Computer building, with a personal touch.
 

I've been thinking, and I decided that it would be extremely fun to provide a "personal touch computer building service". It's really not much of a service, but it seems like a good idea. The idea here is to offer my computer knowledge to other people, in effect, ill build you a computer. This would mostly be aimed at two kinds of people, those who want to save money on and not have to pay for a "Dell", "Gateway" e.t.c tag on their computer; and those who want a personalized computer, but are incapable of building one themselves. This could really range from people who know nothing about computers and can only tell me what they'll use it for, to people who know exactly what they want, and will only need assembly. The goal is to make it as personal and involved as possible.

What I would do? Contact or be contacted with the customer, we would then over any medium contact each other and discuss what is to be in the computer. So my first job is to research and find the best deals on the most appropriate parts and software. The second step, I order the hardware and assemble the computer. Ill of course make it completely ready to use, that is install the OS, drivers e.t.c. Finally, I would either drive the computer to the client, or they could come pick it up.

I figured to begin with I can advertise on craigslist, and then get in touch with anybody interested. I did face two problems however, one is bailing. I nor my "customer" would have any real guarantee that the other doesn't bail on the deal, this could result in me running away and keeping the money for the hardware, or me ordering the parts, building the computer only to find that my customer is gone or not interested. The second thing is price, obviously I would do this to earn some cash, but I have absolutely no clue what such services are worth.

Give me some feedback, what you think of the idea, how likely is it to succeed and if you can, answer my questions, primarily about the fee, i'm really stuck there.

Re: Computer building, with a personal touch.
 

There are a few obstacles you may be overlooking. 1) Getting a business permit/license, 2) If you're looking to attract those whom are looking for a more affordable alternative to buying a name brand PC, most whom buy name brand don't have a clue about PCs and would likely constantly pester you for support after the purchase, 3) Craigslist is full of looters, beware.

Number 2 is perhaps your biggest concern once you get the legal stuff out of the way, unless of course you plan to try and do this under the table, which isn't a good idea. Running your own biz ins't as easy as you may think, esp the customer service part.

Re: Computer building, with a personal touch.
 

Well this sin't intended to be a buisness. Think of it as me saying "For x$, Ill make sure you get a working computer below general retail price, just tell me what you're looking for."

Keep in mind that I got this idea pretty much by brainstorming, I thought, how can I employ my skills to make some money, and enjoy it. I decided that I know enough about computers that this would be something I can manage. This is just a guy looking to get some extra spending cash for an iPhone or x-box 360, whatever. This is by no means anything serious.

Re: Computer building, with a personal touch.
 

That sounds rather illegal. You always have to register your business and pay taxes. It isn't necessarily very difficult (it depends on your location), but has to be done.
Besides you will have to be aware that there usually is a lot of competition in the field you plan on entering, you won't have an easy time getting customers if you intend to make some profit. It takes a lot of effort and time to build the good reputation needed for getting a sufficient amount of customers.

Re: Computer building, with a personal touch.
 

Yeah MP, no matter how you say it you're dancing on the legal fence there, and it could easily get to the point where disgruntled "customers" get you in trouble for it. By disgruntled I mean those whom need their hands held support wise or for some reason blame you for something stupid they unwittingly did themselves.

Aside from that, were you to get used to the idea of making money under the table in this way, you could wind up several years down the road getting busted for running an illegal business, tax evasion, etc.

I've met a few people in my life that seem almost like gurus, as if they have the answer to everything. Then I come to find they're the type that blame the government for every problem in their lives and have been evading the IRS for years. Those are people to stay away from, they're called anarchists.;)