NewEgg.com > International Shipping is a bit of $$. So I can see Anjay's problem.
Yes, shipping is very expensive - and of course the client is very reluctant to pay full shipping.
Wouldnt they be able to save money with a custom computer rather than one from a shop which is pre-built?
You could get the components and build a computer for a lot less than they would be paying in a shop for one which is already built
Many French people keep their old computer, and prefer having it repaired. If my company had repaired any only other computer - I could have made more money. Also I have very big competition from a company called Medion, one of the largest European computer manufacturers. All Medion computers and laptops are extremely cheap however are very good quality.
I was able to sell some custom computers, however most were sold to British people who moved to France because they wanted everything in English which I was able to get, while the shops were unable to since everything was default to French. (The software, keyboard, etc.)
Unfortunately wages in France are not very good, and a french person cannot really go out and buy a new computer just like that, like an English, American, or Canadian can. (Obviously there are people in all countries who do have money difficulties however I have found that the French have much less spending capabilities.)