Start Your Own Cell Phone Business | How to Start a Cellular Phone Business

It seems like everyone is looking for ways to start a business of their own. Many people are curious about how to start a cell phone business. The mobile phone industry is one business that always seems to flourish no matter where you're located.

A cell phone business can prove to be an incredibly profitable business. As long as you follow the correct steps to beginning your business, starting your own cell business will be much easier.

The ubiquity of cellular phones in the United States makes for a great business opportunity for an entrepreneur looking for a strong industry. Moreover, developing a website allows you to sell to customers the world over. "The Internet has no geographical boundaries and you can sell a cell phone to anybody anywhere in the U.S. where with a traditional business you are limited to your town or city," according to A Touch of Business website.

Instructions:

Step 1

Estimate startup costs, which include but are not limited to lease money, inventory, store fixtures such as display cases, equipment such as point of sale system and computers, legal registration fees, and hiring employees. Add up all expenses and prioritize each according to need. Use the Small Business Administration's loan programs to apply for a commercial business loan.

Step 2

Get vendor contracts. Contact cellular phone manufactures for the names and addresses of inventory supply vendors known as wholesalers. Phone each approved vendor and request a new mobile phone retailer catalog. Ask each vendor if it requires a minimum opening order or minimum replacement orders. Also inquire about getting a credit line, commonly called "terms" in the retail industry.

Step 3

Register your cellular phone business. Hire a lawyer or use an online legal documentation website, such as Legal Docs or Legal Zoom, to write your articles of incorporation. File your articles with the secretary of state and register your business' name with the state or county clerk. Apply for a federal Employer Identification Number with the IRS, commonly abbreviated as EIN or FEIN.

Step 4

Lease retail space. Lease retail space or kiosk space in a high-traffic area, preferably one with eateries and other retail stores nearby. Retail lease space is generally leased per square foot and most often requires the occupant to pay a small portion of the property taxes and building maintenance, called a "NNN" lease or "Triple N" lease.

Step 5

Publish a website. Create a website using software or an online website template builder, such as GoDaddy, Microsoft Live or Yahoo. Add an e-commerce interface to allow visitors to purchase mobile phones and accessories directly from your website. Run a spell and grammar check, and proofread all text before publication to the Internet.

Tip

• When you are trying to start any business, let alone wanting to know how to start a cell phone business, you need to know what truly goes into starting a business and making it run. You will need to check with your county clerk to find out what paperwork is required to be filed in order to open a new business. You will also need to apply for a tax ID or EIN number through the IRS (form SS4).

• Obtaining products - If you decide to become an authorized dealer, the cell phone company you use will help connect you with distributors. You will want to gather up as many products as you can afford to get started.

• For your cell business, you will need accessories such as headsets, chargers, and ear pieces, and of course phones. Contact other authorized cell phone dealers and see what you need to do to obtain contracts with the companies they provide services for.

• Location - When learning how to start a cell phone business, one of the most important aspects of having a successful business is having a great location. You want to make yourself known by opening up in a prominent part of the neighborhood where your store is easily accessible. If you don't have the required capital to open a storefront your next best option is the internet.

• Grants - Apply for as many grants and loans as you possibly can. The extra start-up money will help your business get off the ground in no time. The Government loves to assist entrepreneurs that are trying to make a difference in their lives. Go to your public library and grants.gov to find out about the different grant opportunities that are available for a start up business.

• If all else fails there is always the internet - If your having a difficult time figuring out how to start a cell phone business, maybe you need to re-evaluate the location of your business altogether. Many people turn to the internet as a means to start their business, and then slowly expand from there. It may be best for you to open up your cell phone business online first, that way there is no rent to worry about.

• In order to fully understand how to start a cell phone business you will need to thoroughly research everything from how to start a business to running a cell phone business. Be sure to read up on as much information as you can while you are here.

• As an alternative, consider purchasing a franchise agreement with an established cellular phone company, such as T Mobile or Metro PCS.

References

• How to Start a Cell Phone Business
• How to Start a Cellular Phone Business