How do I purchase computer components without going through a reseller (pricewatch, newegg, tigerdirect)?
I’m looking at building a new computer from components (done this a few times already). I want to purchase components directly from the manufacturer, thereby avoiding even the slightest markups. I’m willing to purchase from Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul. I’m aware of computer shows (MarketPro, etc.), but again, there’s that markup. Does anybody know of an alternate method for purchasing computer components (mobos, processors, RAM, video cards) that doesn’t require bulk purchase? Even guesses are appreciated!
I am a buyer in a computer store and in order to purchase direct from companies you have to be authorized by them as a purchaser/reseller. Plus you have to buy in bulk. Could you imagine what the shipping cost would be to ship product from Hong Kong or Tokyo on a one component basis? In reality, the mark ups on for retail are very low. From 3 to 9 percent for example. Plus when you buy from a reseller then you deal with them for warranty in lots of cases. So unless you are going in to business for yourself and are going to buy in large quantities, I don’t think shipping from Asian countries would save you any money for personal use. And having to ship it back to Asia for warranty will leave you without a component for a very long time.
Unless your buying in large quantities, which resellers do, then most manufacturers will not sell to you. Some, like Asus, have their own retail channels, but the prices are not much better than resellers. Sorry to bear bad news.
References :
I am a buyer in a computer store and in order to purchase direct from companies you have to be authorized by them as a purchaser/reseller. Plus you have to buy in bulk. Could you imagine what the shipping cost would be to ship product from Hong Kong or Tokyo on a one component basis? In reality, the mark ups on for retail are very low. From 3 to 9 percent for example. Plus when you buy from a reseller then you deal with them for warranty in lots of cases. So unless you are going in to business for yourself and are going to buy in large quantities, I don’t think shipping from Asian countries would save you any money for personal use. And having to ship it back to Asia for warranty will leave you without a component for a very long time.
References :
I work in a computer store.