Is it worth a shot??

[alpha]

I know someone who's looking for a computer. He's interested in getting me to build one for him. I could make a few hundred quid from this, is it worth doing this, I mean something could go wrong, things not work, etc. Wisdom is needed http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif
Thanks in advance

[hd581]

With building computers you never know: it could go w/ out a single hitch; it could go horribly wrong. If you ask me, building a computer for someone else is more trouble than it's worth, unless you outline from the beginning: Up to 15 days after I build it, I will act as your tech support, or call for warranties/replacement parts on your behalf. After that, I may help you at my disgression.

[alpha]

It's not support that I'm worried about (your idea is a good one http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif) I just don't to stick the system together and find it doesn't work. Keep the suggestions coming http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif
Thanks.

[Spencer]

If something was to go wrong while you're putting it together and you're confident you did everything right, then you just figure out the culprit. In my experience, when you use quality hardware things rarely go wrong. If you decide to do this, do what hd581 said and write something up. I've build computers for a friend of mine and my aunt, and it was hell for the first few months until they got used to them. Granted niether were very computer literate. Good luck in whatever you decide. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Banti]

How much is a few hundred quid??

BTW set a price before hand that includes your profit. I made a comp for a family friend, and made the mistake of quoting cost, not price. This person was clueless. Later on the made an off-hand comment to my mom about the price. My mom informed them I did it for cost, and made no profit. The family friend just said 'oh', and never ponied up the money.

Banti

[alpha]

A few hundred quid is £300+. The system will include loads of stuff like DVD drive, scanner, printer, 26gb HDD, Voodoo2, pan alto case, 160mb ram. The profit is included in the price.

[Barney]

I think it is worth the shot.If you make the price first (just make a rough calculation,25 pounds above the costs)and charge 50 pounds for making and installing the computer.Ask the person if he/she pays for parts before deliveringIf you install it right you don't have to worry a lot about probs in future.

Ronald

[hd581]

Me? I'll take dollars. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/biggrin.gif

[alpha]

I think he'll give me money upfront, the price will include Scanner and printer, which have to be ordered online, as will the ram and harddrive (26gb! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/redface.gif)

See, I'm just worried that after I stick it together, if it doesn't work, I've spent his money on the components.
Thanks and keep the advice coming! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Sharpy]

If you're buying all the parts new then if there's a problem you could always have them replaced under warranty.

[alpha]

What happens if I accedently knacker something, though?

[Barney]

Just bring it back and say it doesn't work,you will get a new one!
I have just written about a mobo with shortcircuit I brought back for warranty (I didn't do that).I have quite some experience about bringing broken parts back for warranty while it was our own fault!(hd's with badsectors,CDrom's,etc.)

Ronald

[Biff]

Is a few hundred quid worth the possibility of opening up a can of worms? there again things could go perfect! your choice eh alpha

[alpha]

It's a tough call - I think I'll see what way further advice is pointing. Thanks! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[bkehoe]

Alpha, I build lots of computers for people - at least 4 per month, and I haven't had any component failures.

I don't however, take as much of their money for myself. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

I buy stuff from http://www.dabs.com and I find them very reliable with the latest stuff. Also, watch the sterling rate, as it has dropped more, as has the US$ rate.

Brendan

[Prospero]

One thing to think of, is the support angle. Make sure they understand that if they change something, I.E. bios settings or hardware, they void any warranty they have from you. I have gotten into some big headaches with people screwing with their machines and expecting me to bail them out forever. Good luck with whatever you do.

[tonym]

Alpha,

Go for it! Something could happen...but something might not as well! You -- your personal knowledge and experience and computer savvy are going to make the difference. If you think the glass is half empty (broken computer at start up), then it is!

However, thousands and thousands of computers are successfully build daily. If you have a PLAN -- in this case a process for the way you're going to do the task and method for insuring your success (use your pre-existing computer to check the new parts functionality, for example), then you'll be so much closer to eventual success.

Remember, your friend isn't paying you smoething for nothing. Sounds very Yoda-like, but he/she's paying to get a working, reliable computer at a reasonably cheap cost. If you accept the challenge (and the money), then you REALLY earn your keep in the PLANNING, not the execution (you could literall hire an even younger lad to do that if you have a clear procedure -- outsourcing!).

Anyway, this is my long-winded way of telling you that it's not your hands that will make the money putting the machine together, it's your brain that will if you practice the 6P's.

Proper Planning Prevents ****-Poor Performance!


Good luck and go get 'em...


Tony

[Dallasmcse]

I used to build 'em. I personally don't do it anymore. No time to support/train the buyers. Ask yourself " what would I charge to service pc's on the job" If client will pay this, great.
One option is to include a set # of support hours @ a set price!!
How much is a quid in US$??
As to yor concern whether you can or not, did you ever buld one before??
I say "go for this for experience"
We'll help you here if you muck it up.

[ytay]

why does everyone keep spelling squid wrong???????

[Sharpy]

1 Quid = £1
£1 = about $1.60

[hoods2]

Hi alpha : The biggest problem I've come across building computers for someone else is the system I build is always better then mine.

[emcron]

If you are worried about something goind wrong order the parts one at a time. For example, recently someone asked me to build a computer for them. The total price is going to come out to $1500. Now this is a lot of money, if I order all the part at once its going to be a pain in the *** to get the money back if the person changes his/her mind or the part(s) dont work. So what I do is order a few parts at a time and test them with my system. I ordered the motherboard and it works fine, so I know I dont have to worry about that for now. Also another thing that helps is if you are building a few computer for different people try to keep the components the same, that you will be troubleshooting 1 problem if any arise.

[This message has been edited by emcron (edited 04-21-2000).]

[alpha]

I'm still thinking - it sounds like it's worth it. He said "could I do a machine for £1500?" so I'm putting together a spec inc. profit for £1299. That's with about 192mb RAM, scanner, printer, good 17in monitor, DVD drive, graphics accelerator, etc. It's much cheaper than the systems in the local computer shop. I'm wavering towards the idea... http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Brydon]

Take my advice and go for it http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Barney]

If the money is't a trouble,it doesn't look like there is a prob and you know this person,you don't have to worry about being payed.He expects a price that is much higher than you charge him,so he will be enthousiastic.
I'd say:Go for it!

[alpha]

Me thinks that Ise gonna build a computer! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/biggrin.gif

[Missing the point]

I say go for it, it is worth it, for me anyway, you get to put it together (thats half the fun right there, isn't it?), and make about 500 bucks canadian, if it was me. I say yeah, because if something doesn't work, you could just take it back to whereever you got it from, and tell them just that, it doesn't work.

[Pepto]

Alpha, could you post the spec sheet here when your finished with it? (just curious http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif)

[Brydon]

Remember the best way to test it is to run RC-5 for a month under my email http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif. Never waste a cycle http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[alpha]

LOL Brydon!!! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/biggrin.gif http://www.sysopt.com/forum/biggrin.gif http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

This is what I'm thinking(havn't got a pricing yet):
Soyo VIA133 board
128-160mb ram
10-26gb HDD
Celeron 433
DVD (6x)
FDD
Pan alto case
Sound card of sorts
4mb RageIIC + 12mb Voodoo2.
56k modem
600dpi scanner
Colour inkjet printer (Olleveti)

I'll find out some prives and I'll see what I'll charge - I'll also remind him to come to me when he needs an upgrade. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

[Brydon]

Go for something like a tnt2 that takes advantage of agp or even better get a v3 2000.

[alpha]

Good idea - adds to the cost - mabey a Velocity 100 (V32k with 12mb ram) would do the trick.

Heh heh - I leave in four hours and I'm still online!!