Advertising Computer Building

[AC]

Hey all!

So recently, I've had about 4-5 people approach me about building them computers. I was wondering what the best way to advertise, at least to start out with, would be. I'd love to get a site up, but I'm not as experienced with site building as I'd have to be to get what I'd want accomplished. Would maybe a Word doc acting as a "flyer" be a good idea, or do you guys have any better ideas?

Also, I was wondering what would be a fair price to sell these parts to, while still making at least a slight profit.

Intel Core i5-4670K CPU
Gigabyte GA-Z87MX-D3H
G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB 2133 RAM
Segate Constellation ES 1TB HDD
Corsair 500R White ATX Case
Corsair CX 600W Semi-Modular PSU
Lite-On DVD Drive

These parts, before tax, are in the around 650 USD range to purchase. Would 700-750 be a fair price to ask for building?

Thanks guys!

 

[andrew129260]

If it is a gaming pc, I charge for the parts plus $100 labor. If it involves water cooling, its $150.

If its a simple computer, its $50

 

[A Guy]

I'd think it would also depend on what, if any, warranty you give on your build. A Guy

 

[AC]

I'd think it would also depend on what, if any, warranty you give on your build. A Guy

I was thinking around a 2-3 year warranty for maintenance and upkeep. If there is a part failure, I was thinking of charging 25-75 in labor, depending on the part.

 

[z3r010]

Unless you really need the money keep well clear, the second you touch a pc every problem from that point is caused by something you haved done, punters are a nightmare so if you can give the idea a miss.

 

[andrew129260]

Ya, I do not give warranties on my builds. That is for the manufacturer. I do stability tests before giving it to them, making sure all hardware is good. People will just complain about windows being slow etc. When its 99% of the time caused by them.

They will call me up and be like my pc is running slow.

Ill say, did it do that when I gave it to you?

Then they will say no.

Then I will say, well then it is something you did.

I'll then charge them to fix it. Almost always malware.

I have repeat business, so far no one is getting butt hurt about it, and I don't get screamed at. They know where to go if they have issues.

 

[A Guy]

Ya, I do not give warranties on my builds. That is for the manufacturer. I do stability tests before giving it to them, making sure all hardware is good. People will just complain about windows being slow etc. When its 99% of the time caused by them.

They will call me up and be like my pc is running slow.

Ill say, did it do that when I gave it to you?

Then they will say no.

Then I will say, well then it is something you did.

I'll then charge them to fix it. Almost always malware.

I have repeat business, so far no one is getting butt hurt about it, and I don't get screamed at. They know where to go if they have issues.

A Guy

 

[badger906]

I wouldn't even start! not only can companies get parts cheaper they also slap on less on labour.

im a system builder on a hobbiest level and build a fair few in a year for people.. and its a nightmare! any slight niggle and issue people are in contact.. "whys it doing this,what that, why is the sky blue"

admittedly I mainly charge for parts and then some beer, or a cheeky £20.. but its still a pain in the bum.

I mainly just build for mates or friends of friends now.. as it got so bad I had people bringing me computers ect while I was at work ( I manage a hardware shop) and thinking id fix it there and then during my normal job =/

 

[Layback Bear]

Unless you really need the money keep well clear, the second you touch a pc every problem from that point is caused by something you haved done, punters are a nightmare so if you can give the idea a miss.

 

[andrew129260]

I wouldn't even start! not only can companies get parts cheaper they also slap on less on labour.

im a system builder on a hobbiest level and build a fair few in a year for people.. and its a nightmare! any slight niggle and issue people are in contact.. "whys it doing this,what that, why is the sky blue"

admittedly I mainly charge for parts and then some beer, or a cheeky £20.. but its still a pain in the bum.

I mainly just build for mates or friends of friends now.. as it got so bad I had people bringing me computers ect while I was at work ( I manage a hardware shop) and thinking id fix it there and then during my normal job =/

Wow that is ridiculous.

 

[ThrashZone]

Good policy Andrew
Yep customers follow you where ever you go

 

[andrew129260]

Thanks. I can share more experiences and details if AC wants them.

 

[warlovk72]

If I was you Id start of with a handful of customers. Word word of mouth will do the rest. In very short time you will be flooded. I used to charge £30 an hour and the parts I let them have at cost. Unless I was just providing the parts then I would add a bit on. The customers can be a pain in the arse some times. You always get one that constantly on the phone, how do I do this how do I do that. They think your their personal 24hr technical support.

Theres got to be an easier way to earn money

 

[badger906]

prostitution is legal in some countries lol