Is it Illegal to purchase a computer from one business and sell it to a customer?

Question

I own a computer business and always have customers that need a new computer. Instead of referring them to specific computer sites, can i just purchase the computer, mark it up a few bux and sell it to the customer? If i can, can i in most cases pay for the item and have it shipped to a different name and address? Thanks!!

Answer 1

Why would it? There is a sucker born everyday. If somebody wants to buy a computer from you for a more expensive price then thats their fault. People buy stuff from companies all the time and sell them to other people for a profit. Look at car dealerships. They buy cars from the factory, mark them up, then re-sell them. You may have to get a business liscence tho.

Answer 2

I don't know that this would be illegal, but it could create warranty problems for the customer who purchased it from you.

If you're interested in doing this type of thing, you should try to become an authorized reseller for one of the computer companies. That way you're going to get computers at wholesale prices and you'll be able to mark them up to a competitive price. If you purchase an off the shelf model from a major retailer, you're going to be marking up from the retail price and it won't be very difficult for the customer to figure out they could have saved some money by going to the first company themselves.

I guess the exception would be if you've been hired to help someone resolve a computer problem and part of that resolution involves buying a new computer. In this case I think you would be ok to buy the computer from another retailer. But rather than marking it up, you should make your profit from the labor you put into the situation.

Answer 3

It's not illegal at all. In fact, some computer companies will ship their computer directly to your customer, and put your info in the shipping info instead of theirs. Try to find a computer company that has an affiliate program already set up. Then, they'll usually give you a 10%-20% discount because you are a computer business trying to sell their computers.

Answer 4

What is the difference between buying it from a wholesaler or another retailer? If you can make a profit, it is what you are in business for. On the other hand, wouldn't a referral help build customer satisfaction and loyalty? As a business owner, it is up to you to decide between the two.

Answer 5

You would need a resell license if you were planning on doing it regularly, but with a resell license you would be able to purchase them at wholesale prices. I'm pretty sure it's harmless if you do it occasionally, of course laws differ between states.

Answer 6

sure why not? You can do it for some extra bucks wont matter. But if you want to make millions from this. Might as do it legally so you can get the parts at wholesale price and maximize profits.

Answer 7

it's called retail business

buy from the wholesaler - sell to the public

must register with your county/parish and/or state
to get a license to collect taxes

entrepreneur comes to mind

good luck

Answer 8

No, it is not illegal. How do you think the supermarket gets the stuff they sell? They don't make it. They buy it and resell it to you. It's called business.

Answer 9

of direction that is unlawful to sell AIDS virus. while uncertain ask the CDC ( midsection for disease administration ) the CDC will clarify. that's the fast food classification, no longer organic and organic or wellness classification.

Answer 10

yes it is certainly illegal because stone cold said so