System Builders' Ideas and Experiences

[GuybrushT2]

For a few years now, I've been building PCs and selling them locally on Craigslist. Most requests I get are for cheaper gaming PCs, but I've sold a few enthusiast-grade systems as well. I'm curious what everyone else is using as a forum for business. I've looked into ebay but it seems that after all the fees, it would be difficult to sell anything at a decent price and make a profit. Plus, shipping makes me nervous.

Who else is doing anything similar? Where do you advertise? I would like to expand my little hobby/business and would be interested to read about your experiences.

 

[chazzahancock]

Best thing to do is find people that actually know the worth of the PC.

Posting on ebay, you'll most likely get people that want to buy a cheap PC for their son's for minecraft or some silly reason. They will try haggle you down for a system that is more worth a lot more than what they are willing to pay.

Look on Facebook for PC enthusiast groups, maybe sign up for a few forums and share your ebay link.

It all depends on the audience you are approaching.

 

[GuybrushT2]

Sorry, I think I replied to you instead of posting... it's early. Anyway, I haven't done anything on ebay yet, just locally on Craigslist. It's the same problem, though, customers don't appreciate the value of systems I build. I build every system as I would want it for the particular application rather than going for the cheapest possible hardware. I figure if there was anyone who could appreciate the value of the PC they are getting, they would be able to build it themselves.

 

[Hyboria]

It's the same problem, though, customers don't appreciate the value of systems I build.

Yep, the PC market is ridiculously competitive. Sale here, sale there, get this free etc. People who don't understand what you're making them will just expect you to be as cheap as the next guy. How are you advertising your services - as in the tone, what you purport to sell/build? If you're trying to attract a particular type of customer maybe you need to change how you're marketing yourself.

I figure if there was anyone who could appreciate the value of the PC they are getting, they would be able to build it themselves.

Yep. Or if not, they'll at least have an idea of where they can get it built for peanuts. Bit of a catch-22 situation you're in!

 

[chazzahancock]

Assume everyone of your customers you get is an idiot and you will have an easier process.

If they try under value your machine just show them benchmarks compared to an off the shelf.

 

[Hyboria]

I had the (un)fortunate position of selling computers to the general public in a large computer retailer. While the idiots might be the ones who want to haggle you down on price, they are also the ones who are more likely to make you money. If they don't quite understand what it is you're building, but you can build some trust and explain what you're doing so they are comfortable, this is when you can stand to make some money.

It was a rare goddamn occasion where somebody who knew anything about computers would actually buy one from the shop (and when they did come in it was for things like 5 years interest free finance).