Custom PC builds and parts online

Gamers, students, home office workers and small businesses wanting a tailored machine without a big-brand price tag.

Margin on each build or refurbished sale, plus accessories and paid remote support or setup. You buy parts to order to limit stock risk.

• PC building and troubleshooting
• Online selling and product listings
• Clear customer communication and basic bookkeeping

• Check with your city or county whether you need a home occupation permit or general business license, and respect HOA or lease rules
• Sales tax rules for online sales differ by state, so check where you must collect and remit
• Cover returns, shipping damage and parts that arrive faulty
• Product liability and general liability insurance are worth checking, as you are selling electrical goods
• Price swings in components can squeeze your margin between quote and purchase
• Check your state's rules for recycling or disposing of electronics if you take trade-ins

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your tools, starting stock, website or marketplace setup and insurance. These are estimates. Component prices can swing between quote and purchase, which can squeeze your margin.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many builds and refurbished machines you sell and your prices. These are estimates that assume roughly 10 hours a week or more, before parts, shipping and returns.

Check with your city or county whether you need a home occupation permit or general business license, and respect HOA or lease rules. Sales tax rules for online sales differ by state, so check where you must collect and remit.