Paying a PC builder in Nigeria before you've asked the right questions is one of the most common ways to get burned. The builder might be excellent — or they might be someone who assembles machines on weekends with no accountability for what happens when components fail. The questions in this guide separate the professionals from the pretenders.
Ask every single one of these before handing over any money.
1. Can I see itemised receipts for every component?
This is the most important question. A reputable builder sources components with invoices. They can show you receipts for the CPU, motherboard, RAM, GPU, storage, PSU, and case — with brand names, model numbers, prices, and the date of purchase.
Why it matters: Without receipts, you have no verification that the components are what they claim to be, or that they're new rather than refurbished. A builder who can't or won't show receipts has something to hide.
Red flag response: "I source from Computer Village, I don't keep receipts" — run.
2. Are any components tokunbo or refurbished?
Ask explicitly. Some builders mix new and used components without disclosing this — a new CPU with a used PSU, or a refurbished GPU in an otherwise new build. This isn't inherently wrong if disclosed and priced accordingly. It's unacceptable when hidden.
The right answer is either "everything is new, here are the receipts" or "we use [specific component] refurbished, here's the disclosure and adjusted pricing." Anything evasive means something is being hidden.
3. What is the warranty, and exactly what does it cover?
Get specifics:
- How long is the warranty period? (12 months is a minimum from a reputable builder)
- Does it cover parts and labour, or just parts?
- Who honours it — the builder, or individual component manufacturers?
- What's the turnaround time for warranty repairs?
- Do you get a replacement machine while yours is being repaired?
- Is the warranty voided by opening the case? (It should not be)
A "warranty" that is verbal, vague, or limited to "bring it back and we'll look at it" is not a warranty. It's a courtesy that evaporates when the relationship becomes inconvenient.
4. Will you do a stress test before delivery?
A proper stress test runs CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage at high load simultaneously for 30–60 minutes to verify stability. It catches issues like: inadequate cooling, unstable RAM, PSU that can't sustain full load, thermal throttling. Any builder who assembles without stress testing is sending you an unverified machine.
Ask to see the stress test results. Tools like Prime95 (CPU), FurMark (GPU), and MemTest86 (RAM) are standard. Temperature readings should be included.
5. What are the exact model numbers of every component?
Don't accept "Core i7, 16GB RAM, RTX 4060." Ask for full model numbers:
- CPU: e.g., "Intel Core i7-13700K"
- Motherboard: e.g., "MSI PRO B760M-A WiFi DDR4"
- RAM: e.g., "Kingston Fury Beast 2 x 16GB DDR5 5600MHz"
- Storage: e.g., "WD Black SN850X 1TB NVMe Gen4"
- GPU: e.g., "ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 Ti OC 16GB"
- PSU: e.g., "Corsair RM650x 650W 80+ Gold"
These specifics go on your receipt. After delivery, verify each component using CPU-Z, GPU-Z, and CrystalDiskInfo. Any discrepancy between what you paid for and what was installed is grounds for refund or replacement.
6. Do you have photos or references from previous builds?
A builder who has been doing this professionally will have photos of previous work. Clean cable management, neat assembly, and proper installation are visible in photos. Ask to see 3–5 recent builds.
References from previous clients are also valuable — ask for two or three you can contact independently. Be wary of references who are suspiciously unavailable or respond with suspiciously glowing reviews.
7. What happens if a component fails in month 6?
Describe a specific scenario: "The RAM fails at six months — what happens?" Listen carefully to the response:
- Good answer: "We test, identify the failed component, replace under warranty within 5 working days, return the machine fully tested."
- Bad answer: "You bring it back and we see what the issue is." — No timeline, no commitment, no clarity.
- Unacceptable answer: "After three months, component warranty goes to the manufacturer." — Passing the support burden to a manufacturer you can't directly reach is not customer service.
8. Is my data safe during any warranty repair?
Most builders will reinstall Windows if needed — your data on the primary drive could be affected. Ask: "If I need to bring the machine in for repair, what happens to my data?" A good builder maintains your data wherever possible and warns you clearly when a reinstall is unavoidable.
9. What cooling solution is used, and is it adequate for Nigerian climate?
Abuja and Lagos run 30–40°C. A machine built for a UK environment might throttle in Nigerian ambient temperature. Ask specifically what CPU cooler is included, how many case fans, and what maximum temperature the builder considers acceptable. You want CPU temperatures below 85°C under sustained load in your ambient environment.
10. What is your payment structure?
Understanding payment terms protects you:
- Reputable builders typically charge a 30–50% deposit to order components, remainder on delivery
- Full payment before any work is done is a warning sign — you lose all leverage if the machine isn't built as agreed
- Full payment after delivery (no deposit) may indicate the builder can't afford to front components — potentially a sign they're under-capitalised
A 40–50% deposit with remainder on delivery and warranty documentation is the standard professional arrangement.
The One-Question Test
If you only have time for one question: "Can I see the receipts for every component in my build?"
The answer to this single question tells you almost everything you need to know about a builder's professionalism and honesty.
We answer all of these questions without hesitation — it's how we operate. Talk to our team → and see for yourself, or configure your build → and we'll walk you through every component choice and its documentation.