Hi From Purdue University

[EliteAudio]

Hello all, I am an ECE major at Purdue. I love computers and electronics. I want to eventually become a software designer and start my own company.

A few years ago I was drop shipping Digital photo frames from Guangzhou, China. I went through the "Apple" phase that every reseller goes through and I spend a lot of time and money trying to find Apple iPods and iPhones. Had some losses and started focusing on school. eBay and other retail websites became flooded with Digital Photo frames so I never got back into it.

Recently, I have looked into starting my own local computer build/repair business. After building a couple computers I realized that the chance for profits is just not very high. Especially with Geek Squad and Fire Dog in business.

Now, I am interested in getting into reselling of New/Used Refurb Desktops and Laptops. This is my area of expertise and I know the product and what its worth very well. I sent out an e-mail survey on campus and asked where most students by their laptops. I also asked the students how much less a refurbished laptop would have to cost compared to new in order for them to buy it.

The #1 place they got there laptops by far was best buy.
There were some random retailers like wal-mart or circuit city when it was open, but I bunched these in one group since they were all large retailers.

Most students said they were willing to buy refurbished with no blemishes or scratches if it is AT Least $50-100$ less than new.

I have a supplier for refurbished and an a very promising supplier for new laptops. I have not invested any money in selling new laptops yet, but I have sold about 10 refurb laptops by posting ads on campus.

If anyone else believes this is their area of expertise I think it would be beneficial for us to communicate and if interested we can take the business online. Facebook started on a college campus. I want to start a business on campus that makes the students believe that this is the go to place to get there desktops and laptops for school. Computers/Laptops are my passion, Marketing not so much. So if anyone has any ideas or comments feel free to reply.

[EnVogue]

Welcome to the community

[experimentjon]

It sounds like you have a nice small-scale business model going for you now. And impressive that you've kept margins that high on the refurbs. Buying refurbs from other outlets like Dell generally yields even bigger savings. But having a reputation in school for computer knowledge can definitely help for direct selling.

The problem is that students don't buy computers very often. If only there were some other niche that college students needed...perhaps on the software side, you could really start to grow your business with two lines.