Online telecom equipment reseller

Small offices, local IT and phone installers, property managers and smaller telecom resellers.

You earn the margin between distributor price and your selling price, plus add-ons like configuration help or extended support plans.

• Knowing phone and network products
• Sourcing and comparing suppliers
• Customer service and quoting
• Basic online store management

• Distributors may require proof of a business, a resale certificate or minimum orders, so check each one
• Register for a state sales tax permit and check how resale certificates work in your state
• Check whether brands restrict online selling or require authorized reseller status
• Equipment sold for radio or wireless use may need to meet FCC rules, so buy only from authorized sources
• General liability insurance and a clear returns and warranty policy

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on your online store setup, any opening stock and the distributors you sign up with.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $8,000, depending on your product range, pricing and how many offices and installers you reach. This is revenue before product costs and other expenses.

Check each distributor's requirements, such as proof of business, resale certificates or minimum orders, plus your state sales tax permit. Also check brand restrictions on online selling, FCC rules for wireless gear, insurance and your returns policy.