Local telecom equipment supplier

Local phone and network installers, IT support firms, office managers, contractors and smaller resellers.

Margin on equipment sold, with repeat trade accounts and bundled kits, plus delivery fees or setup and pre-configuration services.

• Product knowledge of phones and networking
• Inventory management
• Building trade relationships
• Pricing and negotiating with distributors

• Stock ties up cash, so start with fast-moving items and check distributor return policies
• Check zoning and your lease for a business with customer pickups and deliveries
• Check your city or county for a local business license and your state for sales tax and resale certificate rules
• General liability and property or inventory insurance, plus commercial auto if you deliver
• Check brand authorization requirements and keep warranty and return handling clear

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the size of your unit, how much stock you carry and whether you offer local delivery.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your stock range, local installer relationships and pricing. This is revenue before stock costs, rent and other expenses.

Check zoning and your lease for customer pickups and deliveries, your city or county business license, and state sales tax and resale certificate rules. Also check brand authorization, distributor return policies and insurance, including commercial auto if you deliver.