Possibly New Business Idea Feedback

[jbswagger]

Hi,

Whilst doing some Googling and looking at Youtube on replacing/upgrading computer equipment

As I can do Shopify websites.

Having an option for Chrome/Windows OS.
Various options for ram and HD capacity
Offering touchscreen laptop upgrades

I will buy the parts from an OEM computer supplier,

As I will assemble computers to order and not selling stuff from stock the 14 day return for any reason does not apply to the online order

Any feed back greatly received

[andyb28]

I guess it depends on what you are trying to achieve.

You are competing online against players with big pockets for SEO / Adwords to bring in PC sales.
Very few people in my opinion want a custom computer anymore. They will choose a ready built one that has the spec they want.

[akirk]

What is your background in buying components / assembling computers / getting drivers to work together?

I might consider a bespoke built computer from someone local who can support me at a technical level - I would never buy one online.
There is also the fact that few people are looking for the latest cutting edge kit now - a standard machine from Dell or similar will be sufficiently good for 95%+ of the population, so why would they go for the hassle of an unknown potentially unreliable machine?

The one area where you might have a market is in the gaming world where people will still push tech. boundaries - the video world is now less likely as most there simply buy high end Mac kit or equivalent...

not a business I would be starting!

[LooneyTunes]

The majority are just going to buy on price (perhaps with some brand influence).

The market for people who know exactly what they want, aren’t buying a major brand, but can’t build it themselves must be tiny?

The other problem you face is that everyone has a child or friend who “knows about computers”. Even of they don’t turn to them if they need help with small upgrades, it reduces the perception of value when it comes to paying someone else to do it for them.

It’s an idea that might have had some mileage a decade or two ago, but tbh it’s not a market that really has legs unless you were somehow able to convince gamers with money to burn that you were the “go to” guy for insane machines (a bit like some of the car wrapping/electronics/tuning houses occasionally manage).

[dundarach]

I think the trouble you might have is either very well informed customers, who'll want everything cheaply, or idiots who'll be unhappy with what you're suggesting.

I think there's a market for parents buying children's first gaming PC's, I simply couldn't be arsed going through everything I was happy to when I was younger for my son, I just wanted an efficient gaming PC that would keep him happy.

I'd market the systems very clearly to do specific things:

First gaming PC - plays the latest games your kids play

Office PC

Upgrade your PS5\Xbox experience

Video editing

And be very clear on the expectations of the systems.

I think there's a market for people who want to use the power of computers for none computing tasks.

That said, I don't think I'd be going into system building as a business, it's just too full of know it alls and idoits with false expectations.

[jbswagger]

Thanks for all advice, will go through it.

For the brand bit I was going to be using a branded used laptop and add touchscreen and sell for more.

If successful then I will consider buying in bulk from overseas.

[48k]

OP did you set up your car key fob business that you were talking about back in May in your other "Possible New Business Idea" thread which morphed in to a repairing phones thread?

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=20...

I'm assuming not since you started this thread about a different idea, but was just wondering how that one panned out.

[jbswagger]

No it wasn't a goer as mentioned in that thread.Hence morphing into phone repair

[NaePasaran]

Just be cautious of the entitlement of clueless purchasers who will ask for a refund or repair for absolutely everything. They spill an oat milk latte over the keyboard, "it's not working can I get a refund", some dodgy Sky Sports streaming site has riddled the computer with malware "laptop is slow refund me please", dropped the laptop with the HDD spinning at 6000rpm "laptop doesn't work this should be fixed under warranty".

[jbswagger]

jbswagger said:

No it wasn't a goer as mentioned in that thread.Hence morphing into phone repair

Shall I ask admin to merge the threads?

[zedmtrappe]

LooneyTunes said:

It’s an idea that might have had some mileage a decade or two ago,

Bingo.

[jbswagger]

Due to a broken Toshiba Windows laptop screen I'll be undertaking my first laptop screen replacement using an online guide. After all the feedback about not posting out computer laptops I was thinking of advertising as a local at my home service..People would come round and I would order the screen and then make an appointment for when the screen came in. According to online guides a laptop screen replacement is very quick and I would get quicker the more I did. If the idea takes off then I will plan to open an account with computer trade supplier.

Im on minimum wage and part time hours so are looking for something to take of

[bitchstewie]

Have you thought of looking for a role in first line technical support somewhere?

Might help with experience and it's hopefully a bit more stability unless you're providing your service as a sideline to your primary job.

[jbswagger]

[quote=bhstewie]Have you thought of looking for a role in first line technical support somewhere?

Might help with experience and it's hopefully a bit more stability unless you're providing your service as a sideline to your primary job.[/quote

Thank for the suggestions. If I'm honest I don't actually like my job and only go in because I haven't got another job. Due to a medical condition I have it's difficult to find another job.

[bitchstewie]

jbswagger said:

Thank for the suggestions. If I'm honest I don't actually like my job and only go in because I haven't got another job. Due to a medical condition I have it's difficult to find another job.

If you find what I'd consider to be a sensible employer for something entry level (no offence intended) they'll focus more on attitude and the ability to learn.

You'll get some who'll expect you to have experience even for an entry level position but I tend to take the view you can teach technical skills reasonably easy if the appetite to learn them is there but you can't teach that appetite to learn and it's also difficult to teach people to be good with people which is essential if you're dealing with end users.

So if you like working with the public I'd say that counts in your favour a lot.

If you're the sort of person who loves the tech but wants to hide in a basement and never speak to anyone it might not be for you.

Keep in mind a hell of a lot of support can be done remotely these days which without wanting to pry may be a help with your health challenges.

[jbswagger]

bhstewie said:

Have you thought of looking for a role in first line technical support somewhere?

Might help with experience and it's hopefully a bit more stability unless you're providing your service as a sideline to your primary job.

Sorry looking back at your post with more time I'm actually for a sideline.