How can I make my own brand of computers

[pcparamdics]

I really need some help on this. I want to offer my customers a affordable pc that works perfect and has outstanding customer support. I know the parts I am going to use but what I would also like to know is know do I go about putting windows on these systems what do I have to get and enterprise licenses or is there some special license in this case.

 

[Kitten Kong]

I'm sorry, but your asking how do you go about putting windows on your own brand of computers??

You do it the exact same way, as if a client asked you to put together a custom machine. Purchase all the parts, build the machine, and as long as you purchase some hardware together with the os, you can use a system builders version.

But what you have to do, is create a OPK (Original Pre-installation Kit), you are not allowed to install windows, activate the EULA yourself. Only your client is. (According to MS that is).

Else, if a client has say xp on their machine, and wants 7 installing, then it would be a upgrade licence you require.

If a client has linux on and wants 7 installing, then its a retail licence (as long as hardware is not supplied at the same time).

 

[gikstar]

If you have to be asking these questions you shouldn't be trying to build the systems for your clients.
In most cases, you can't put together an inexpensive computer system cheaper than the ones Dell or HP puts together. They have the buying power that neither you nor I have. These companies also get a better price on the Operating System. You will have to purchase the OEM license O/S's from places like Newegg.

I don't think you can use an enterprise edition of Windows. To make a better, cheaper system you would be better off offering a system with a Linux version installed and Libraoffice.

And, who is going to warranty your systems?

You would be better off building custom systems for your small business clients and setting them up with Raid1. You have the manufacturer warranty on your items and you can charge for the service call.

Hope this is of some help.

 

[pcparamdics]

Thank you very much for the replies I posted this question because I saw an article with a very good business strategy which would do me just fine. "Do You Want Fries With That? The Power of the System" I have been wanting to do this for some time now and these replies has given me the a good start...

 

[Appleby]

Here is a link to a thread here where I explained what I do when it comes to selling computers. Basically Gikstar is right, you can't beat Dell or HP's pricing, plus they come with a 1 year warranty. They both make nice computers that are very reliable and the pricing can't be beat and you hold NO risk of worrying about warranty work.

http://www.technibble.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12942&

The only thing that has changed from when I posted that is, I rarely buy directly from Dell now. I can find the same (or better) Dell or HP buying online from Walmart or Staples. There is alot of money to be made using this method. I've ordered over $7,000 worth of computers this year for customers and my busiest time hasn't even come yet. As it gets closer to Thanksgiving and Christmas I'll order more than normal.

I've even been getting them so cheap that I've gotten a tax exempt status with Walmart and Staples and I'll often mark the machines up $50ish and resell them to the customer and make a profit there too. I know that might sound crazy to some people but even if I mark the machine up, my customers are shocked at how great the overall price is and we all know if they walk into the store to buy one themselves they will be harassed by a salesman who will talk them into a more expensive machine with bells and whistles they don't need and $200 worth of add-ons and software they don't want.

 

[pcparamdics]

Well what I did not add is that I am from Trinidad and Tobago and Dell and Hp computers are very highly priced and the tech support isn't that good. Our computer market is flooded but many companies are going down because they have alot of over heads cause they are big. I know when I build a computer for a customer they are pleased not only with the build but the after sale service, we have a 3 month warranty on parts over here so that is what I would offer.

 

[xxsilk109xx]

I dont agree %100 with the above statements. I build many systems for clients, reason being is the customer service that I can provide that Dell and HP only wish they could.

I explain to my customers that yes, they may pay a little more, but is dell or HP giving them a lifetime warranty on the RAM or the Power Supply? What about a 3 year warranty on the HD and Mobo? NOPE.

I explain to my customers that they are not buying a Dell or an HP. When they have customer service problems or warranty work, they bring the computer to me and they get to deal with me. They dont have to mail it off to Dell and wait weeks for a response. Besides that fact, I get to buy the parts individually and get to work the warranty out of each company.

This builds a great relationship with your customer and also they bring it to you for virus work, tune-ups, upgrades, etc.

I have found that these customers are lifetime customers because they had a personal experience when buying the computer and got something recommended to them for their personal situation, not what dell or hp thinks is hot.

You will not make a ton of money on each one, but I have found that my customers dont mind paying a little more money for a lot more service and a personal experience.

I can usually figure out a way to make about 150-250 per system depending on specs and total system cost obviously.

Hope that helps you!