opening an independent store

Hi all,

Been lurking for a couple of days.. great forum.

I am thinking about opening a small independent store selling multiple carriers - pre and post paid. Currently have a nice business selling as a sub agent for a master dealer that does not supply retail stores. Two main reasons for opening a store and stocking phones is that the physical location tends to add some credibility and being able to get phones into customer's hands quicker.

I will probably continue to focus on business accounts and be more data-centric than voice with various applications and other data solutions to differentiate myself from other stores.

Questions for anyone here who runs a store:
1. How do I find a good master dealer in New England? Been searching and have found some but recommendations and experience are better than clicking on search results.
2. What POS systems do you guys recommend? I have found a couple and ideally the POS system would be integrated with the carrier or master dealer's systems
3. Does anyone here own a franchise and what is the general feeling about franchise vs. independent.

thanks!

 

Thanks -- do you use this system? what made you select this one over some of the others out there?