Dear Logan and Tek Syndicate Team. I want to start a small business from home. I'm 18 and have graduated High School and wish to order parts and build PCs for people. I plan on being honest with customers in getting them the computers they want/need. Charging ~10-15% more on the cost of parts for me as income. Does that seem like a fair price? And, how do I legally go about making this a business? How do I advertise?
Thanks, xxBAC5xx
PS. My initials are D.C. So, I was wondering your guy's thoughts on the name DC's PC's?
I'm gonna start off with a recommendation of a basic spelling and grammar course. You spelled Logan wrong. Pretty sure that High School is two words. I don't know what a costumer is. start there, then come back and talk tech.
You've got to be careful. Consider the legal ramifications of conducting business. Particularly in the nature of PC building. If something goes wrong, you're the one held responsible.
Echoing the need for more English classes, nothing a few semesters at community college or online classes can't fix. While we're getting some extra learning throw in some business and math classes to get an idea of how to run a business. Getting familiar with basic contracts will do you wonders to cover your ass from people trying to scam you. Nolo is a company that releases a great books on starting small businesses, a good place to start if you're not interested in going back to school. Try getting a mentor, this really helps avoid banging your head against every single hurdle that will eventually come.
Bare in mind that you will be moving a lot of money for these parts and if someone starts digging around you will have to register as a sole proprietor so be ready to get a employer identification number, create separate bank accounts, and a whole mess of other paperwork and payouts to avoid heavy fines.