Computer Parts Website

[Junior]

Hi, im new to this forum and would like a bit of advice please. Im 16 and have been around computers for some time know, i know a lot of websites which sell cheap computer parts in conparsion to where i live. Anyways i was wondering is this legal or do you have to get some kind of contract also what would i do after building a website in terms of registering the business and tax? Im not aware of these things and need to be enlightened please.
-Thanks Junior

[Junior]

Anyone ?

[Matt H]

You're not gonna make it rich off cheap computer parts....Especially if, as it appears, you have found them on a website. You'll only make money if you buy stuff direct through the factory.

Ebuyer.co.uk buy all computer stuff in the 00,000's direct from the factory so it's unlikely that as a small distributor you are going to be able to compete with the likes of them in terms of quality and price. Moreover, you'll be at a disadvantage, having no real presence in the market from a marketing perspective.

Also check ebay for a plathora of cheap Taiwanese computer goods.

[squalid]

lots of people prefer to deal with smaller, local sellers - so just cause there are bigger companies already doing it is no reason not to do it yourself.

[Matt H]

I didn't say he shouldn't do it. He can do it, all i'm saying is he won't make any real money and will probably face debt.

The amount of small computer shops that have opened and closed round this area in the last 5 years is unbelievable. Nearly all opened by young lads, geeks who play counterstrike and quake all day because there is no real business apart from the odd person who pays to use the net. They don't last long.

Once you take into account the cost of opening a shop and adding tax on top, you'll soon find that you will be undercut by a large margin by the big retailers, to such an extent that your price will simply put people off buying on a local level.

[Birmingham]

he can make good profit if he markets his site better than the cheaper ones.

try http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg...cId=1073861197

and http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg...cId=1073861197

and email business link if you need to but if you're not from the uk, don't tell them that

[www.infoebookstore.co.uk]

Who mentioned a shop? As I understood Junior he was talking about setting up a website.

It is going to be a difficult market to get into, as already stated this is a saturated market. you are going to get into all sorts of warranty, returns and sale of goods issues.

I am all for entrepreneurship (been listening to the CEO of Ann Summers and the co-founder of Coffee Republic today - feeling very inspired) but I would strongly suggest getting some valuable business experience before jumping in both feet first.

A respected relative of mine once told me, "learn and make mistakes with some someone elses money, before starting your own business."

I have recently started an online ebooks business which for a very small investment and risk could earn you some good money on the side. PM me if you want to know more or visit my blog on the subject http://infoebookstore.blogspot.com

James

[Matt H]

I mentioned a shop because Squalid was talking about focusing the business on a local level.

Seemed the most common method to do such a thing, apologies for running off on a tangent, i do realise that the intention was to set up a website.

"learn and make mistakes with some someone elses money, before starting your own business."

So true, you may also find that through working in the industry you may pick up ideas for your business, ways in which you can improve on industry standards and use this to penetrate the market succesfully.

[www.infoebookstore.co.uk]

I must say I had a bit of a realisation moment today while at the B2B conference in Manchester. My boss, who was also there with me, was suggesting that I should be excited about the opportunities available to younger people these days who have drive and an idea. As a 50something he feels he has missed the boat.

My realisation was that at 30, with two large mortgages and a decent income from a fairly secure job, taking a gamble on a starting my own business may be one I cannot afford to take. Have I missed the boat too?

P.S. I don't have an "idea" yet, but plenty of drive!

James

[stephangrobler]

Personally, i am 27, and i am starting only know earn a decent income, have a ton of bills, have a bunch of ideas, and have taken the dive to start my own site, part time.

Maybe it is something to think about..

There are a lot of part-time oppertunities that work.