Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hi,

I`m from India and am studying online in DeVry University. I have experience in web development and programming - in fact I’m currently a freelance developer. My other skill is building highly over clocked cost-effective flawless computers (Windows/Linux PCs). As college was delayed by a year or two for personal reasons my mother has finally agreed that I may start a business for myself. I have never started a business or know anyone who has the experience of running one, but I have confidence in myself.

What I want to become is a retailer of computer “parts,” “software,” and “games” (no servicing or repair. Just sale and replacements) and building systems (will provide servicing and repair for sold systems). I would have a store front on location here in India where people would be able to browse through and pick out any parts they want at best of deals available everywhere. Sort of like a super market where several components are neatly placed in racks and categorized by aisles. Then there will be another area/room where customers can sit down with an advisor to discuss and place an order for a custom system to be built.

The key feature is perhaps my desire to also have an online version of these two areas i.e. like TigerDirect.com for example. Here people anywhere from India can place an order and can have the items delivered in 2 days via express FedEx/UPS. The number of staff will be small and the systems will be hand crafted by myself and
an assistant system engineer.

Okay now comes the questions!

I think I can have the company registered under partnership with me being the managing director and my brother being the 2nd in ownership. But the questions are how to get started? Should I just contact the distributors to obtain retailership credits and get started or is there any legal paper work for such a business? Other than registration I mean?

No one here has any information and they all (just about any registration/advisory firm) seem to be clueless when it comes to IT companies and businesses. So assuming my mind is totally blank and am just a 10 year old ... what should I do to get started? >.<’

I have worked for several companies that were parts distributors for larger companies.  Not only is there a lengthy agreement to be signed, but your company will also be put under a low powered microscope.  Your Integrity, ability to move parts, and financial stability will be scrutinized. 

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The older we get, the more excuses we make for not chasing after our dreams. But truth is, goals are attainable at any age.

Another thing to consider is that computers were new and exciting ten years ago, but they`ve always been moving toward commodity items. In other words, NOBODY gives a crap about the computer, other than the technicians and hobbyists with a passion for technology.

We have a company (I can`t remember the name) around here in the US that does what you`re doing. A friend of mine helped me build my machine, and used this company. He gave me a parts list, I went it and bought them, carried them home and we put them together.

We also have a TigerDirect warehouse around here, which makes a lot of sense for getting parts, toys, and new gadgets.

But the bottom line is that computers today, are like automobiles in the 1950s. Back then, being new technology, almost every boy was interested in fixing and working on cars. You could do it, and parts stores were everywhere.

Today, only very poor people with a lot of skills, or specialized auto enthusiasts care. The vast majority of people just go buy a car and have a mechanic fix it.

I have no idea about the market in India, but I still believe that the world in general is moving toward the commodity, throw-away computer. Look at the $100 Linux machine everyone wants to put into the global market for low-income countries.

If it isn`t already, I suspect that today`s personal computer is about to become another portable calculator. Remember when they were several hundreds of dollars? And now you can buy one for $1.

That`s NOT to say you don`t have a basis for a good business. It`s only an argument like Nevadascul`s above, that you`ll want to really do some thinking about both the supply side, and the demand side.

It's easier to sell software that is downloadable from the internet. That way, you do not need to have a physical office.

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Seo Consultant | Cure Autistic Adults | Industrial For Rent | Business Park

I think first you should go through the legal formalities required to set up all this, get that all set. Second, contact the dealer. Third, chart out a proper business plan. Analyze long term goals and short, final business outcomes etc. Once that is done set up shop and begin marketing.

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Customer analytics | growth strategy

You have to figure out how to beat your competitors, I am sure there are a lot of hardware/software retailers in India. You can ask for help an Online store builder professional, he could tell you what are the trends now and how to attract more clients by making an interesting and user-friendly website.

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