store to sell smartphone, tablets, etc (offline)

[michael.j2ee]

Hi there!
I am thinking to open a store to sell gadgets like smartphones and tablets, it's going to be a real store (offline) somewhere in a mall. I am thinking to buy some inexpensive unknown brands from alibaba

does anybody know what documents are needed? do I need to have any certification or any other documents for each phone/tablet that I sell?

are there any potentials hurdles with this idea?

Thank you

[Mike11]

I like the idea but as you know with any ideas there is always going to be a bump.

The pro and con is all in the "inexpensive unknown brands from Alibaba".

Pro: Inexpensive - people like inexpensive things, there wouldn't be a person in their right mind to tell you other wise

Con- Unknown brands from Alibaba-- Depending on your pricing; it might be worth the person money to add a few more dollars and get a product that is well known. Placing myself in the customer shoes; one of the few things that would come to mind would be: how fast issues would be solved, if I had a problem would the company back me, am I going to spend X amount of dollars only to have to replace it in a short duration. The would have me run to the well known more money product just for the peace of mind.

Other members can put there outlook on the idea but this would be my outlook right now. I have an idea regarding your idea but would like to think on it a bit more before telling you. I will come back shortly.

[michael.j2ee]

good point Mike, thank you.

my first concern is if I need any certificates or documents for each gadget that I sell?

[Mike11]

I would think you would have some documentation regarding the product you have. As for what specific documents; I am currently unsure of. I would do a search regarding this for you to see if I come up with anything.

[Broman]

I know the Kiosks your talking about, they sell mostly TPU cases right? When I see those stores I personally don't bother spending time there. Firstly, I see tons of cheap looking cases, having tons of the same thing isn't that great actually, studies show that if there's too much choice people don't buy anything (this is why Costco doesn't have too much choice). Also they try to sell $1 TPU cases for $20. Their cases are more fashion accessories and don't appeal to me as a guy. Don't get me wrong, I like pretty things, but a case has to be practical & functional too.

If I were to change anything about those stores, I'd have several styles of cases but less choice per phone, so you have cheap TPU, A hard plastic case, a premium protection case, and maybe a specialty case such as a waterproof case per phone. And probably only the newest/most popular phones out. I'd also sell specialty items, something that engages peoples interest. There's many interesting smartphone accessories out there. I'm also creating one that's new, good, yet unique, so show some love for us!

What could also work are display monitors that shows the customer what they can do with their product, more info on that product. It's just like what GoPro does, ever goto a store that sells them? They have a small monitor with their product that shows people what they can do with their GoPro, it shows how versatile it is. I actually wanted one because of what I saw on the video, until I saw the price tag. Though the GoPro is a proven camera it just looks cheap, it doesn't look like it's worth $200 for.

[Heisenberg]

The license thing depends on the brand (some don't allow resales) and country you live in, at least that's what I know.

There is a market for your idea but I wouldnt recommend to put a store full with cheap tablets/phones. Do some research and make a selection of the best. Then have showmodels in your stores, people like too feel the product and see how it works. Defiantly if it is from a unknown brand.

Also make sure you have enough accessories, also for the popular products as Apple which you don't sell. Make sure people see it when they enter/leave. You can make a good percentage profit on those accessories even when people don't buy their product at your place. Why? The original ones are mostly very expensive and not everyone knows where or how too buy the cheaper ones.

The thing you might want to check out is the warranty. What are you going to offer the customer and how?