Start Up Computer company advice

**predatorpc** · 04-27-2010 01:22 AM

Hey, I started a computer company about 4 months ago called Predator PC. We build high end custom computers for video games or other high demanding programs such as graphics design, autocad, ect...
I recently just finished my first deal for 12 computers to a local Lan cafe, and now i am stuck.

I do not know where or how to move from here. I need to get more exposure and business (obviously), but i do not know how. my website is predator-pc.com. I would also love some critique on my site. It is not that good though. i wrote it myself, and its the first website i have ever created.

Any help or advice you can give me is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Patrick

**GraphicSwarm** · 04-30-2010 01:34 PM

Wow, your site really needs a lot of work. Looks like you need branding and marketing help. I'll send you a PM message soon, i think I can help you out.

**predatorpc** · 04-30-2010 02:24 PM

Thank you very much, i look forward to hearing from you.

**Southern_Lenders** · 04-30-2010 03:00 PM

How much exposure you want depends on how much your willing to spend. What I would do is print out some flyers, and stand outside bestbuy and hand them out to people, make a sign and stand on a busy street corner, make door tags and go door to door... all these things are pretty in-expensive, but rather more time consuming.

Did you write the site youself because your strapped for cash, or because you simply wanted too? Your site will need to be as professional as that of your competitors...because there are a lot of them out there.

You make the claim that "Our computers can outperform the competition, break benchmarks, and tear through any game all while delivering graphics performance that exceeds industry standards. "
* you say that you outperform the competition, but you site is in much need or work..your customers will be sceptical at best.

* you can break benchmarks and graphics that exceed industry standards? Can you back this up? Most if not all custom pc shops use the latest nvidea, and ATI cards in their machines..how are yours any different?

* You said nothing about a warranty. Who will buy a PC from you if you cant back up your "Customer Service Like No Other"...

another way to get people in the door is to have a writer from a major publication do a review on your business and pc's...I would think this is hard to do though.

**predatorpc** · 04-30-2010 03:46 PM

Those are all good ideas, the problem is that 99% of PC users do not need high end computers like mine, so i am looking for a way to reach the 1% that would be interested in computers like mine. I did write my own site due to a luck of funding. I know i do need to work on my site. ALOT. Right now, i cannot afford a web designer. The difference in my PC's and others is not the equipment put in it, but the way that they are put together, and I go in and completely change the settings of everything in the computer so that it runs faster. this is called Overclocking. i do have that in there. As far as warranty goes, i do have a full warranty statement in there under the support page.

Getting a major publication to review one of my PC's would be very hard to do. I need to look into it though.

**GraphicSwarm** · 04-30-2010 09:07 PM

I know what you mean, i used to run a cafe in the Caribbean. Most people ask for brand names like Dell and HP, maybe it's the sense of security that comes with these brands. Fewer people ask for Apple. These are people more into design. Then fewer people still will want High-end customs. These would be serious gamers. Probably because high-end customs fetch high-end prices. Then people also view it as risky. You would have to supplement your income by doing repairs and upgrades. What I used to do was have my uber-flashy workstation where everyone can see. They were impressed by all the gadgets i had and maybe made them feel left out. If you are still operating out of home this may be a little tough though.
The most important thing would be to Get your name out with professional looking fliers and business cards. What we used to do too was have stickers with our company logo and website, so all the computers we built and fixed were branded. After you make a name for yourself it will get easier.

**predatorpc** · 04-30-2010 11:48 PM

I already sold 12 computers to a lan cafe, so i have some stuff out there, and im starting to form a reputation. They have told me that they love the computers i delivered to them. I just am having trouble with expanding where and how i can sell more computers.

**GraphicSwarm** · 05-01-2010 12:02 AM

Try printing out some fliers, include the software and techniques you use to ensure your computers remain FAST. A lot of people already own computer but have no idea how to defrag, remove malware, optimize services, etc. So maybe offer optimization services. Let clients know your computers are even faster so maybe they'd like to switch/upgrade. And always ask for referrals.

**Windward** · 05-01-2010 04:30 PM

Ask the internet cafe if you could place a small company logo sticker on the monitor saying there computer is powered by a Predator PC. Also sponsor pro gamers and go to local gaming conventions and stores and talk to them about advertising or link trading with noncompetive local companies in your industry l once your site is up to par. You also need business cards. They will never go away. Try using joomla or wordpress to redo your site. Its super easy to make a nice webiste with content management systems and they are many free available.

**Alexishost** · 05-01-2010 10:14 PM

Just visit your site. People need support. when I click PPC Support, it appear error on it. that's not good.

**predatorpc** · 05-02-2010 10:53 PM

I know my website is horrible. Its my first attempt at ever creating my own site. I am trying to figure out the best option for re-doing my site and make it professional as possible.

**Encrypted** · 05-02-2010 10:56 PM

Originally Posted by predatorpc

I know my website is horrible. Its my first attempt at ever creating my own site. I am trying to figure out the best option for re-doing my site and make it professional as possible.

I feel like I'm advertising my business all over the place, but if you need something more professional email me and I can give you a quote (will probably be between $800-$2,000 depending on what you want). chris(at)santric(dot)com

**predatorpc** · 05-03-2010 12:11 AM

Thanks, I sent you a pm. I look forward to hearing back from you.

**avelina** · 05-03-2010 04:53 AM

If you cant market your product effectively , how can you attract the target customers. Always be determine and focused, you should not loose heart in the beginning.

**predatorpc** · 05-03-2010 10:32 PM

I am now considering opening up another section to offer home and office PCs. I will still specialize in gaming PC's but also offer high quality affordable PCs to attract more customers.