Job building computers

[eggyuk]

So I've spent the last 5-6 years and several thousand pounds studying for a career I dont want to do anyone. Aside from being broke, unemployed and bored I'm angry with myself for my wasting time getingt degrees I'm not gonna use anymore. However I need to be positive and find a job doing something that I enjoy. Which leads me on to my question... since I enjoy building computers is there a way I can get paid to do it? I've tried the big places in the UK like Scan, PCSpecialist, Morecomputers, etc and Mesh was the only site with a careers section on it but they had no vacancies. Is there are way to get a job doing this? Btw the only IT qualifications I have are a GCSE and A-level :huh:

 

[Thorsen]

I would start in local computer repair shops. Fixing comps is the best way to have lots of systems to mess with/up. Also It will add to your resume once you find that dream job.

 

[madtownidiot]

I dropped out of high school more than 20 years ago and have no qualifications that can be proven with a fancy piece of paper that says I know how to do what I've been doing since the 80s, but I make an average of $2500 a week building and fixing computers. It's not the level of education that's important.. it's finding something you are good at that happens to be worth money to someone. I've never had an employer. The way I got started was by word of mouth, and that's how I stay in business. So figure out what else you are good at, and find a way to make money doing it. Only by lucky coincidence do people find they enjoy doing something they get paid to do.

 

[Thorsen]

I agree with madtown. I have fixed comps in my past as self-employement/hobby, but never built computers myself. I am looking into this for personal experience, but you can make money without a business that pays you.

 

[mitchell65]

Hi Eggyuk
Not wishing to be the pessimist here but to get into the business that you are looking for is extremely difficult, mainly due to the lack of demand. Of course there is a demand for quality built computers but excellent quality is available now with the big companies at very low cost! A small organisation or "one man band" hasn't the component buying power of the big companies. Yes you can give a personal service but PC users who are very demanding in there required specification will probably do a self build anyway. Those who may come to you to build a PC need to be within a reasonable catchment area to your domicile so first look at your potential customer base. I think you will be surprised how few people will fit
your bill!
To make a reasonable living I would think you would need to build at least 5 new computers every week. That means if you should ever want to take a weeks holiday you need to increase that weekly.
The last consideration is how much you will have to pay for the OS for each PC. This will reduce your profit margin considerably.
If you consider going "Self Employed" first write up a business plan showing where your potential customers might be and how many of them you could reasonably attract. Then do some component costings and work out you potential profit margins. Then take the lot to your local Bank and ask to see a new business consultant. Pick the right bank and you can get some very useful free advice. It's also worth talking to a local chartered accountant if you know one. Finally try talking to your local "Business Enterprise" people. Approach the Yorkshire County Council for a contact. They should be able to signpost you.
Be prepared for a very hard slog. If it's worth doing it ain't easy. I'm retired now but I have been a small business mentor for some years so have a small amount of experience.
GOOD LUCK anyway!

 

[madtownidiot]

Some good points there. I make most of my money from laptop repairs and removing malware and other infections. The computers I do build are mainly for gaming or are custom built for a specific purpose. It is pretty easy to build a computer with the same specs as but better quality components than something you would see at Best Buy for less than it would cost to buy it off the shelf, but most of the clueless masses out there would just as soon buy a Dell, and wouldn't know the difference unless they had a custom built system with no factory bloatware to compare it to. None of the computers I've built have ever come back because of a premature hardware failure. That's what keeps me in business.

 

[pparks1]

but I make an average of $2500 a week building and fixing computers.

Holy cow....if that figure is accurate you are pulling down more loot than most of the IT professionals that I know. Congrats man, that is awesome. And is this all "under the table" so to speak...so you aren't paying signficant amounts of taxes on these earnings as well?

 

[mitchell65]

Eggyut
Just don't reckon on making 86,000 pounds a year. It just ain't gonna happen in Yorkshire, if it is I'll get my rusty bike out and get on the road to Leeds

 

[madtownidiot]

but I make an average of $2500 a week building and fixing computers.

Holy cow....if that figure is accurate you are pulling down more loot than most of the IT professionals that I know. Congrats man, that is awesome. And is this all "under the table" so to speak...so you aren't paying signficant amounts of taxes on these earnings as well?

I keep records of everything I earn and spend. That's the only way to keep a business afloat.. and I even report (most) of my cash deals.. the last thing I would want is the IRS taking it all back. It's actually down a bit from previous years.

 

[pparks1]

Gotcha...so you are running this as an actual business then and filing a schedule C then? While this does mean a fair amount of tax...you seem to be making enough to cover it. Good deal man.

 

[FZ21Z]

I've nearly started a similar thread myself a few times, but more to do with the issues side of things rather than full building, as I'm the guy family and friends come to with their computers when they have an issue, and have been told for years I should be making a living doing it, but don't have anything on paper to show my skills.

For example, I can read an issue on here, and not have the foggiest what the issue could be, but sit me in front of the computer and the chances are I'm going to be able to resolve it.

Is it as easy as just sticking an ad in the paper, do you need a license, insurance etc?

 

[madtownidiot]

I started out as the guy all my friends and family came to for computer problems. They brought their friends and family, and so on, until I had so many projects going simultaneously that I had no more room in my apartment. Then I bought a house and set up shop in the basement. Eventually that expanded into two empty bedrooms and the garage. My troubles began when I tried to rent a building to work out of. There are some things you should know before going into business for yourself.. some locales require a business license ..even if all you're doing is making a few thousand on the side. Some states require certification for any business that involves contracts over a certain amount.. check the statutes first. Taxes are different.. so much so that I had to hire someone to take care of it for me. 10 years ago I was nearly put out of business for underpaying social security tax by almost $15,000.. Keep track of everything.. the more records you have the better. It pays to know exactly where all the money is, where it has to go, and how much you can afford to spend at any given time.

 

[Roysie2009]

I am also the guy who family & friends come to with PC problems, mainly clearing junk/upgrades etc. However, I have found that after asking what computer they would be thinking of next as the current one is old hat, the main reply would be, I will get a laptop!! Most people do not want a PC at a desk anymore, they are happy to sit on the sofa, have a cuppa and watch telly whilst surfing the net.

I have mentioned many times that it would be better to build a PC as it's easier to fix (Less expensive) than having a real problem with a laptop, but I always get the same response. The few that like the idea would rather buy one from Tesco's (Quad core with screen & OS) all for £299. Not sure we can really beat that by very much.

 

[mitchell65]

In the UK I would urge anyone to take professional advice. To answer a previous poster, you certainly need insurance even if it only covers someone entering your premises. If you are working from home and have a mortgage check with th mortgage company that they agree to the arrangement. Technically they own you property so have an interest. It can be a real minefield, not to be entered into lightly. Always keep on the right side of the VAT man and the Tax man.

 

[eggyuk]

Thanks for the replies guys. Sorry its taken me so long to post back, just got a whole load of new deadlines approaching.

I'd never given any thought to properly setting up my own business, the closest I got was to build and sell the odd system when at uni but I don't think running my own business is for me.

I think when I started the thread I was just feeling a bit sorry for myself with not knowing what I wanted to do and was after some inspiration. As it happens some job opportunities have come up in a completely new direction but I'm quite excited about them so feeling much better now.

 

[mitchell65]

I wish you well in any new venture you take on.