Computer Store

[kilo_17]

Hm, you could go to the local computer stores and ask what that majority of their business is, maybe you could even find out their rates for certain services, and base your rates around that, being slightly cheaper so you can be competitive.

 

[dogman_1234]

Hm, you could go to the local computer stores and ask what that majority of their business is, maybe you could even find out their rates for certain services, and base your rates around that, being slightly cheaper so you can be competitive.

How do I do that? While being sneaky?

 

[kilo_17]

Well you would probably want to go in and inquire about the rates for various services first, and then go in at a later date and ask them what the majority of their business is so you know what stuff is worth getting into and what is not.

 

[dogman_1234]

Or, I could go there look around like I want to buy something and get friendly with the guys. They are a good bunch, always friendly...

 

[kilo_17]

Ah yes, I didn't think about that, good idea.

 

[dogman_1234]

Will try that tomorrow.

 

[dogman_1234]

Anyone recommend a good vendor/distributor?

 

[x Heavy]

Anyone who will take your money, I think you would need a Wholesaler's license to buy less than retail and a license to do business in your State, County or even City.

Beware, if you do get a license for something at the Courthouse you are going to be buried in Spam from all over your chosen industry in the mail box.

Seperating your business from your personal life is important too. You will need a CPA or equivalent to manage your cash flow and keep records to the taxman which will include numerous Obama added details designed to make you quit trying to make it on your own as a honest American Citizen.

I just as soon build a rig for X number of dollars, add a mark up with shipping and slap the thing onto Ebay or what not. Make a few dollars that way, but not too much.

 

[dogman_1234]

Went to the local 'competition'. 600 dollars for HDD file recovery. the cheapest system which involves an Intel i3 2100 is 800 USD.

 

[kilo_17]

Six HUNDRED? As in six zero zero? Just for data recovery? That's ridiculous! And I know I could build an i3 machine for way less than 800 easily. It's amazing they stay in business with prices like that!

 

[dogman_1234]

Well, they are the only ones.

Also, malware removal is 250.00 USD.

 

[mavroxur]

Don't even bother getting into the retail parts sales business. With low prices everywhere and the hassle of customer returns, it's not worth it at all. I've run my own shop since 2004, and 90% of my revenue comes from labor. We sell parts with repairs and special order parts for custom builds, and that's about it. Malware cleanups are my bread and butter these days, and make up probably 60% of all of my labor income.

 

[dogman_1234]

How does one perform malware removal. I know, A+ material here right?

 

[kilo_17]

Yeah I'd like to learn how to do malware removal too, that's a pretty good skill to know these days.

 

[dogman_1234]

Sure...and give them an Intel 990x CPU as well for free!

 

[dogman_1234]

So far the only issue i have is getting a license.

 

[x Heavy]

Six HUNDRED? As in six zero zero? Just for data recovery? That's ridiculous! And I know I could build an i3 machine for way less than 800 easily. It's amazing they stay in business with prices like that!

If memory serves Knoppix or Coffee made for good Forensic software. I am probably showing my age, but when you really get into recovery they charge a bunch of money.

It's faster to simply reformat and then rebuild a system. After all everything worth saving is on 3 computers and a bunch of disks.

 

[rozz]

OMFG $600!!!

HAHA!!! Geek Squad can break your computer for less!

Dude.. you gotta get you hands on some of that cash bro. you can totally do better than that. look to see how well there business is..

 

[dogman_1234]

not good. They are overstaffed as of now. If I see what is going on, components seem to be helping them.

 

[mavroxur]

Those who can tech, work in corporate IT departments or have successful IT businesses of their own. Those who can't tech, work for Geek Squad.

 

[christop]

Why not, then, after a PC is outdated, go out and buy a new one?

People will go out and buy a new pc but it will be from bestbuy or some other big box store. It is hard to compete with big box store prices cause they order huge amounts of products. I am not trying to kill your dream but you have to have a good bit of money if you want to get hardware cheaper. I have noticed from the few computer repair shops around is they also have contracts for maintenance for business's to off set income to stay in business. With the economy in the toilet now is not a good time to open a new business. Hope this helps in some way..

 

[DelroyMonjo]

$600 for data recovery isn't all that much if it's the ONLY data you have and can't be replaced. Not so prevalent anymore in data critical applications due to off site data storage and redundant backups in house. But back in 'the day' if the only source of your critical data was accidently erased, burned in a fire or otherwise corrupted, you would pay a giant sum of money to get it back.
As for malware removal, there are many free programs out there to do it. Google it.

 

[Device Unknown]

Here is something to consider. Speciality shops. Something i do not see any of is high performance parts, water cooling etc. Modding shops, gaming centers. Venture capitol would be a beast. Not to mention you would have to have extreme expertise in those fields. A+ does not cut it.
I personally love local store to buy my stuff if possible. No shipping and fast and easy to return for replacement if there is a defect. Plus I am a impulse shopper. I buy more crap when I am walking the isles of Micro center than I would have thought about shopping on newegg.

 

[13thmonkey]

Okay, I know I have asked this a baggilion times already...

Here is the deal. i want to start a small computer business.

-I am getting my A+ soon, put that on the list of crossed off
-I understand there needs to be capital, that is what all business needs
-I understand if you have a better idea, please do tell
-I am mental capable of operating a system of commerce.

Here is the thing; I know some of you have small businesses in computers, form repair to retail. My idea is this:

Sell computer components to the consumer via retail store.

There are many places where I am at that have vacant lots for a store, prefect traffic, perfect room, and perfect condition.

What I would like to know is any advice on start up.

What would be your unique sellingpoint, the thing that will make people come to you, what makes you different, perhaps having no pre-builts, everything is custom/boutique, but that takes time, and people want instant? or do they? you gotta figure out what people want and will pay extra for and provide that. Just doing what someone else has done is pointless, you'll be dividing the market between you and them, and you're the newcomer, you'll lose.

Go for extreme power, extreme slience, extremely cheap, but not all three, you don't have the buying power to compete with dell, or newegg, and every single bit of stock you buy will be depreciating as the next thing comes in, look at newegg/scan/ebuyer etc. they haven't reduced their prices on the sandforce SSD's yet, but they are selling SF2 SSD's for nearly the same price but they can't sell it for less than they brought it (perhaps they should they'd get something back at least) component shops are very capital intensive and can easily get caught out unless you want to de-stock on the rumour of next gen kit coming out.

 

[13thmonkey]

Here is something to consider. Speciality shops. Something i do not see any of is high performance parts, water cooling etc. Modding shops, gaming centers. Venture capitol would be a beast. Not to mention you would have to have extreme expertise in those fields. A+ does not cut it.
I personally love local store to buy my stuff if possible. No shipping and fast and easy to return for replacement if there is a defect. Plus I am a impulse shopper. I buy more crap when I am walking the isles of Micro center than I would have thought about shopping on newegg.

Good point, water cooling stuff does not depreciate much, ditto with fans, but are there enough customers to support a business?