Thanks to a steady stream of online ads and social media posts, it can feel like a new cell phone is released daily. All that noise can overwhelm consumers, who often turn to industry professionals to help them decide which option is best for them.
If you know the industry and love helping shoppers make smart purchase decisions, you should consider turning your passion into a business. We’ll break down how and why to start a cell phone store, and provide some of the best tools on the market for cell phone businesses.
It may seem easy to just rent or own a shop, order cell phones from multiple carriers, and start selling, but it’s typically not that simple. Here’s where to begin when starting a cell phone store:
Once you’ve decided to start a cell phone store and have written up a detailed business plan, it’s time to find a place to call your own. Whether you rent or own, the perfect location will provide ample space to store your inventory, meet customers, and work on repairs — and it will be conveniently located and easy to find.
Use a commercial real estate website like LoopNet to explore options in your area and connect with real estate professionals who can help you navigate a lease or purchase.
Related Read: 7 Cellphone Repair Business Startup Costs To Look Out For
After securing a space to start your cell phone store, you’ll need to purchase hardware for collecting and tracking orders and inventory, including computers, barcode scanners, printers, credit card machines, etc.
To track all the important details of running a cell phone business, you’ll also need to find the right point of sale (POS) software that works with your systems. The best way to ensure a smooth start is to find one provider for both. The best retail POS systems offer seamlessly integrated hardware and software that’s simple to set up.
Reconciliation is a simple process that involves creating a system of checks and balances to reduce mistakes and maximize your profits.
When you start a cell phone business, you’ll receive commissions from cell phone carriers only after they receive payments from your sales. Avoid missing commission payouts by integrating a system that automatically reconciles your expenses and sales revenue, and prevents missed customer bill payments.
Once your store is up and running, many small details will make a big difference in your future success. From integrated inventory management to eye-catching displays, here are our top five tips for starting a cell phone store.
Whether you’re tracking regular sales, making inventory adjustments, or trying to balance online and in-person orders, an integrated inventory management platform makes the most overwhelming tasks seem easy. And when your inventory management is seamlessly integrated into your POS system, it’ll hardly feel like work at all.
Note: Look for a POS system with serialized inventory management features. With so many devices and parts to track, you’ll need to keep a close eye on every item from when it arrives in your stockroom to when happy customers buy it.
There’s a very good chance that you’re already a member of several brand loyalty programs. And that’s because the best ones provide real value to loyal customers and generate a sense of camaraderie that draws people in.
If you start a cell phone store, set up a loyalty program on your point of sale system that aligns with your specific offerings. For example, you could provide discounts on popular services, complimentary accessories upon reaching a spending threshold, or expedited repair services.
No matter what business you’re in, how you display your products will have a huge impact on how they sell. Customers can’t buy what they can’t find, so keeping your displays organized and well-lit is step number one.
If you start a cell phone business and notice certain items or brands becoming especially popular, it’s a good idea to feature them in a special floor display or the checkout counter. Many providers will supply marketing materials for you if you do a certain amount of business with them. Be sure to take advantage of those programs when they’re offered.
Your team is the face of your cell phone store, and training them well will impact sales revenue, customer satisfaction, and your business' overall success.
When integrating new technology, it’s important to choose a provider that offers in-depth training and support. The software you choose should also be as intuitive as possible, making it easy for your team to use it confidently.
There are many free online resources for developing your personal leadership skills and empowering your staff to do the same. Trainings, books, podcasts, and other resources can help improve interpersonal skills, communication, and technical expertise.
Note: Incentivize your team by setting up a commission module on your POS system. Customize your commission templates based on profit, quantity, and specific actions like activations or upgrades.
The easiest way to fall behind in any business is by losing track of your sales activity. If you’re not carefully tracking your sales and expenses over time, lost opportunities and inventory shortages can easily slip through the cracks.
With the right POS system in place, you can start your cell phone store with confidence, knowing that you’ll have access to detailed inventory and sales reports whenever you need them.
Success in the cell phone business requires careful planning, smart choices, customer focus, and the right tools, especially an industry-specific POS system. Stay current with industry trends, choose reliable partners, and invest in your store's future. This will differentiate you, build customer loyalty, and achieve long-term success.
Ready to get started? Book a demo and learn what CellSmart can do for your new business.