Creating an online store - Good or bad idea?

[Mavix]

I'm thinking of creating an online computer store where one can buy fully assembled computers and/or order a customised solution.
If I where to do this I would probably order parts from other online stores, assemble, and send to the person who ordered it.
Is this a good idea or a bad idea?

 

[Mokusei]

The only problems I can foresee is that if you are going to buy your parts from other online stores, then your customer could've done the same. I highly doubt un-techie people would buy from an online store so they will know what to do when buying their own parts. Another problem would be shipping costs. A PC can be pretty heavy. Other than that, market research would need to be done. So yeah.

 

[Mavix]

The only problems I can foresee is that if you are going to buy your parts from other online stores,

Speaking of which, how/where could I get hold of computer parts directly? Is Axiz good?

then your customer could've done the same. I highly doubt un-techie people would buy from an online store so they will know what to do when buying their own parts.

Good point

Other than that, market research would need to be done.

Also a good point

 

[Grimspoon]

I build online stores, and I can honestly say that selling PC's or even components is a hard market to crack, unless you have buckets of capital behind you for advertising. The market is pretty flooded and you have to have the best best price in order to stick out. Lowest price means very little profit, and in the end sometimes is not worth it.

 

[Deenem]

I'm thinking of creating an online computer store where one can buy fully assembled computers and/or order a customised solution.
If I where to do this I would probably order parts from other online stores, assemble, and send to the person who ordered it.
Is this a good idea or a bad idea?

Knew a guy once whose wife decided to set up an online store selling laptops. Her first month went brilliantly, sold more laptop than she'd ever imagined she would. She just couldn't figure out how all those people in Hillbrow could afford to buy laptops on their credit cards. True story.

 

[Mavix]

Thanks for the info. I think I'll be giving this one a miss.