How to Start a Cell Phone Store

Interested in owning and operating a cell phone store? It may sound difficult or impossible if you don’t know how.

Turn to our guide on how to become a retailer of cellular communication units. We will walk you through the basic process of getting started in this line of business.

Major cellular phone companies sell products directly to customers. But they also authorize dealers to do retails of phones. With the popularity of mobile phones nowadays, a store selling cellular units is one nice business you can start. Here are the steps that you can do to pursue that plan:

  • Get a strong background in marketing and sales. The phone business relies heavily on extensive marketing to succeed. You would need experience in that field if you want to apply as an indirect dealer or sub-dealer.
  • Look for a master dealer nearest to you where you can apply as a sub-dealer. Major telecommunication companies designate master dealers to deal with sub-dealers so that they can concentrate on their core business. For everything you need, you would have to deal with the master dealer.
  • Make a well-researched and well-prepared business plan. You will need a strong business plan when applying to become a sub-dealer. Master dealers have to keep sales volume up so they’d logically sign up only those who can perform well and help their business grow. To know your potential, a master dealer will look into your business plan. When making a business plan, include specific location for the store, and be specific about targets and plan of action. It would even be best if you can specify a niche market to target. This market could be the underserved portion of some population or be a specific group of people. Your ability to bring them new customers is your best point when applying to affiliate with a master dealer.
  • Submit all the necessary requirements and wait for the approval of your application.

As a cell phone retailer, you can make money by - activating post paid accounts, extending contracts, adding features to existing phone plans, activating prepaid phones, selling recharge cards, and selling cell phone accessories. For the first three, you will be paid a commission for every transaction you close. You will be required to meet a certain number of sales per month. For doing prepaid activations, you will earn for the markup you will put on the items you sell. Later, if you meet a certain number of transactions per month, you can become a master dealer yourself.

You can also become a wholesale distributor. Verizon offers that opportunity. The requirements include hitting a minimum number of subscribers for a certain period, and availability of back office support. For more specific information on the requirements and process, visit www.americanwireless.com/verizon.html

 

15 Comments

  • ron browne said on September 16, 2010
    well I am a young boy just trying to earn interest so i can start a phone business to earn some money over the past years
  • Anne Lee said on October 10, 2010
    how to start a cell phone store in San Miguel de Salinas, Alicante, Spain
  • Janice Anderson said on January 19, 2011
    I would like to start up a cell phone business, in st. Matthews, SC
  • phillip ledwaba said on January 21, 2011
    i like to start a cell phone store, i need someone help me with business plan and how to start, where in the world i can find a good stock. i'm in south africa,pretoria,gauteng.
  • Dilip said on December 13, 2011
    Hi, I have very less finance to start a cell phone shop so please let me know how can i start with a minimum investment.
  • Brandon said on May 28, 2012
    Indianapolis, IN. I am just curious on the average initial investment to become a sub agent for Verizon Wireless.
  • George Malefane said on September 18, 2013
    Any ideas how I start selling cellphones only for now in South Africa?
  • SANJIB HAZRS said on September 19, 2013
    I start new mobile sales & service. please help. Location- garia, kolkata-84
  • Rose Wilbraham said on January 27, 2014
    I would like to start my own business of selling cellphones and accessories but i dont have much money. I would love to start it in durban bluff. Please help
  • Elias Mokhua said on August 3, 2014
    i am Elias Mokhua I wanna start a new Cellphones business I stay at Thaba Nchu Free State, so if there is anyone would be interested to guide me could he/she call me on: 060 483 5361 I would be pleased to get answer so soon thanks.
  • Subhasish said on February 6, 2015
    Hi I want to start a new mobile shop business in Kolkata...plz inform me the procedure....
  • Grace Nkomo said on June 17, 2015
    Hi I am a lady who works a simple job in gauteng I am interested in selling cellphones in Zimbabwe as I am a Zimbabwean can you help me how can I start and how much I need to start the business
  • Mark Nordin said on August 25, 2015
    I would like information on starting up a dealer location for all Canadian cellular companies in Fernie, BC
  • rizwan said on January 8, 2016
    Hi i want to start a new general store business in Lucknow.please inform me the procedure.
  • Usman said on May 6, 2016
    we are wholesale based company located in Houston, texas USA . EMAIL US if you need any cell phones to Justgetwireless@gmail.com

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