Ok, let's keep the sarcastic comments and jokes at a minimum. Figured I would get that out there right off the bat before I asked this question.

Say, for instance, you lived in a relatively large town, with a bunch of relatively small towns around you. Say the people living in these towns are pretty much "hicks" when it comes to computers, and you, you happen to have more then a passing knowledge of computers, and you also happen to subscribe to one of the most technological forums out there with all sorts of gurus lurking around offering up advice to people who ask questions. (well except for Bull & Pain)

Say you thought there might be an opportunity for a computer store to get up and running and take off? You have a friend who knows nothing about computers, but is loaded with money and business sense.

How does a person become a "re-seller" for computer parts? Like if this person who is opening up a store, how does he get components and stuff to stock his store w/o going to Google or Best Buy? In other words, how does one go about purchasing stuff directly from the manufacturer at "cost"?

What do you need to do to establish that sort of thing? Anyone have any ideas at all? Anything would be apprecieated.

Here are some linkage for re-seller programs with manufacturers....I think

AMD
ASUS
Lian Li
ATI
err...Microsoft really not sure

really just browse the sites of the respected manufacturers.

You get an account with a distributor of computer parts, such as Tech Data, so you can get your merchandise at wholesale prices. This will require credit checks and bank references, so it's not going to be the first thing you do.

Only the really big chains of stores buy directly from manufacturers, and not all manufacturers will sell directly to anyone. You can also check on manufacturers' web sites for a distributors page that shows companies close to you that you can buy from. Here is Thermaltake's distributors page as an example.

You and your friend (and a lawyer) need to sit down and put on paper the exact terms and conditions of what each of you will provide to the business. This is to protect both of you in case of ANY type of mishap or setback, especially one that has financial repercussions.

The partnership agreement (if you will indeed be partners) should also spell out exactly how all financial responsibilities are to be handled, included how any profits are going to be split. Realize that most new businesses lose money for at least the first year, and usually the first two, before they start to turn a profit. If your friend is as business-savvy as you imply, he will already be aware of this and plan accordingly.

You and he will also have to fill out paperwork (as a police officer I'm sure this will fall to you :wink: ) for such things as a business license, federal tax ID (so you can file your taxes for the business AND buy things without paying sales tax at the time of purchase), DBA (Doing Business As, you've probably seen hese notices in your local newspaper in the classified ad section), and any other legalities that are required in your area. Steve would be a good one to ask about this, especially since he's in the same state as you are, Coz.

ldonyo, that was a realy good responce. I couldn't have given better advice myself after years of business and a past failed partenership.

Thanks, Steve!

I've worked for some small places that resold goods, so I was able to pick up a thing or two. I also had a couple of business classes in college. :wink:

I really want to emphasize the legal aspects, just so Coz will have his ass covered in case things go south. If it's not on paper (and that paper has all the correct signatures) it didn't happen, especially when it comes to business agreements. :!:

Coz, I wish you good luck in your business venture, there are lots of good distributors out there as well, so shop around and compare prices.

Damn fine idea!!!

DISCOUNTED HARDWARE HERE WE COME :wink:

That was my exact thought.

Best of luck coz, if there is anything we can do to help you, you know you can count on it.

Make sure your friend is very trustworthy though, and both of you sign some kind of legal agreement so he can't just take off with any profits you make and run with the money.

That happened to my uncle, he hired untrustworthy people to help him with his nail pneumatics(sp) stores, and they robbed him blind and led to the downfall of his business.

Very few small computer stores are successfull, but if I had the backing I would try it in a heart beat. I know we dont see eye to eye often Coz, but if you do this I wish you much success.

Remember when I call for a discount on a vid card that I was behind ya all the way.