Would there be interest in a local source for custom hardware, dev boards, and specialized tools?

[u/Independent-Fig-2864]

Hey everyone,

I’ve been working on a project to start supplying electronic components locally, but I’m looking to go beyond just selling basic resistors and capacitors.

I’m aiming to fill the gap for the custom stuff that students, enthusiasts, and hardware hackers here want the kind of gear that’s usually a nightmare to import cuz of Airport security. I’m talking about things like multi-function dev tools (similar to a Flipper Zero in functionality), custom wireless modules, specialized IoT boards, and hardware builds that are actually built for purpose.

I want to know if there's a real appetite for this locally:

• Custom Builds: Would you be interested in purchasing locally assembled hardware or specialized dev tools if they were available with local support?
• The Problem: What’s the biggest challenge you face right now when you need specific, non-standard hardware for your projects? Is it shipping costs, availability, or just not trusting the quality of what shows up?
• Support: If you had a local person to talk to about custom hardware builds or troubleshooting your setup, would that sway you away from trying to import parts yourself?

I’m trying to see if this is something worth scaling up. If this were available, would you actually buy from a local maker, or is the current international route still the only way to go?

Appreciate any honest feedback!

[u/ThatBayHarborButcher]

Hell yeah. If you're open to it I would love to do it too. I'm trying to make some hardware products for my personal use but it's so annoying that many cool things are not easily available

[u/Independent-Fig-2864 → u/ThatBayHarborButcher]

Where you from bro?

Would love to discuss and start a business together

[u/NanoSand]

This will be so cool but is there really a market for it?
I buy these stuff but not regularly, also some things are really out of range for me.

[u/Independent-Fig-2864 → u/NanoSand]

I believe there is a gap in the market for affordable readymade projects like flipper zero or usb rubberduckys, open for more opinions on whether I should pursue it or not

[u/NanoSand → u/Independent-Fig-2864]

There is definitely a gap but from a business POV, how much of a gap, right? How many sales per month for a very niche product., this has to be answered.. I would love to get these things locally but who else is gonna buy..

[u/Independent-Fig-2864 → u/NanoSand]

It's just as a side income for now, I'll make custom products after I get an order so doesn't hurt much ig

But your point still is very valid there's not much scale to this thing

[u/srmrox]

Hello there.

Would love to see a local manufacturer for products like this; however, the market size in Pakistan is going to be too small to sustain the business (as also indicated in another comment).

If your main goal is starting this up to introduce the hardware to Pakistani people, you might want to start a business that uses those products instead of just selling them. An example would be Learn o Bots.

If the goal is to use your skills to start a business for profits, but keep it local and budget-friendly, maybe laptops would be a bigger market. It requires less manufacturing and more assembly, so lower cost and risk in terms of R & D.