A business idea I did for commerce.

IT Support and Computer Store – Computing

  • This store would offer IT support for problems, both hardware and software, free for products purchased within the store.

  • Offers advice for computers, budgets and certain power and use requirements.

  • Sells computers, pre-built and laptops. (also apple Mac Book and IMac reseller)

  • Sells software packages for a range of purposes, productivity, graphic design, 3D modelling and gaming

  • Can offer custom built computers (parts bought from the store or brought in from other store, if brought in from other store an extra fee is incurred)

  • Can upgrade these custom built computers at a later date. The parts are bought at a fraction of the price.

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    Offers a range of Linux distributions for free, in alternative to Windows.

Location

  • This store would be located somewhere in a city area, as this is where people will commonly look for my type of product.

  • In the expansion of the business the extra stores are likely to be located in shopping complexes.

  • However, these areas are usually thriving with much competition.

  • A high traffic street near to a bus stop or train station would be preferred, though this could come at a considerable cost.

SWOT Analysis

  • Strength: Previous knowledge is this industry is evident, and how to work computers in general. There is friend support available, and the location will usually have much potential customers.

  • Weakness: The location and cost of the business will likely be quite high, or the location quite cramped. There is also much competition likely in the area. I would also need to take some more official training and get more official qualifications before starting the business. Also, starting the business may be costlier, because although the store will be relatively low maintenance, the rent will be high and the starting equipment and costs will be high. Not only this, but most purchases would at first be done on an order basis, because buying products that do not sell can be highly costly due to the rapid depreciation of computer products and parts.

  • Opportunities: This store will be one of the first to offer direct and simple alternatives to using the free and open-source operating system, Linux. This is likely to be an attractive option to more and more computer customers, as the economic environment changes, but the demand and need for computing power remains the same. The custom building of computers, will also be much cheaper, and is proven to incur costs two or three times less than purchasing in larger businesses like Harvey Norman or Rick Hart. This again, would benefit from the current economic environment.

  • Threats: This store, however, would be quite new in some areas of operation, and there needs to be some time allowed for marketing and advertisement to let people know of these new features that set the store over its competitors. A customer base must be established, and while this is being established, there must be enough to pay bills and debts. Such business can have varied income, as most computer customers can just be a one time purchase.