ebozzz
March 10th, 2007, 04:15 PM
I returned to school over the summer and accepted a position at an independent computer retailer/service center that also has a recycling program. A large percentage of the items that come in for recycling are refurbished and made available to consumers/businesses for purchase. Recent trends that I have seen, as well as a suggestion that was posted on the mailing list, got me thinking about potential opportunities to introduce Ubuntu.
The trend that I am referring to is the decision of management to simply recycle all Pentium III desktops that they receive. Many of these machines still have some life left in them IMO. I see lots of PIII boxes that have processor speeds of around 1GHz or better that would require very little if any work.
All of the machines that the company sells are loaded with Windows by default. Prior to the changes in policy, the refurbished machines in that PIII category were selling for $250 to $300. Although, sales were not as brisk as desired. It's understandable. I probably would not pay that kind of coin for a box like that either. :)
If they had the option of Ubuntu the price point of the same units could probably be lowered by $100 or more (The cost of Windows). This would certainly make them more attractive to the buyer IMO. It would generate revenue for the company and reduce expenses as less would have to be paid to their recycling partner.
I truly think that this is a viable project but unfortunately I don't have the necessary business acumen to put together a document that could be submitted to the owner for consideration. Is there someone that could help me in this task?
I have come in contact with several Ubuntu users while at work either via phone or in person. I actually met someone on Thursday the 8th who stated that that they had just joined our group. I do my best to spread the word about this excellent operating system as much as I can with the people that I am exposed to. Obviously, I have to be careful with how I do that on the job from a liability and conflict of interest standpoint. Please let me know if anyone can assist. Thanks for reading.
The trend that I am referring to is the decision of management to simply recycle all Pentium III desktops that they receive. Many of these machines still have some life left in them IMO. I see lots of PIII boxes that have processor speeds of around 1GHz or better that would require very little if any work.
All of the machines that the company sells are loaded with Windows by default. Prior to the changes in policy, the refurbished machines in that PIII category were selling for $250 to $300. Although, sales were not as brisk as desired. It's understandable. I probably would not pay that kind of coin for a box like that either. :)
If they had the option of Ubuntu the price point of the same units could probably be lowered by $100 or more (The cost of Windows). This would certainly make them more attractive to the buyer IMO. It would generate revenue for the company and reduce expenses as less would have to be paid to their recycling partner.
I truly think that this is a viable project but unfortunately I don't have the necessary business acumen to put together a document that could be submitted to the owner for consideration. Is there someone that could help me in this task?
I have come in contact with several Ubuntu users while at work either via phone or in person. I actually met someone on Thursday the 8th who stated that that they had just joined our group. I do my best to spread the word about this excellent operating system as much as I can with the people that I am exposed to. Obviously, I have to be careful with how I do that on the job from a liability and conflict of interest standpoint. Please let me know if anyone can assist. Thanks for reading.