Wholesale Computers
Computers,
computer parts,
and accessories
are common items
for online
businesses. This
is an extremely
competitive
market,
dominated by
large
discounters.
Finding quality
wholesale
computer
suppliers with
prices that let
the seller
compete is
extremely
difficult. The
majority of
suppliers for
wholesale
computers fall
into one of
three
categories,
drop-shippers/small
bulk suppliers,
re-manufactured
and liquidators,
and bulk
wholesale
suppliers.
Drop shippers
usually have a
selection of
computers and
components as
part of their
product line up.
The challenge
with drop
shippers is
finding products
to sell for a
profit. Often
the prices from
these
wholesalers are
only marginally
below the prices
from discount
retailers. To
utilize these
effectively
means looking
through their
inventory to
find in demand
items which can
fetch a premium
price. These are
few, but
available
through quality
drop shippers.
As an
alternative,
focus on high
volume sales,
which will
require less
margin to make
money. Drop
shippers are a
common entry
point into the
wholesale
computer market,
but eventually
most successful
sellers look
into more
profitable
alternatives.
Computer
liquidators come
in two
varieties, those
who buy bulk
overstock and
bulk used
equipment, and
those who buy
refurbished
return
merchandise in
bulk. Both types
types of
wholesalers have
advantages, as
well as added
risks. One
advantage is
that often the
products are
available in
small
quantities, and
even individual
units, at prices
much lower than
with drop
shippers, often
comparable to
true
wholesalers. The
difficulty is
the wide variety
and quality of
merchandise.
Some sellers
document their
items
accurately, and
provide adequate
information on
the condition of
the merchandise.
Others simply
provide a
picture or two.
Buyers should be
very cautious,
and the
reputation of
the wholesaler
becomes
critical. In
addition, buyers
must be
knowledgeable
about the
market. While an
item is popular,
even refurbished
items sell well.
As the product
ages, some
become more
difficult to
market, and a
prospective
seller must be
able to tell the
difference.
Unlike with drop
shippers, the
items must be
purchased in
advance of
selling the
item, adding to
the risks for
the seller, but
increasing the
potential
profit.
True wholesalers
for computers
are hard to
find. Large
wholesalers tend
to have either
poor pricing, or
require very
large purchases.
Smaller ones
have less of a
reputation, and
are often choosy
about their
customers.
Almost all
require a valid
reseller
license, and
most require a
significant
individual
purchase.
Quality
wholesalers
provide the best
price, and thus
the best profit
margins for the
wholesale
computer market