Getting into the Wireless Industry...any first step suggestions?

[cade2000]

I've been able to come across a few similar posts but not all my questions were answered. If they were repeated, i do apologize and hopefully I can get directed to the post I may have missed.

I've always had an interest in technology and wireless communications but until now didn't decide to step into the business. I got hung up in the glorious world of mortgages (COUGH!). What I have noticed were some examples of Ebay selling contract phones, some without having a physical store and really doing it from home. I would like to start by doing something kind of similar, maybe create a website through a master dealer, or market a website somehow and/or possibly work in the Business to Business aspects. I've been a big fan of Sprint and T-mobile over the years and Helio seemed like a potential that really needs to get out to the public more.

My issue is, I haven't had to work for anyone in years and I desire to be in control of my own income, but is that asking too much not to start off at store? Or would that be more advisable? I've heard of one company called Venicom, also aka as ushopwireless, and I found them to be legit and a strong T Mobile partner for some time, even has excellent competitive prices on their phones, but I read a few complaints on the BBB and another site regarding frequent declining of rebates. I don't want to ruin my name since I believe strongly in good customer service and superior competitively priced products.

Any suggestions on where or how to start?

[fonboy]

Don't do it! Stay away from wireless!

I have been doing some form of wireless for 18 years! From retail to wholesale and carrier sales. Love the money, hate the industry!

Doing business on the internet is very risky. There is a great deal of fraud going on. Remember, the consumer is looking for the "free" or "cheap" phone. YOU as the agent need to subsidize the cost of the hardware to the consumer in return for that customer to keep his service in good standing (i.e. pay the bill!). Most people do not realize that I sell a RAZR phone for $120.00 wholesale, but the reatil price is most of the time FREE! You need to buy the phone, activate it for the customer, GIVE them the phone, and then wait for the carrier to pay you a commission. If you are not doing this business face-to-face, you have no idea of whom you are dealing with! Look at InPhonic or WireFly, neither of these companies make money! be careful!

The B2B idea is good if you are a hustler. Lots of companies need personalized service. Find a "master agent" in your area...they can get you set up and give you the support you will need to get started.

Where are you at?

[cade2000]

Wow, thanks for that info! I'm back and forth between Orlando, FL and Charleston, SC. (Imagine my gas bill for the car). I actually got extremely busy for a few weeks there so your reply came at some perfect timing. That is actually what I was looking at was what you mentioned, a "master-dealer" which is what Venicom is for T-mobile, so nothing comes out of my pocket except advertising, the traveling, etc. I was trying to find other companies like it. I used to have T-mobile but they started going really low the past year with their service, I don't like ATT's plans nor Verizon's, and even though I'm not too keen with Sprint, they had the best unlimited plan. I lasted 4 months with Alltel before I got sick of the dropped calls and lack of coverage for being "the nation's largest network". What did you have in mind when you asked for my location.

[fonboy]

Gas here in Cali is only $4.19 a gallon ...and I can see the refinery!

Even going through a master agent, you will still have to buy the phones and wait for the commission! Typically you are paid the commission towards the end of the following month (which means you can tie up your money for up to 50-60 days!)....AND if your customer does not pay their bill or disconnects service ...YOU will have to pay your commission back to the master!...AND you need to charge the customer for the phone or get the USED hardware back. Besides having the carrier contract, you need to have a secondary contract to insure the phone!

Going through a master agent will make you "non-exclusive", meaning you can sell whatever carrier you like. You had mentioned some carriers, likes and dislikes. Remember, you can't be everything, to everyone, all the time! Sell as many carriers as you can! If you have T-Mobile only, and the customer that just signed up does not have service at their house, they will disconnect and be forced to go to someone other than you for a different carrier! Every carrier has their advantages...exploit them! In my opinion, Verizon has the best network nationwide. I have AT$T because it works for me. Verizon does not roam in Cabo! ...nor does it roam into Europe, unless you get their GSM loaner phone!...but they have a great network here!

I asked for you location to see if I could help you with a master agent. I know them all in Cali, but not much where you are at. Go to a store that sells all the different carriers and see if they will tell you whom they do their acts through ...most won't tell...but cannot hurt to try! You can always work as an outside rep for a store that sells it all. They may beable to pass through all the commissions except for $25-$40, which may be more than what you would be paid, as the more numbers you do the higher the commission can be!

Have I helped you?

[cade2000]

Originally Posted by fonboy

Gas here in Cali is only $4.19 a gallon ...and I can see the refinery!

Even going through a master agent, you will still have to buy the phones and wait for the commission! Typically you are paid the commission towards the end of the following month (which means you can tie up your money for up to 50-60 days!)....AND if your customer does not pay their bill or disconnects service ...YOU will have to pay your commission back to the master!...AND you need to charge the customer for the phone or get the USED hardware back. Besides having the carrier contract, you need to have a secondary contract to insure the phone!

Going through a master agent will make you "non-exclusive", meaning you can sell whatever carrier you like. You had mentioned some carriers, likes and dislikes. Remember, you can't be everything, to everyone, all the time! Sell as many carriers as you can! If you have T-Mobile only, and the customer that just signed up does not have service at their house, they will disconnect and be forced to go to someone other than you for a different carrier! Every carrier has their advantages...exploit them! In my opinion, Verizon has the best network nationwide. I have AT$T because it works for me. Verizon does not roam in Cabo! ...nor does it roam into Europe, unless you get their GSM loaner phone!...but they have a great network here!

I asked for you location to see if I could help you with a master agent. I know them all in Cali, but not much where you are at. Go to a store that sells all the different carriers and see if they will tell you whom they do their acts through ...most won't tell...but cannot hurt to try! You can always work as an outside rep for a store that sells it all. They may beable to pass through all the commissions except for $25-$40, which may be more than what you would be paid, as the more numbers you do the higher the commission can be!

Have I helped you?

Definitely! Oh wow, over $4? I only pay 3.78 in Charleston, 3.85 in Orlando....but then again, I have to pay for premium so i pay about an even 4. No but definitely helped, i dont know how to thank someone on this forum, but thanks! I'm taking all that in consideration and search for a multi-carrier master agent. I understand there are risks, as it is with ANY business. I was in mortgages when it was on a roll and it just dumped, same with the realtors who i knew some that ended up at WalMart. At the very least, I'm still going to consider wireless, but only as a supplemental income to whatever business I decide to fully get into. Shoot me a private message:

[khanco]

Hi,

I don't know if you already had your questions answered and found a "master dealer," but I work for a T-mobile premier dealer that could probably help you out. Let me know if you're still interested.

Thanks,
Cameron

[jumper69]

Would you be able to help me in Florida getting set up with T mobile?