[jameslee07]

Ok i am 14 almost 15 I have started my GCSE's and with a background of a family that can only just live off what we make I want to break the trend especially seeing how my parents are scraping pennies to send my brother to collge by train. So I though tto myslef what do I like doing that I can make money out of and saw a very small gap in the market down our area of custom built computers. There is one shop in our town that deals with computers and i only just found out that they will custom build computers and that was through some vigorous searching. I also know Dell build custom computers but they base it around a frame I plan to take customers needs and build a computer they can use for what they want at a reasonable price. Also any old Idiot can build a computer by getting a book or searching online, hell thats how i learn't to do it but many people don't have the time and as our town is a communter town to london whilst having so rural background gives this even more reason. But I was just wondering should I try to do this if i can get funding which i might know where or should i give it up?

Thanks in advance jameslee07

[Dave Hybrid]

It is a very competitive market, PC World and Dell have it well covered, in any area.

Best advice I can give is repair the machines, there is way more money in that anyway.

[Emrys88]

You have a business mind about you, However as Dave said alot more in the repair business.

Also setting up networks.

[Dave Hybrid]

I am also speaking from experience.

[jameslee07]

Thats an idea especially as i am starting my GCSE's so don't want too much pus can i do it like a I'll mow your lawn type thing to save all the business registering etc. I might do that during the year i plan to take off before going to college would that make more sense?

[jameslee07]

sorry I can't find the edit button if there is one but i was wondering how much i should charfe or should i leave it down to the customer and how should i sell myself seeing as I am a 14 year old boy looking like i know nothing about computers going against a computer shop in the town?

[Dave Hybrid]

Eh?

[jameslee07]

How should i try and advertise when i am 14 and competing against a computer shop and how much should i charge or should i leave it down to the customer. One more thing should go around it as a "Shall i mow your lawn" type thing to save having to register myself as a business during my GCSE's?

[Dave Hybrid]

Choose a company name and get some flyer's printed and put them through peoples doors.

Get a PAYG mobile and use that number, free incoming calls, put in on the flyer's.

Set your prices and stick to them, it's much more professional, charge by the hour +parts.

Personally I wouldn't register the business until you start making a decent profit, a little naughty but it isn't like you would pay any TAX even if it was registered.

And remember, image is everything. Look professional and people will think you are, look a joke and people will treat you like one.

[jameslee07]

Well i can start the delivery thanks to my paper round :D i have a phone and free sim card :D thanks i will start that and hope to get somewhere th eonly problem i can see is next year when i am going to Poland, Belgium and Germany and for Germany I am also looking after a German student

[skinnyman9000]

As Dave said, get some flyers made, make them look professional, dont worry about being 14, if you turn up at their house and do a good job then there is no reason for them not to use you again or recommend you to people.