Would a small "Build your own PC" company survive with competition like Dell etc?

I presume you know that that's how Dell started (as well as Gateway.) Some people will always be willing to pay more for a superior product and the big manufacturers provide a mediocre product at a mediocre price point. If you are planning to start off battling the big boys, you would have to do so on their turf - cheap labor, minimal choices, and cheap materials. Add the value of craftsmanship, better materials, locality, etc. and you have something that is arguably worth more. I think you have to go with the idea that Brand X is superior to HP, Dell, etc.

No not impossible.

Dell tends to use cheap parts, bundle alot of useless crap. Dell support is bull.. err overrated. One time I bought one they refused support because the program wasn't shipped with the computer. The onboard audio would not work with Ventrilo.

I use small vendors. Superior parts. Motherboard, Video Card etc... If you can give a solid maintainable product at a decent price point, I would buy it. I have in the past. I gave away my Dell. All my Desktop computers are built in pieces, or custom built by shops that charge reasonable price and save me the assembly time.

Good Luck.

Nic, I don't see you directly competing with the major corporations. You're providing a somewhat different service to a different customer base. The big guys allow a computer savvy person, like the IT specialist of a large company or a business person who knows exactly what he/she needs, to order a "custom made" computer, or several. These are actually just "choose your options" packages, like with cars. In your case, you'll be working closely with your customer in your locality, and advising them on what their specific needs will be, and can help them choose from a wider variety of components from different suppliers. Not really the same thing. Will you grow as big as Dell or HP? Probably not. Can you succeed? I hope so. Good luck!

Dell's big weakness is support, especially on their home product line. If you can match their prices and provide superior support, you could make a go of it.

Are you starting a computer company? I might have a suggestion for you if you are.