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Custom Acrylic Cases ...

T

ToddTheFrog

Limp Gawd
Joined
May 3, 2001
Messages
417
My name is Todd Trowbridge and I've been on the HardForums for quite some time. I've noticed that only a few, maybe 2 actually, custom cases have been put into production (limited). Do any of you guys think there is a market for custom acrylic AND aluminum mixed cases? What would be the feasibility of a small business based on this? Does anyone think its possible to thrive in the PC Case business? I was just wanting some feedback because I'm personally thinking about trying to get into this market, I see my cases as aesthetically pleasing. Sort of like the new G5 cases. I'm no apple guy but is that case sexy or what?

Todd Trowbridge
 
Definately a market for them, but I'd advise u to sell thru a reseller like svc or xoxide, who already have an established customer base.
 
Thank you for your input. I do like the idea of selling through another outlet i.e. newegg or something. That way I wouldn't be responsible for all the hard stuff (heh). Any other ideas / suggestions?

Todd
 
I have been making some custom clear cubes for the past few months, and have found that it defiantly is a hard market to be in. Some of the kit acrylic cases sell for so little that I can't even get enough acrylic sheet to make one for that price, so the only possible entry market is more specialized and higher end cases.

Aluminum is the same story as well, I have taken serious looks into making an aluminum case that would be like a small version of the UFO, and I found that aluminum is horribly expensive to manufacture in small quantities, and with the little amount of capital and customers I have, there would be no way I could have competitive prices.

I would recommend doing this if you need a few extra bucks and really enjoy this sort of stuff, but I wouldn't recommend it as a job or if you don't really enjoy it. I don't think I have even made minimum wage on the amount of time that I have put in, but I enjoy designing things and seeing them into existence (i'm an engineer after all). I honestly think the best perk is the business cards, they are great to pick up ladies at parties/bars :D

Lastly, a reseller would be a good idea to start off, but it really does take a bite out of your profit. For me, Steve (the owner of xoxide.com) was a huge help, and helped fund me when I ran low on cash at the end of my project, and without him I couldn't of done this project. However, you can probably expect to lose half of your profit to them on every case that they sell.
If you have any questions feel free to email me at: steve at cubedpc.com.
 
www.clearpc.ca cannot be matched for price, features, workmanship, and above all, customer satisfaction.

I am currently building my 3rd computer (1st was for myself, 2nd for a friend, 3rd for a customer) using their cases.

Shipping times are horrendous, but hey, it's Canada, sow aht do ya expect?

So ya, as you were saying about features... if you can beat them with features, you'd be set.

For example: Make LED fans and CCFLs as standard equipment. Make sleeving, and acrylic PSU covers as options. Include shipping into the cost. Include color matched power/HD lEDs as standard equipment.

Maybe also do custoem work, like custom opennings for fan controllers, switches, etc.... Maybe even do custom fan grills built right into the case?
 
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