Hesche on 17/10/2008 at 08:01
Okay, I don´t know if this is the right forum section to ask these questions.
So I have this hobby: I really enjoy putting together PC systems from scratch, meaning I buy single components (mostly online) and put them together. I assembled 4 systems for myself over the past years, the last one with focus on silent performance (passive cooling, an extra fan here and there).
Now, my idea is to put together a decent and silent gaming system and sell it on Ebay. This would not be so much about profit but more about "refunding" my hobby.
The "target group" would be people tech savvy enough to recognize the standard and quality of the system components (or buy into the hype around certain components, if you want to call it that way) but not confident enough to put one together for themselves, especially when it comes to passive cooling....and people that like a unique appearance of their system.
My question is:
Would you guys buy a system put together by some random dude off Ebay?
I thought of providing following informations:
* information on system components
* test of system stability
* temperature readings of CPU, motherboard, VGA
* warranty that new unused components were used (well except for singular system testing)
Would you want some benchmark results provided for information on system capability?
Would I be "off the hook" warranty-wise if I would provide invoices of the single components if something went six feet under? For example replacement of standard layout VGA fans with passive cooling solutions would void manufacturer warranty, right?
TBE on 17/10/2008 at 08:32
No, I would not buy something like that from eBay. Your target audience who would know about passive cooling and the modding you're talking about wouldn't want to pay a lot for something like that. You'd be loosing money, I'd venture. I don't think you would even break even. The target audience are people who already build their own systems for the most part. I'm on the 2nd rebuild of my computer, and just waiting for a little extra money to make the 3rd rendition.
Now, if you had a computer shop, where people come in and buy computers, that might be something good. There used to be a shop here in Salt Lake City called Totally Awesome Computers. The guy who ran it was a complete weirdo, and really odd, but the computers he put together were top of the line, and at a competitive price with all the big box stores and sellers like Dell. His warranty was the best in the country, and the components he used were top of the line too. A shop like this would be your ideal place to show your talents, but then, you'd probably have to open up a business as your own.
Your system sounds like it would be cool, don't give up your skills as a builder. You just need to find a better market than eBay, as people there are looking for bargains, usually.
Hesche on 17/10/2008 at 10:52
Thanks for your reply. You might be right with that Ebay-thing. I wouldn´t buy something like this neither. But that´s because I like building systems by myself. That´s why I came here to ask if maybe somebody might consider buying custom made PCs from some random private person. See, maybe asking those questions in this part of the forum may not be the best idea, because people here tend to know their way around this stuff.
As I said, it would be more of a hobby, not another job or business. I already have a job, which payed the systems I built so far, and which can be quite time consuming too. Who knows, if I would have to build system on a regular basis as a full-time job, then it wouldn´t be fun anymore.
Ebay just came to my mind because it´s the easiest way to sell something online without starting your own business with workshop, tax number, website and all that jazz.
Huckeye on 17/10/2008 at 12:33
Yeah I agree with almost everything TBE said. Ebay, for the most part, has 2 kinds of buyers. People wanting to find a deal and people not wanting to leave their home to shop. I think you cater to neither since Dell often offers complete systems including peripherals for 299.00-399.00. You also can't offer a 'Deal' since you have to recoup your costs.
I would recommend getting on Ebay and look at what home-made systems are selling for. Don't consider anything from any manufacture and only count actual 'BIDS' (ignore starting price or buy it now). I tried to post a system online once that was a full gaming rig with monitor, mouse, keyboard, printer, and about 50 full retail games and apps (popular stuff too). All retailed for about $3000.00. Luckily I put a reserve because it never got over $1000.00 in bids. Unfortunately, since you are building the system, and they don't know you, they read 'used' when they read your post because they are buying a compilation of open box items.
While I doubt its much better for your intent, you might consider Craig's List over Ebay.
You might also check on the warranty. Now a days, lots of warranty's are not transferable.
Aja on 18/10/2008 at 08:13
I'd consider buying from a store, but probably not online, and especially not Ebay.
Hesche on 20/10/2008 at 07:08
Thanks for your replies guys. There are two PC-hardware shops in my neighborhood. I´ll approach them and ask if they would like to sell a system for me...
