How to buy hardware in bulk
 

Recently, I've been thinking of opening some type of small electronics shop. I've come into some money left to me to 'make something of myself', so I thought I'd invest it in something I'd enjoy. Well, silly, idealistic me, I forgot I had no idea where to start. I've been coming along lately, but have been treating this as more of an investment experience, rather than a financial dream. There are just a few things I've been looking for online and hope the members of TFP can help. A fundamental problem I've been wondering about has been supply. Where exactly can I find good hardware in bulk? Where should I start looking? Do I call the manufacturers themselves? I don't want to rush into this with 1000 DVD players and a couple hundred TVs. I'm thinking sub-100 videogame consoles, a couple high-end pieces of computer equipment...you know just to test the water; if anyone can push me in the right direction, I'd really appreciate it.


Thanks in advance

Well, first you'll need to get a business license (I'm sure you know that, though). Then, I'd recommend asking local businesses in the same venue as yours how they got started, what suppliers they use or can recommend, etc.

Beyond that, not too sure what you need to do.

go to www.pricewatch.com and click on 'volume pricing' up at the top.

that's about all i know

I've researched business licences, location, advertising, and all the legal/technical things, but I just wanted to see where I could get the goods, so to speak. I was hoping someone here ran in those bulk-hardware circles, should they exist.

I'll ask around at work tomorrow, as I know a few of the guys had given serious thought to starting up a computer shop and may know more information.

depending on the types of things you either buy from a wholesale distributor with price points for various quantiities, or you buy directly from the manufacturer.

Most electronics though are bought directly from the OEMs but in quantity, if you can't do that , contact their resllers or wholesaler, most companies list resellers etc on their homepages, or just email their corporate sales dept.

i dont know the validity of it but people on ebay promise to be able to connect you to wholesaler lists and what not.

As far as computer stuff goes, you might check out www.ingrammicro.com . Not sure how good they are on price, but they are supposedly one of the biggest wholesalers. They distribute for almost every computer related company.

Ingram, D&H, Gates/Arrow, TechData, Seneca Data, Bell Microproducts, Great Lakes Electronics, these are all wholesalers/distributors in PCs peripherals and components.
The first four are huge; you'll get more personal attention at one of the others...