Louis40
Hi,
I put this thread in the Hardware section since i am looking for a Business Plan for an IT hardware retail shop that i am thinking to open one in Beirut. A sample, advices or a ready made BP would be most welcome..
Appreciate your help.
saeidw
Maybe you can write down what you have in mind and what planning (if any) you've already done, and we can help you flesh it out a bit. It doesn't have to be perfect, but you should let us know that you've put some thought and effort into it.
Good luck! :)
mesa177
Hardware as in computer parts, hard drives, laptops, laptop accessories, etc...? Won't you consider electronics too?
Louis40
Yes Hardware as in computer parts, hard drives, laptops, laptop accessories, etc... I don't want to open it by "yalla let's do it" .. I need the pros and cons and if there is a sample BP study for the Lebanese market just to have a better understanding it would be helpfull..
Thx
ZuZ
These shops are all over the place, and if u ask me, there is only 1 shop i would consider buying from, which is a wholesale/retail shop (microcity) ..
If I were you I wouldn't waste my time and money.. totally not worth it..
Think of a new idea and implement it!
mesa177
ZuZ does have a point, you need a "flare" in your business otherwise it won't go off. Did you do some strategic planning? Did you conduct polls where you ask potential clients about their favorite options (don't just focus on the techies like the LebGeeks community but some norms)? Are you relying on the typical 20-80 business ratio (i.e. 20% of your clients will bring in 80% of the profit while 80% will bring in 20%)? Show us an outline of your business plan.
Louis40
I come from an IT hardware business.. and i agree with you guys that there are many IT resellers in town and there is no such exclusive brands for any one..ie, no rules. All depends on the relationship you build with the customers, such as the client is king even if he screws you up, because in my belief, if one client is happy 2 or 3 persons are aware but if the client is unhappy then many will be aware..
You can't make a real survey to determine what are the clients major needs.. in my experience, laptops are on the pole position and then accessories. As an IT store you must have the basic IT components updated so that when the customer pop in, your products attract the purchase + the chit chat of the sales.
The Lebgeeks community are also customers so any comments are most welcome..
ZuZ
Well, when it comes to electronics resale in Lebanon, this is a BIG no no for me!
I know for a fact that there is a hidden mafia controlling this.. and I lived an experience with a friend of mine to prove this.
In short, a major electronics reseller cut the prices of certain products to kill the competition, he was selling below the cost so that small retailers can't stand the loss and shut down..
Its a dirty business, and totally not worth it , in my opinion.
MrClass
well my dad wanted to invest in a technology shop. Of course computers and IT hardware is included. I refused the idea and warned him not to go into that business. Why? As you guys mentioned earlier, thousands of such shops exist in Lebanon. Also, the real profit comes when your clients are companies and not individuals. In Lebanon we already have big IT companies that offer maintenance to businesses. It is very hard to compete. Take Teletrade for example. They have a large number of staff and a huge stock list. You will need a couple of million dollars to compete with them.
In my opinion, real profit comes with training and services. You can open up a training center and/or a company that offers services such as server configuration, server maintenance, web development, or software development.
MegaCool
Five years ago would have been a great idea. Now, forget it, the country is flooded with computers and IT hardware shops, and sad thing, you cant find what you want, as a computer geek myself for example.
Unless you have a hell of a unique plan, don't do it.
dp0001
a custom enthusiast shop would be nice with very expensive and exclusive gear to reach a completely different market segment/niche; with 4ghz+oc'ed, watercooled and quad displays w/3d rigs selling for $$$ - along with your own battlenet network offering your clients the latest hardware for uber gaming, hosting lan parties, overclocking competitions and a very fancy internet connection :)
aaah i had a dream lol
edit: all ready in time for when BF3 comes out :)
MrClass
LAN parties? bring you own rig party? Im in!!!!
