Frequent buying of PC gear

[wrx_lou]

I've been building quite a few rigs for people as of late and wouldnt mind doing more while charging less. Just wondering if anyone on here had any recomendations for places to buy components from at a better price than whats offered through your average internet pc shop.

I am GST registered and dont mind setting up an account. Although they would only see maybe 10k in sales from me a month at best.

[Growly]

From experience even if you have the regular sales revenue to get an account with the distributor, you'll still find it hard to manage enough volume to compete with the cheapest of the online retailers. Some of them have prices even cheaper than the distributors will give you...

[wrx_lou]

I thought that would be the case.
Is there anywhere that would be prefered over another? I know pricespy and gearbot are great to use, but being able to get most things from the same place would be an advantage also.

[SnoSalmon]

The biggest issue with hardware is warranty. If you have an issue you will appreciate the service from a decent company. Check with Computer Lounge, Playtech or Ascent.

Possibly Dragon, or even IngramMicro, although Ingram are terrible for delivery etc they are seriously slack.

It is just not possible to beat some of the e-tailers, but if you can ace them in after sales service people will come!

[wrx_lou]

I frequently deal with Ascent and Playtech. Awesome customer service from both and the free delivery from Ascent makes them a top choice. I have seen on their site that they can open accounts. Anyone have one with them? Do they have a small percent discount or is it just the ability to run stuff up and pay at the end of the month?

[SnoSalmon]

We've only dealt with Ascent once or twice through work for hard to get items. Paid retail with a credit card, so not sure.

I'm sure you could check, although you may end up having to deal with someone who is a dedicated distributor - as in, you don't want to be competing against the company you're buying the parts from.

Someone like Ingram, or even Dove maybe as they don't sell to the public.
With Ingram you would be able to sell pre-built machines from the likes of HP. Saves you time building them, or if parts come from different retailers having to track down all sorts of info should something fail. Ok, HP is crap, but alright for the masses who don't need a finely tuned racecar ;)

[wrx_lou]

I'm more keen to be building them myself. It may be more hassle but it's the reason I want to be doing it in the first place. I'm not too fussed on making large amounts of money but obviously would like to recoup the running costs.

[sirg]

I was doing this for a while quite some years ago now, but the scene hasn't really changed. I got accounts from Dove and Ingram Micro, but ended up have a chat to Dragon PC and getting a discount % and it was just easier. More selection, price was the same or cheaper, had the personal touch and took more interest, just worked out better.