Becoming a PC Maker/OEM, Finding the Perfect Contract Manufacturer

**Mr. Nice Guy** · 07-10-2006 11:42 AM

Okay, so let's suppose I'm already in business as a reseller of computer components on the Internet, but I want to expand my business into new territory. I don't want to just sell individual computer parts anymore; I want to sell full-fledged build-to-order computers, but I don't have the time or the resources to build and ship the computers myself, although I can design and configure them myself, so what I must do is outsource this part of my business to another company. What contract manufacturer should I turn to for help and are there any legal hurdles I must get through first? Keep in mind that the kind of computers I want to sell is very specific: I WANT TO SELL COMPUTERS WITH AMD PROCESSORS ONLY THAT ARE RUNNING WINDOWS AND/OR LINUX.

**F360** · 07-10-2006 04:04 PM

So you want another company to make and ship your AMD WINDOWS/Linux computers? My initial thoughts were to order the parts in bulk - possibly custom cases with your logo printed on them during manufacture - and hire a computer savy 14-18 year old student to assemble, for $5 per computer. He coulld do 3-7 or so per hour and make good money assembling them. Also get him to spend a few hours each week preparing shipping.

Thats how I would go about this.....

**Mr. Nice Guy** · 07-10-2006 04:15 PM

Ordering parts in bulk could get expensive and I am not looking into hiring anyone for a long long time; for the time being this will be a go-it-alone gig. It would be better if I could have another company build and ship the computers for me and pay them a small fee for every computer that comes off the manufacturing line. And besides, by doing it this way I should be able to produce and sell more computers. There are companies that do this, btw, but finding the right one for my company will be difficult unless I seek advice elsewhere such as on YE (so in a way, I'm not really alone

).

**kaybee** · 07-11-2006 01:31 AM

As a guy who's has an online computer store already, I can assure you that you won't get decent pricing for pre-assembled systems from suppliers.

There's just too much competition in that field, pre-made systems exist (usually the same suppliers you get your parts from) but are more costly.

If you sell them online (many problems associated with selling OEM computers online... oh man.. shipping, RMA, tech support) then you most likely won't make enough profit to cover all the expenses. And there are a lot :|

Competing with the big boys is *extremely* difficult and you need to have a special edge that will differentiate you from them in order to succeed.

**chopper** · 07-11-2006 12:21 PM

I thought about doing this not that long ago, but bigger companies like Dell just make it impossible for you to compete price wise. For the cost of making one PC, you could buy a better one, with LCD monitor from Dell.
Like kaybee said, unless you differentiate yourself from competitors you dont have a chance. Why not make custom wooden cases then charge premium prices, becuase of the unique service you are providing.