If you are starting out building pcs for customers, there’s a lot to think about. You may be well practiced at building them for yourself, but it can feel quite different if you are doing this for others. The pressure of deadlines and finances can make you feel overburdened. However, once you have read this article, you will have the confidence to act.
- Invest in the right tools
To run your business as a commercial enterprise, you need to have the correct tools to help you. For example, a cheap PCB design software will give you the professionalism that you need to perform your job and reduce the time that you spend rectifying errors. Yes, it requires an initial outlay, but you save both time and money in the long run.
- Build relationships with suppliers
Who are you going to buy your components from? If you already have contacts who will supply your components for a good price, that is fantastic, but if you don’t? You need to network and build relationships with key suppliers so that you will be able to negotiate better deals.
It takes time to build trust, but the effort that you put in will benefit your bottom line and the quality of the products that you create. If you have a good relationship with suppliers, they will keep you updated with the latest innovations that they stock and industry news – it’s a win-win situation for both of you.
- What is the computer going to be used for?
Before you start purchasing components, you need to have clarity about the functions that your customer wants the pc to perform. Their requirements will dictate the components that are needed. For example, if the pc is going to be principally used for internet searches and use commonplace programs such as Word and Excel, the components that you need will be less demanding than a pc for gaming.
Spend time to understand exactly what the client wants. Create an order form that will help your client identify precisely what they want.
- Give a realistic quote
Remember, you are doing this for profit. You not only need to quote for components but for the time that you spend working on the project and some extra. The extra amount will go towards covering your initial outlay costs, insurance, delivery, and rent, etc. Pricing your services is complex and takes time to nail. There is little more frustrating than starting a project and running over the amount of money that you have quoted for, and when you are a startup, even a small overspend can greatly impact your business.
You must also be realistic about when you can deliver the pc. It is far better to under promise and over deliver than not to be able to provide the product within the timescale that you stated.
Creating bespoke pcs for clients is a fantastic way to use your skills and provide customers with products that are tailored to meet their needs, but your needs must be met too. Investing in quality tools to help you provide a professional service and accurately pricing your products are essential to creating a viable and sustainable business.
