What should AVADirect do next?

We here at AVADirect have lots of ideas on how to expand our business.  However, it would be pointless to expand into an area where there is no point to expand into.

• Easier Website - Definitely.  However, do not go crazy with Flash like a lot of the other sites... I think the format is great, but some of the suggestions above are good.  Ex: Filtering of options.  I think there should be a master/total-custom option (so that a rep rarely has to make a custom quote, this will allow savvy customers to determine their own estimate).  Ideally, also a FAQ or list of flat-rate pricing on services (and clear descriptions). Finally, there should probably be either staff recommendations [informed/explained] or an in-stock list.  The recommendations still provide users with the freedom to select whatever part they want but guides them, passively, in a more limited direction which is still quality and reputable.  A stock list serves a similar role (objectively suggesting "These parts are popular and reputable, so we have them").  Presuming people follow recommendations/stocked items, that will enhance reputation (reliable, dependable parts, quicker production time, more familiar tech support, and passive/up-front promotion... which, generally, leaves buyers feeling they picked their components, rather than feeling pushed into stocked/upgraded components as a sales tactic).
• P.S. - I recently ordered a system from AVA and had to change up my MoBo.  The one I originally selected had some features such as a remote and MP3 pass-through, however, as explained by Misha, it was out-dated.  I was happy to be so informed and changed up the board for a newer one (upon later research, Misha was absolutely correct).  I took it as nothing but service... showing AVA is looking at my order and communicating with me (not just replacing the part without telling me or leaving my PC in limbo); however, I can imagine people used to pre-built systems or getting their way by building their own thinking they were being hard-sold.  If one uses the website to preemptively inform customers, that might cut-off any kind of reaction like that.
  

• Mini-ITX - SFF machines are great, but I'm guessing you're asking the wrong crowd.  Might be good to expand into that area, but honestly I don't know: 1) How big the market is and 2) How competitive it is compared to pre-built SFFs (if not cubes then rather small desktops).  I could be wrong, but I think they're mainly a curiosity and enthusiast realm and not particularly a large market or one with enough margin to justify going in there.
• Less choices - I think this would greatly simplify your business and give you better control over it, but at the same time may be giving up a significant differentiating advantage.  Carrying the broadest range of parts makes you one-stop shopping.  If going pre-built, pre-configured, you're probably going to be beat on price, but if going customized, having more choice means people load up their machines with their desired parts rather than getting barebones from you and then running to NewEgg (also the barebones market is pretty competitive too and particularly cut-throat on price).  Personally, I'd keep the options open, but strongly recommend certain items either expressly (with an explanation why) or a stock meter or a price or production-time guarantee (to guide people towards certain parts).
• More Add-ons - Unless offering value packages, a substantial price advantage, or some sort of additional service, I think people are generally picky about their peripherals and it will be hard to compete here.
• Pre-Built - Has a lot of great advantages of making your assembly, supply, and support more streamlined and routine, but for that same reason this arena is highly competitive.  But that's a double-edged sword because for the effort it saves you, in a sense, the buyer is losing that personal service for their cookie-cutter machine (arguably more reliable, but less attention per machine) which makes it hard not to contemplate something like a Dell (gasp!).  I think the best way to get the advantage of the pre-built system while taking advantage of your- relative- small size is to tie yourself to one or more well-known hardware forums.  Inevitably there will be a thread that says something like "The best PC for $X right now!" which forum regulars and newbies just researching will want, practically part for part.  I'd suggest making a limited run based on those forum specs, with competitive pricing, that last 3-4 months.  This allows your value/power machine to be up-to-date based on the latest tech and market/pricing trends, AND allows you to outsource your marketing and tech support to the forum... essentially, "This build is X Forum endorsed... they explain why this build is good [value] and will help you keep it running to keep their reputation as an authority up."  This makes the buyer feel like he's making the decisions based on his education from the forum, not like he's being stuck with a pre-configured machine.  Being up on the latest trends and prices will give you a timing advantage over the value systems from Dell, because they may have good components for low prices, but you can offer the best components for a good price... and there's always going to be those who'd rather have the latter.