Hi all,

First of all, I wanted to mention what a great resource this site is.  Lots of great info here!

Myself and a couple of associates are looking to start a Custom A/V install company in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.  One of the issues we’re struggling with is what, if any, products we should deal with to start.  With internet shopping being so popular now, is there really any profit margin in selling speakers, equipment, etc?  I image there will be some clients that just want the installer to provide everything, and aren’t worried if there are cheaper options.  But I would guess that more and more clients are pretty internet savvy, and are able to source the same components at the same or lower prices than many CIs are able to offer. 

Also, assuming I do come up with a few brands I’d like to deal with, how do I go about setting myself up as a dealer?

Thanks for any and all responses!

Mike

This is the common starting point for individuals switching industries.  Typically however, a person who has experience in the industry already knows what products they like and start with those.  So your question is tricky.  You may want to find a good local distributor who you can buy from to make it easier to pick up material at the last minute when you need it.  Then your decision is made… sell what they have.  Or, you can plan ahead and if you have some starting capital sign up with some manufacturers who have a better handle on their sales channel and invest in some inventory and become a dealer for specific closed lines.  But then you have to do your research and decide what those products will be and probably invest in training also.  No matter what products you end up selling, you’ll need to get up to speed on how to handle the delicate process of establishing the value for what your company adds to the process and hence, the reason why the customer would use you in the first place.  It may be because of the products you use, but likely not.  Likely it will be because you are able to navigate the maze of electronics in a way they can not and design an easy to use house or office system.

Otherwise, if you are trying to just sell cheap labor and hang TV’s and drop a couple speakers in the backyard - you’ll be competing in the penny-saver.  So, decide which direction you are going, which market you are after, what your ideal customer will look like (in terms of $) and then use that as the basis for what equipment to settle on.

My guess, best advice is find that local A/V distributor - they have the incentive to help you succeed.