Becoming a dealer?

Steve Clark · #1 05-10-2005, 05:28 PM

Mods move as necessary.

For those of you that are dealers of instruments and amps could you share how that works. PM is fine. Buying and selling instruments? Do you work out of a storefront or your home? How do you market yourself and so on? I have run a succesful franchise for 15 years and am interested on having a little musical instrument store as a sideline. Not necessarily a storefront. I am located in Canada so the interest would be in importing brands that are not currently available here.

Thanks in advance.

Steve

**embellisher** · #2 05-10-2005, 06:30 PM

I think that this would fit best in Miscellaneous.

DanGouge · #3 05-10-2005, 06:47 PM

Steve,

What sort of stuff do you want to import? (Any particular brands?)

Steve Clark · #4 05-11-2005, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanGouge

Steve,

What sort of stuff do you want to import? (Any particular brands?)

DanGouge,

That's a good question. There are plenty of great dealers in Canada already. What would you like to see in Canada that's not already here? If you could 'bass' that answer on two things: what you dream about and what you could realistically afford? PM me would be great.

Steve

Mike Dimin · #5 05-11-2005, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Clark

DanGouge,

That's a good question. There are plenty of great dealers in Canada already. What would you like to see in Canada that's not already here? If you could 'bass' that answer on two things: what you dream about and what you could realistically afford? PM me would be great.

Steve

You might want to start with the stuff you know. Sadowsky, EA, Bergie, etc. I think there is a market for each of these in Canada and not too much competition

Dimin

Steve Clark · #6 05-12-2005, 10:34 AM

Bump. Thanks Gard and Mike Dimin for the PM. Did you get my replies?

Steve

Hawkeye · #7 05-12-2005, 10:40 AM

+1 on EA. I've been interested in this brand but ever since Club Bass dumped it, nowhere to be found. I emailed EA last year and they said they were "working on it". So far nobody around GTA.

I don't see MTD around either.

bassturtle · #8 05-12-2005, 10:50 AM

Are you wondering what is required legally, or just from the wholesale companies?

Steve Clark · #9 05-12-2005, 10:57 AM

BassTurtle, the simple answer to that is both. I have a very basic understanding of what would be required by a manufacturer and that each would vary in what it would require.

The legal issues like shipping, cross border duties and so on are all things I will have to investigate. I have imported instruments for personal use but that's the limit of my experience.

Steve

Knavery · #10 05-12-2005, 12:02 PM

Can someone also email me on the first steps on becoming a dealer?

I'd like to know how much I need to get started etc. etc. I used to run a computer business and again have that itch to make some extra income on the side.

I'd appreciate any advice anyone one of you could give me.

Good post Steve!

Knavery

bassturtle · #11 05-12-2005, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Clark

BassTurtle, the simple answer to that is both. I have a very basic understanding of what would be required by a manufacturer and that each would vary in what it would require.

The legal issues like shipping, cross border duties and so on are all things I will have to investigate. I have imported instruments for personal use but that's the limit of my experience.

Steve

Yeah, I'm not gonna be any help at all on the cross-border shipping.

I have no idea what Canadian laws are, but I assume you'd have to get some kind of reseller/retail license, tax ID number, set up some kind of company (you might be able to even treat you existing business as an umbrella), etc. just like here in the states. Most manufacturers all want at least a tax ID number when filling out their applications.

It varies, but most companies will have a minimum opening order where they'll want you to order at least X amount either in quantity of the product or price. Some will even require you to keep a certain number of items on hand to maintain your dealership. Basically, they just want to make sure that their lines are being properly represented. However, if you're thinking about dealing smaller or more boutique items, this usually isn't an issue.

I own a store front, but the local Fodera dealer in town does it out of his house. It is definately doable

Feel free to post more questions.

Mike Dimin · #12 05-12-2005, 12:23 PM

One of the issues facing manufacturers at this time, is people opening internet or living room "dealers" and all they really want is to get a good price for their own gear. That really undermines the locally owned b&m guy who, at one time or another, we all need.

Mike

bassturtle · #13 05-12-2005, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Dimin

One of the issues facing manufacturers at this time, is people opening internet or living room "dealers" and all they really want is to get a good price for their own gear. That really undermines the locally owned b&m guy who, at one time or another, we all need.

Mike

Yerp

It's not really been an issue in my neck of the woods, but that's one of the reasons some companies will require some kind of minimum order. Even as a storefront guitar store owner, there have been lines that I've picked up just so I can have access to the stuff at cost. I mean, there's gotta be some perks, right?

Steve Clark · #14 05-14-2005, 09:31 AM

Thanks everyone. I'm enjoying finding out about the process. The mail/PM has been very helpful. Again, thanks Mike D and Gard.

Stinsok · #15 05-14-2005, 06:49 PM

Most gear companies want you to have a "brick and mortar" store before they will do business with you (been there.) If you are considering ordering stuff from overseas, please PM me. I can share my experiences with you.

Arikash · #16 05-14-2005, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassturtle

I mean, there's gotta be some perks, right?

A little employee discount never hurt anyone

xshawnxearthx · #17 05-15-2005, 10:38 AM

rule number one

never get high on your own supply....

wait you meant instrument dealer. sorry

Steve Clark · #18 05-16-2005, 06:33 AM

Now that's funny.

bassturtle · #19 05-16-2005, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xshawnxearthx

rule number one

never get high on your own supply....

wait you meant instrument dealer. sorry

MJ5150 · #20 05-16-2005, 11:11 AM

Have you identified a need for your potential store? Or, is the desire to have your own store come about so you can score good deals on gear for you and your friends? I ask that sincerely.

I had a high school buddy who opened a BMX shop right after we graduated just so he could hook everyone up with insane deals. He went bankrupt within a year.

-Mike