A Quick Question...

[Evaluate]

Right now I'm looking at a career in computers, particularly the hardware aspect of them. My question is how possible is it to profit by building computers? I'm not looking to get rich quick by any means, all I'm looking for is getting the experience of handling the hardware and such, while maybe making a little bit of money on the side. I'm taking an A+ maintainance class in school, as I've always been more of a visual learner, but that will only go so far in helping me. Like I said, I'm not looking to get rich, I just don't have a large amount of money to throw into getting this knowledge.

 

So, essential question is, is it possible to build computers without breaking my bank?

[OldJoe]

Easy to profit on building. My local place charges i don't remember exactly... But about 40€. I can do it myself in maybe 20min or so. So the hour pay is good.

But just to start up a company that only puts together computer hardware is a no-go. You gotta have a store (and online if possible), good on customer service (really important; I stopped going to one of the local shops in my town since the personal didn't know anything), keeping up to date with hardware (and some software) releases/news, being able to also work on software issues etc etc.

 

But if you know a thing or two about computers, ask your local shops if they got any spare work hours... Holidays, weekends and so on.

[Nadril]

The real money is just doing tech stuff for people, possibly including putting together machines for them. I remember I saw the prices once for this tech shop, it cost like $60 for an install of windows and such. People will pay you good money for this stuff because they find it a lot more difficult than it really is, plus when they have already spent $1500 a bit more isn't an issue.

 

 

I don't know if you'd make much money at all doing custom builds, but who knows.

[Evaluate]

Alright, thanks for the replies.

 

I guess my question now then would be is there any way I can get the experience working with hardware and not lose money? I already have a job that takes up most of my time out of school. (family business, so I can't really quit) There are a couple of computer businesses in my town, which I suppose I could check out (as I'm not sure if they're hiring), but again, like I said, I have another job. Any more options?

[JoeDaStudd]

Get yourself a few lego kits.

Putting a PC together is pretty much like making a something out of lego.

Everything has its place and 9/10 times won't fit in the wrong place.

 

It takes a few hours to read up on the subject and maybe 30 to 60 minutes to build a PC from scratch (once you've got the parts).

Like Nadril said the software support and general support is the easiest money. You can literally charge $30 to $40 for a 5 minute or less fix and the customer would be more then willing to foot the bill.

[SkillingWoo]

Alright, thanks for the replies.

 

I guess my question now then would be is there any way I can get the experience working with hardware and not lose money? I already have a job that takes up most of my time out of school. (family business, so I can't really quit) There are a couple of computer businesses in my town, which I suppose I could check out (as I'm not sure if they're hiring), but again, like I said, I have another job. Any more options?

 

Craigslist > Services > Computers

[ClareJonsson]

Actually the real money is in software solutions, coders earn way more than hardware technicians.

[Will H]

Actually the real money is in software solutions, coders earn way more than hardware technicians.

 

Probably, but that's because good coding requires an agile and creative mind and a lot more dedication and effort, unlike hardware installation/repair. If I had those qualities, I'd put them to better use and get a mathematical or science qualification and go from there.

[ClareJonsson]

Coming from someone who has been a technician for many years and is already A+ accredited. I would not only think about building and installing systems, but think hard about after care and maintenance. Do it right off the bat and you will get less after sales hassles. I know many people who get the PCs out of the door as fast as they can, make a really good profit and run a mile when there are problems. Also Building PCs is becoming less of a viable option to make money, any kid in a bedroom can knock together a PC these days, and as Nadril said it's more profitable to provide a PC repair service, and this will require you to be proficient with many versions of Windows.

 

The PC industry is massive and simple faults can be rectified by the customer themselves, but more complex problems will not be within their grasp. Also, a huge market is in notebooks, these are more difficult and can be expensive to repair than PCs, but if you become proficient in this area you can really make a steal. Would you believe many of the notebooks that come through our hands have one of 3 common problems: 1. dust clogging the vents, 2. dry joints or broken power socktes/adapters, 3. Inverter Failure. All these can be repaired quite cheaply. Repairing a socket on a laptop motherboard may take a lot of skill, especially with a soldering iron. But a skill like that will really put you above the average technician, a lot of Techs these days will fail if a problem gets above swapping a component or a software fix.

 

Good luck in whatever you decide to do and please don't be afraid to ask any of us for help if you get stuck.