What is involved in becoming an Apple reseller? How do you get stock, etc? Is there a set of rules, or a system in place to help resellers set up, or are you on your own once you get stock?

Just thinking out loud......

On a related topic, if you are setting up a shop of some kind (not necessarily Apple), how do you get stock for it? Do you try to find a supplier and get them to supply you, or if you are importing/want to import, how do you start to import?

Deano

for a non apple --
cellnet is a big distrabutor. theres a few application forms and stuff, but well worth it. they have acess to jsut about everythign, a mate has a store set uop witht them.

http://www.cellnet.com.au/

not sure on an apple one, but i do know its expensive and requires 2 people, aone of wich who has current apple repair abilities...

I remember for Apple, they're pretty anal about where the store is, what sort of competition, etc. However it really seems to be loosening up these days, with a lot of white-box movers also stocking Macs (Scorptec, Landmark, City Software, Computer World). So perhaps now it's easier.

You need to buy your stock from 1 of 2 distributors, or if you're a Premium Reseller, you can get it direct from Apple. Margins aren't very good, you make your cash on accessories. Apple doesn't really give any help except some marketing material/demo content. If you want a demo machine for your store, you need to buy it yourself. This information is a bit old, but I don't think much has changed.

As a side note - oh man how cool would a MacTalk retail store be?

a mactalk franchise across australia that gaurenteed good service would be better...

If you are serious Aussiedeano, you would be better off contacting the Apple BDM in your state (I'm guessing there would probably be more than one in Victoria). That way you can find out the exact ins and outs that entails being a reseller, and what Apple will require from you.

If you have a good business model in mind and are focusing on an area that is not already covered by another reseller, they are usually keen to get you on board.

PM if you want to know more.

Cool. Thanks. I was just mulling over what our part of the world needed, and an Apple store would be just the thing. But, considering my background is medical, and the only real Apple experience I have is owning one laptop, I highly doubt Apple would back me. But I would love to own an Apple store! How cool would that be to go to work at your own Apple store!? My own Genius Bar, a million iPods blinking in the windows.....it would be....like my own, private Nirvana......akin to Homer owning a donut shaped head.....that he could eat at his leisure......

Get ready for a constant headache, and to get creamed by Apple in a years time. The fact that you even consider it proves you as a madman.

I am a madman.......just a pipedream though.....it sometimes pays to have mad dreams...or desires...

I think not being an Apple nerd is a plus. There is an opportunity to make some money (otherwise there would be no stores!), but I think you need to find a niche. Apple will be more receptive if you can fill a niche, rather than being another retail outlet.

eg. with your medical background, if you can some way get macs into GP surgeries or similar areas, then Apple will sit up and take notice. If its just another retail outlet, then you have to provide some big reasons why your store will survive against the competition, such as Dick Smiths.