How to become a reseller?

I have a possible deal coming up, 50 computers for a school, profit looks to be about $12k right now...but I'd like to increase that if I can buy straight from the factory. The only problem is I have no freakin clue how to do that. I know you have to become a reseller for that company (looking at AMD and PCchips right now). But I have no idea what to do, the programs they offer are so cryptic, they don't really explain them at all. So if anyone can shed some light on this that'd be great, thanks much.

Contact the manufacturer in question and they have programs already set up to be a reseller. However many of them have strict requirements, small profit margins, and are a major pain in the butt except that you can advertise you are an official blah blah blah reseller in your ads.

If you are talking about computer components then you should be able to buy in bulk and get in on some tier level of their reseller programs. My friend used to own his own computer shop and he was an authorized AMD reseller...and actually made more money buying the chips from AMD and then wholeselling them to other computer stores. Not much money in the retail side of things so he went wholesale and really made quite a bit of money at it.

There should be programs available for you to join, invest in, etc., for each of the manufacturers you are inquiring about. Check their websites or contact them via phone or email.

Howdy,
Try focusing of service rather than profit, you'll find in the long run your profits will be there and your customers will keep coming back.

M.R.

But service in itself does not produce profits. Service is extremely important...but it is not always a good idea to become an authorized such and such in the computer industry. Speaking from firsthand experience having owned a business and a friend that owned a computer shop...wholesale is it.

I would just go ahead with your current plan of attack and not worry about maximizing profit on this account yet. That can be done later...right now just secure the account.

ok thanks for the advice bubba,

I might have another job opportunity coming up as a network consultant for the place one of my friends parents works. And I hear they're looking for computers too, and If I build some for them I won't need a business license (because I'd be employed by them) and that gives me the money to get one when I need it. Thanks guys, I decided not to get a resellers because it's too expensive (and a gamble) for most big companies, I did find some right from factory dealers though to help with lowering my cost per unit.