I'm going to be opening shop for a home-based computer building business around Q2 2011 and I want to know how I can maximize revenue by selling computers. My plan right now is to buy all the parts and licenses (if applicable) off of NewEgg, CompUSA, or TigerDirect; but I will only be making about $20 per every medium-low end desktop I sell... I have thought about and will have the option for the customer to choose the OS: No OS, Ubuntu Linux, or Windows. I will also create a simplistic homepage with google custom search on it. I was wondering if there was anyplace cheaper that I could buy licenses for Windows, Office, and such. Also, how do major mfrs make money off of preloading Microsoft Office Starter packs? I would have this as a free alternative option to Microsoft Office, OpenOffice.org, or no office software at all. I know it sounds pretty confusing, but any advice?
Yes, I would buy the parts, mobo, cpu, gpu, HDD, opticals, psus, cases and everything. I have experience doing this, I was just wondering if there was any software I could put on and earn commissions on converting sales etc. like Dell does with Microsoft Office and Norton/McAfee
Hi Take a look on ebay at Computer companies , Look what parts they use and what software they come preloaded with. 90% of custom computers on there come with AVG Free antivirus , Defraggler , Openoffice. All that software is free. As with components you would need to buy in bulk to get more profit or go direct to a wholesaler. In the UK we have alot of places which sell wholesale computer parts. Good luck with your venture !! Daniel
i don't think its a good idea as prices for parts are raising and soon buying pre-built desktops will be cheaper. diy is dying out.
if part prices rise, then the mainstream companies' prices will rise too... It's not like they make their own chipsets, the only thing companies like Dell and HP make are their cases and optical drives.
For programs like Microsoft Windows you need to contact the parent company to find out their requirements for authorize resell of their software. Otherwise you can charge additional revenue to have these programs installed on the customer's system which they choose to have built.