Re: Need help finding niche computer sales strategy.......

> First, congrats on your new venture and for taking the time to research,
> think, and plan.

> Your best solution to the seeming dilemma is to never compete on price.
> The little guy can't win with that tactic. Instead, think about what you
> can offer the customer that the big guy can't such as friendly, helpful,
> customer service, quicker turn around time or service response time,
> personalized service with a capital P...put your heart in it. Big boys
> tend to be rather cold and impersonal...you don't have to be. Whatever USP
> (unique selling position) you can come up with, use it...but don't ever
> think you have to compete on price...that's for the insecure newbies and
> those who have nothing better to offer. I'm sure that's not going to be
> you. Stay competitive in your pricing and let it go at that but never get
> into a price war...it's a lose-lose scenario.

> Check around and find out if there's some area that the big boy doesn't
> offer and that people want, then fill it. Look for places where they're
> weak then exploit that to your advantage.

> Make SURE any employees you hire have an absolutely great customer service
> attitude and willingness to go the extra mile if/when you hire people.
> Oftentimes it is the attention to detail that wins the hearts of
> customers, so emphasize that.

> Best of luck!

> Sandi Bowman

Very good advice, Sandi.

I read a thread on a discussion board somewhere recently (may have been here) where a person complained that the local Mom and Pop computer store was indifferent when they needed service, but the national chain store was friendly and efficient. So if you're going to be marketing in your local area, service can be a big plus, but make sure that you allow for it in your business plan.

And here's my devious little mind working overtime again: why not throw in some free Internet Marketing books (good ones, mind you!) with each computer that have your affiliate links in them? If people have less than optimal credit, they may be open to starting their own business, and if the eBooks you give them help them succeed and make a profit, then you, too, might get a bit of extra cash. If you need to get started, the Site Build It books are great. If you sign up as an affiliate, then you can brand several good quality eBooks and give them away.

My affiliate link (I think!) for SBI is http://www.sitesell.com/FindOutMore1.html. The affiliate signup link is at the top or bottom of the page (I think they run continuous split tests -- the page, and the link, seem to constantly move).