Building PCs

[camikazi2k]

I want to start building computers and make some extra money out of them.
do you guys have any advice.
thank you

[PartsMan]

for your self, family, friends ...... ?

[implexant]

i find that i make more reselling dells than i do making PCs and selling them.

Dell pays 1% for affiliates, and then I generally mark up the computer a tad. I usually make around $80 per computer.

-Chris

[camikazi2k]

isnt %1 nothing i mean %1 on dell pc is like $5 on each

[camikazi2k]

PartsMan its to sell to anybody

[camikazi2k]

btw where is dell affiliates program?
what is the link

[JohnRoboto]

I hate being a "computer-guy" because everyone expects me to support there machines. You may want to consider this before you start looking for customers. Remember that if you're selling them a PC, then they will most likely look to you for every level of support. Make sure you have enough free time and patience to deal with every little "my internet doesn't work" and "my Word just froze".

[Martoch]

Originally posted by JohnRoboto
I hate being a "computer-guy" because everyone expects me to support there machines. Make sure you have enough free time and patience to deal with every little "my internet doesn't work" and "my Word just froze".

DITTO!!! That's why I don't don't mention that I'm a "computer guy" too often...my phone already rings off the hook at home with every little question in the world.

yah, helping a neighbor out by building them a computer is great. but they will expect you to support them on every single little thing they cant get working

the down fall. and even if they do pay you for the computer the countless hours of fixing problems leaves a bad taste in your mouth

[agathodaimon]

yeah... I built my sister's computer for FREE, and it seems like I've spent 10x the amount of time that it took me to build it over at her house trying to trouble shoot the stupid thing.
And when I can't fix it.... That sucks.
Same thing with my Dad's computer.... The computers I build people are generally GOOD, and I test them for HOURS before I give them to them, but they always seem to screw something up.

But still... I'd like to really start making some money from building computers... Don't know how much I should charge for each of them though, or even how to advertise that I can build them.
Also, specifically say that you can't be the technician (unless you CAN fix them, and come up with a reasonable "fix it fee".)