Question for people who build, then sell computers.

[Korean_redneck]

Every since i made my own computer, 2 people have asked me to make a computer for them.. one said "budget, I"m a internet only person" then another said "budget gamer, no less than 900 dollars".

If i were to build these computers, howmuch is a reasonable charge for labor?

[ja83]

It all depends on the how much stuff they want, how long it will take and how much you like that person. Most people charge anywhere from $50-$200 for building a computer for someone, but the most money comes from repairs, upgrades and system maintenance.

[Yuanji]

it's all based on ur relationship with the client and how much time you put into building the computer and how much stuff you couldve done in the time that you spent.

[HAL9000]

I add $200 or 10%, whichever is greater.

[Miz]

Keep in mind that with some people, once you build them a computer, you'll own the tech support for it forever.

I have a friend who used to sell name-brand computers. He tacked on $250 per system to order and set it up and for a year's tech support (he'd probably charge more now, this was about 4 years ago). He asked me to take a call for him to troubleshoot a modem problem on a machine he sold 3 years prior.

The modem was fried by lightning, I told the owner, who made his living with his concrete plant, he'd need to buy a new one and he went NUTS. He refused to understand why the guy he bought the computer from wouldn't replace the modem...both buy the hardware and install it...for free. Naturally, when I asked him if he would replace concrete for free that cracked 3 years after he delivered it, he came back with "That's different." Uh huh.

Just be sure you're willing to deal with the occasional "difficult" customer before you jump in. Be aware that things can change drastically once money has exchanged hands. The former "nice guy" can turn into an unreasonable customer without warning.

[Tin]

Originally Posted by Miz Just be sure you're willing to deal with the occasional "difficult" customer before you jump in. Be aware that things can change drastically once money has exchanged hands. The former "nice guy" can turn into an unreasonable customer without warning.

i know somebody like that....i call him "dad"

[jimmyrules712]

i usually go inbetween what hal said, i general charge 15% the price of parts for my labor. so a $400 computer = $60 for labor, a $1,000 computer = $150, etc.

[Mac Medic]

Wow, you guys are reasonable. I charge $250 for assembly and OS install (service packs are extra) and $20 for each software package. I offer 90 days free support for the Windows OS only to comply with the OEM pre-installation requirements. After that it's $90 ph. I never make budget machines, I direct those people to dell who are much better prepared to deal with them.

[jimmyrules712]

i love making budget machines, because i make sure the 'budget' machines i give them are better performers then the budget options at dell and emachines. (yes its possible)

and i usually offer free unlimited tech support for about a year

i tell em 'you wont regret buying a pc from me', and then i make sure thats the case!