Targetting the right customers

[Paddymcc]

I run a small part time business where by I recycle IT equippment for resale.

My problem is this:

I have just bought a huge quantity of complete Pentium3 computers and Pentium 2/3 laptops all running Windows XP which i was going to resell at £100 and £200 respentively.

How then do i target my customers?

I already use leaflet drops, advertising in the local press and word of mouth. Any new novel methods im missing or some good advice?

I already also have my website but ill keep it off in case linking is not allowed.

The majority of my business referral is through word of mouth because if a machine is sold locally i will deliver, set it up and talk the user through the basic's of the system (something no other company in my area will do plus it saves a lot of troublesome calls from irate users).

Ideally the type of customer im targeting is someone with a low budget and possibly hasnt got a computer yet.

[Richard Conyard]

Not so good at the marketing side of things, but there are others that will help you with that.

What I was thinking about is your paying for these computers. With the new EU waste directives many companies now are having to pay to get these old machines taken away. There may be a market for you approaching larger co-operations and offering to recycle their old hardware for a fee.

Build into that a reduction in the fee for good works (i.e. donating to schools, you'd have the task of formatting all the machines and cleaning all company data from them), you'd probably win yourself a fair amount of good publicity.

[bitsnstuff]

If you are in an areas with universities, maybe you could sell them to students?

Kate.

[Paddymcc]

If you are in an areas with universities, maybe you could sell them to students?

Kate.

Yeah thats one area im looking at for the upcoming new school year and free beer incentives for the students :D

[bitsnstuff]

What about getting an ad and/or banner or article into the student union websites? Or even in the handouts given to new students.

Kate

[Jayne]

Have you tried putting up posters in Libraries, Doctors, Learning Centres and other places like that. My first go on a computer was in the Library and that's when I desided to buy my own computer. I think the school idea is good. Also try the Free Ad papers (and the net classified). Just advertise one computer and don't tell Free ads you are in business and you'll get your ad for free. You can tell the customers later, when they answer your ads. If I think of anything else, i'll let you know.

Best Wishes

Jayne

PS. You could be cheeky and put a poster outside Commet!

[ebonybailey]

what are the specs of these Pc's?

You may want to approach telemarketing companies as they are always groeing and needing more PC's. dont call the callcentres call the middle to small telemarketing agencies.

[Paddymcc]

what are the specs of these Pc's?

You may want to approach telemarketing companies as they are always groeing and needing more PC's. dont call the callcentres call the middle to small telemarketing agencies.

Here's the specifications here in an offer for members:

http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=4112


The telemarketing company is a good idea i might have a look at. Its something i never considered.

[ebonybailey]

I do suggest you target these types of companies, unlike other business that might have a need if they grow, telemarketing companies grow rapidly and will have an ongoing need, also the low spec of these PC's will suit them as all that the PC's will be used for is Word Excel, and Internet, all data will normally be on a main server and networked to the Pc's so there is no need for a huge Hard Drive.
In other words be specific about your targets and ask yourself why would they need an ongoing supply of low spec PC's. Local Hostels too, we have one round here and cos they have little money they look for companies that can provide these services at a low cost, the PC's are generally used for young people who cant afford there own and are taught how to use them, again low spec is suitable. Just a few ideas.

Michael

[SmallBizSoftware]

Hey, how about leasing them? For a reduced monthly amount that will recoup more than the profit of a sale. OK your gonna loose a few but lets face it if your selling for £90 then they didn't cost too much to start with. Then you could look to sell at the end fo the lease period at a reduced cost and maybe upsell peripherals, consumables etc.

Not sure about the legality of leasing, any know if you would get any aggro over Consumer Credit act?

Graham (http://www.smallbizsoftware.co.uk)