Do people buy pre-built high end rigs?

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toddfx

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How deep is the market for pre-built mid/high end machines? I am not talking about taking specific orders or just throwing parts together willy nilly, but rather building something professional only to turn around and sell it. I am interesting in higher end gaming machines, and have the funds to spend $2,000 + on a build if I can turn it for a profit of just a couple hundred bucks or so. How likely is it I will get buyers here on [H] or elsewhere?

Of course I know it depends on the quality, but are people willing to spend that little bit extra for something pre-built? I really enjoy the process of pairing quality parts & putting them together, and am just looking for a way to do it as often as I can without losing money. I want to build awesome computers but I have no reason to keep them around.

Rather than building boring rigs with random cheap parts, I want to take it up a notch and pair colors, sleeve wires, and make things as sexy and professional looking as possible. I intend to use only trusted brands and high quality parts to make extremely solid machines.

I realize the first step is to just build something cool and show it to people, but I am just curious what you guys think about the likely hood of making money back on a high end rig in general. Would one typically lose money or can they expect to make it back? Again, taking orders is not exactly what I have in mind. I think of it as art and would like to make what I envision. Just don't want to perpetually break the bank :)
 
Beware shallow waters.

I would look for enjoyment elsewhere. Too many potential issues and hard to find buyers.
 
I think that most enthusiasts prefer to build their own rigs, however there is still a slim market there that you may be able to make some money from. However, warranty issues and customer support would be a nightmare.
 
I have built and sold some high-end rigs in the past and it is a bit difficult to find buyers with that much cash. As someone mentioned, margins are now razor thin and are there are many pitfalls in the production and post-sales process. At such low volume, it only takes one bad sale to shred your bottom line.

That being said, I don't want to discourage you if you have something unique to bring to the market.

On a side note, I did meet with more success and actually higher margins by selling units I refurbished myself.
 
You'll encounter more cons than pros unfortunately. Unless you're a glutton for punishment, there is just too much risk and frustration. I'd love for you to prove me wrong and do well with it though.

Good luck.
 
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