Very seriously about becoming a retailer...

[40_oz]

Ok, so im about 100% sure I want to become a retailer. Ive installed cable, dtv and now dish for the past 2 years as a contractor. I know quite a bit about the problems/prices that dish has to offer, but Id like to hear from some of you who have been there, done that.
I realize that dnsc installs are hurting many retailers, however in my particular area(wisconsin)dish does not do any sales. About 60 miles south of here is where the whole SBC/Dish thing is everywhere(Right now I actually do fullfilment work a LOT more than local)
Im sure there are many more insightful tips I can get from some of you, but here are some questions I can think of off the top of my head:

What dish pays for retail sales(I know the fullfillment prices, but want to prioritize local sales--I am in a SD-121 market)

how long does it take to get paid?--ive heard very conflicting reports

how long for equipment credits for fullfillment--again, very conflicting

How dificult is it to gain a retail contract/lisc? It looks like they give it to anyone..

What are some do/donts for a startup retailer?

What can i expect to be big problems?

do's/donts?

and of course...how much startup $$ would be sufficient to keep the boat afloat in the beginning if you had to do it over again?


Thanks for your time and I realize some people may not feel comfortable answering some of my questions in the forum..feel free to email me:

sfoth@sbcglobal.net


your help is greatly appreciated!

[40_oz]

oh yes, and do you think it would be worthwhile doing fullfllment work as a steady source of income(despite the headaches) on top of retail sales? if so..right away or wait off on that for a while?
and are there better forums for questions of this sort? I havent found much about it here..just technical aspects that Im quite familiar with

[Scott Greczkowski]

Please check out the "So you wanna be a retailer" forum at
http://www.dishretailer.com

[40_oz]

haha, already saw that one

[SimpleSimon]

haha, already saw that one

Yeah, but that's the right place for this type of question.

No reputable retailer is going to give you the answers you want in a public forum.

[James Long]

Please check out the "So you wanna be a retailer" forum at
http://www.dishretailer.com

Four threads, no waiting.

JL

[40_oz]

Yeah, but that's the right place for this type of question.

No reputable retailer is going to give you the answers you want in a public forum.

Thats why I gave my email addy..just hoping for a little real advice. Its always good to hear the negatives before getting into a new business venture and I thought it may be easier to get info from someone who is not in my local area and going to be a competitor.

[SummitAdvantageRetailer]

Just know that when you step into sales, you have to be prepared for chargebacks when customers cancel. You'll need a few admins at least for paperwork. Many of the retailers that last in the business are the ones with deeper pockets than other type of retail work. No one can tell you the finances of operation on a public forum so you'd want to register on that site for further info.

Some of the do's would actually be to work FOR a retailer in the office. Then you can see the in's and out's. Training and having good installers consistently is also key. But that's about all I can disclose specifically here. If you have other general questions that can be answered, just reply back here.

[40_oz]

Thanks for the advice...I do know about the chargebacks and have seen the frustration, but never had to deal with them myself yet.
Getting good installers would not be a problem for me. I know all the local installers worth knowing and have helped them on jobs/seen their work quite a bit. Quite a few got turned away from dish installs because of the driving and my plan is to concentrate more on local sales. Its a whole lot easier to keep the customer and techs happy...turnaround of both can lead to big problems.
I would like to get more ifo specifically from Dishnet, but it seems they do not want to disclose anything until after you jump on board. I really do not want to open a storefront before Im able to see more specific numbers. It just doesn't make sense to get a lease, then find out it is no longer a worthwhile venture.

I know its a lot of work and strees from chargebacks and waiting to get paid, but is it still a realistic goal?
I am thinking about doing small security systems/video surveilence as well, but want to stick to what I know best at least for the first year..which would be relying 100% on dish.

[PhillyOTA]

Whatever you do, make sure you have a VIABLE business plan and stick to it.

I don't believe you can have a successful business plan by selling Dish/Direct as your only business, at least not starting now.

Do you have a local small business association where you live? They can give great advice about starting a business.

Eddie