier to handle, as well as you can build a reputation with actual people instead of online feedback, if the customer knows you they would be willing to pay more.

 

And set yourself apart from others, a good way to do this is modding the cases, paint, sidepanel windows, leds, and led fans, especially if you want the "gamer" look to sell it gamers. This might not sell to people wanting buisness computers though.

 

Edit: just saying this because there is a lot of minors on this forum, you have to be 18 to open both an ebay, and paypal account, and if you happen to go to court over a dispute such as for the warranty or such, minors in the US, and Canada (possibly Europe not sure though)cannot be sued, and you parents will be the ones being sued so make sure they have knowledge of what you are doing. 

[Jimmyhocki]

This is great guys thank you, lots of things to think about.

 

Only recently discovered this forum but it seems to have a great community.

 

Thanks again.

 

James.

[Jimmyhocki]

Which case do you think people would prefer? the thermal take allows for a front facing GPU if i use a riser. although the NZXT looks more premium but in truth they are both the same price...

[Jimmyhocki]

Note: thermaltake is the top one NZXT is the bottom

[Jimmyhocki]

Just an update for those that commented before - I have started selling these now with the case sent before -

 

project aside having used this case for the first time the NZXT 340 is a really good case and I would recommend for anyone.

 

The only downside I have found with it is the hard drive cage - somehow the way it is fitted it vibrates notably in the chassis so you'll have to have some rubber screw fittings handy to bring that down a bit! Or just go fully SSD. all in not a bad case for £60 odd 

[MEC-777]

S340 is a fantastic case. My only beef is the plastic side panel window. They have a glass side version out now which makes it a near perfect case, IMO. Great airflow, looks awesome/clean, plenty of room to work inside and not stupid expensive.