What is IT reseller and How to become IT reseller?
IT resellers are our main customers. My company VARStreet has automated core processes of various IT resellers and boost their revenue. If you are planning to become an IT reseller, read my blog given below. It elaborates steps required to set up IT reseller business.
The reseller business is thriving, all thanks to the rising customized requirements of clients. IT resellers are no exception. There are a lot of opportunities in the market to succeed as an IT reseller. One needs to possess sound knowledge regarding the same. In this article, we will look at some of such aspects.
What is IT Reseller?
IT reseller can be termed as an intermediate entity in the overall distribution channel. They are involved in the purchasing of software, hardware or any other services from a manufacturer or any other entity, including wholesaler and distributor and then they sell these purchased goods and services to the consumer.
IT resellers can be of two types depending on the mode of their operations. They can be resellers who buy and sell the product without making a difference in the product. The other category is of value-added resellers, commonly known as VARs. As the name suggests, Value Added Resellers purchase an existing product, customize and configure it to suit the requirements of clients and then finally sell it to the client.
This enhanced value added by a value added reseller can take up many forms. The final solution given to the customer is often a turnkey solution. In many instances, such turnkey solutions are sold to a niche industry vertical.
Marketing Opportunities for IT resellers
The growth in overall online sales has created a great opportunity for IT resellers. Web presence has revolutionized the whole buying process, and the entire consumer buying pattern has undergone a phenomenal shift. IT resellers are now using inbound marketing tactics to address and guide customers at each step of the buying process and that too in real-time. IT also helps tech sellers to get identified online easily by potential buyers.
Cloud computing and the offering of software as a service also presents great marketing opportunities for companies. Companies are trying to get techno-savvy to increase their competitive edge in the market and hence are constantly looking for innovative solutions to address their impediments. IT resellers can sell customized packages to such companies and thus, can increase their ROI.
The growth of content marketing and the response and lead generation that this type of marketing generates is phenomenal. IT resellers can greatly benefit from using content marketing. They can create intuitive, informative and eye capturing content that can address a client’s needs and can provide a solution to him. Blogs, articles, research papers, etc. are some of the tools that can be used in this effort. The bottom line of content marketing is that a reseller has to present himself as an authority in a particular subject matter in front of the clients. Proper deployment of advice and solution through content marketing should be taken care of for effective lead garnering.
How to Become IT reseller
Becoming an IT reseller entails many steps. Each step has to be given a thorough thought before embarking on this journey. Each and every step is particularly crucial to the success of the next step. If one has an interest in setting up of IT reseller business, here are a few steps to follow.
Step 1
The first and foremost step in starting an IT reseller business is to choose one’s niche. There are a wide range of options available in the market today to choose from. However one needs to choose an option which is not saturated and can find easy customers. Narrowing down of focus is particularly important in this step. Proper efforts should be spent on research for doing the same. Market trends, drives, potential prospects, the factors restraining the market growth, etc. all should be thoroughly studied in order to narrow down to a particular category.
Step 2
The state, local and national legislation make it mandatory to register a business. One has to thus register a business by following the prescribed rules, regulations and guidelines. These may vary from region to region, and one has to get properly acquainted with them to avoid future hassles. Most of the distributors demand registration prior to placing orders hence; this step is of particular importance.
Step 3
Website creation is probably the step that proves as a gateway to customers. Website structure should be unique, its content rich, informative and original and its features appealing and easy — to –use. The website should be up to date and should be in line with the style of functioning of the company. It should follow all the necessary SEO guidelines and should contain all the necessary keywords. In addition, it should have all the relevant information about the products, business model, as well as customer support among others.
Step 4
If you are into reselling of actual hardware products, you might consider the idea of establishing a storefront. This enables people to actually come and look at the products that you are reselling. IT increases the credibility and trust factor of the company. In addition, it is always advisable to have a one-to-one connect with customers, which can be easily facilitated by storefronts.
Step 5
The final step and the most important of all is to advertise your products. A business cannot sustain without a good advertising strategy. A lot of efforts need to be given for this step to ensure higher ROI and overall expansion of the business in the future. The tactics, strategies and initiatives undertaken for advertising depend on the product or service that you are offering. Advertising strategies should be such that they attract customers in spite of the harsh competition in the market. Efficient use of media channels such as print media, social media, etc. can be used to increase the impact of advertising.
IT reseller business can be a success if one finds out the right product to sell at the right time and that too at a right price The demand for convenience is growing and with it, it is anticipated that the demand for IT reseller business opportunities will grow as well.
