How to Become a Cellular Phone Dealer

Cell phones are becoming a necessity.

Cell phones are becoming a necessity for many who are switching from a land line to a cell phone as their primary line. The cell phone industry is continually growing and changing. People are able to browse the Internet, view movies, listen to Internet radio, listen to mp3's, keep track of their schedule, get email, update their blogs, update Facebook, and much more on their cell phones. As a cell phone dealer, you will troubleshoot, give tutorials, and educate customers on the range of features offered in cell phones.

Things You'll Need

• Business plan
• Resume
• List of references
• Financing
• Retail store
• Business checking account
• Land line
• Fax Machine

Instructions

Apply to Become a Dealer

1. 

   Choose the carrier that serves your area the best.

   Choose the carrier you want to become a dealer for. There's T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and local carriers like I-Wireless, an Iowa based carrier. With Sprint, you will also have access to Nextel, Boost, and Virgin Mobile.

2. 

   Make a checklist of requirements to stay organized.

   Find out the carrier's requirements. There may be a maximum number of dealers allowed based on the population in your area, sales quota's, and a minimum investment. You may find that some cities don't have enough population to qualify for a dealership.

3. Fill out an online application or inquiry to become a dealer. Have your resume, references, and three-year business plan ready to upload in case it's required.

4. Call the corporate office, customer service, or check the carrier's website to find out the Marketing or Dealer Representative's phone number and email address.

5. If you haven't heard back within a week or two, email the Marketing Representative for an update on your application. In the body of your email, give the rep your credentials, let the rep know you're interested in becoming a dealer, that you've already applied online, and which locations your'e interested in.

Signing the Dealer Agreement

1. Read the agreement or contract thoroughly. Your commission rate, co-op amounts, and any fees will be in the contract.

2. Make a list of anything you don't understand and don't be afraid to ask your dealer representative any questions. A misunderstanding can cause you time and money.

3. Get your voided check ready to fax in with your dealer contract. If you take in-store payments for post-paid and pre-paid accounts, the amount you took in is usually autodrafted weekly.

Tips & Warnings

• 1. Prime locations are downtown near restaurants, in a shopping center or mall, on a busy road or highway near a shopping center, in a grocery store, or inside a larger retail store like Walmart.

• 2. A local carrier may get better service in rural areas.

• 3. If the financial requirements are to high for you to become a dealer, try becoming a sub-dealer for another dealer outside your area.

• 4. Make sure your business insurance covers the cell phones you have in stock.

• 5. Get an alarm system.

• There may be chargebacks in commission for contract cancellations within a certain time period set by the cell phone carrier.

References

• "T-Mobile": Become a retailer with T-Mobile.
• "Sprint": Become a dealer with Sprint.
• "AT&T": Become a local dealer with AT&T.
• "Verizon": Become a retailer with Verizon.

Resources

• "GSM World": GSM coverage around the world.