So you want to be a computer dealer. Choosing motherboard distributors requires sifting through their claims and services. Many claim to offer excellent customer service and technical support, but when problems arise, you need to be able to contact customer service or technical support easily. The distributor's ability to solve your problems is also crucial.

Try talking and dealing directly with motherboard manufacturers rather than distributors. High-quality motherboard manufacturers such as Asus and MSI want you to be their partners to increase their market share. In return, their assistance should help increase your profits. Go with a reputable motherboard manufacturer because it will strive to:

1. Produce reliable PC motherboards.

2. Hire qualified technical support personnel who can answer your motherboard questions.

3. Promote good sales on motherboard bundles.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Register with MSI for the motherboards reseller program

Go to MSI's website and see what its reseller program has to offer. MSI wants to help you sell by offering a mutual marketing and sales support program. You don't have to worry about creating your own sales kits. Use MSI's literature, including logos and product images. Take advantage of its road shows and seminars. If you're having problem with one of MSI's products, call them.

I recommend: Check the MSI Reseller Program.

Become a partner with Asus for laptop motherboard support

The Asus 360 Notebook Service Program offers comprehensive laptop motherboard support, including a global 2-year warranty and free round-trip overnight shipping service. Drop off your laptop at the nearest FedEx station and FedEx will overnight the laptop. Asus will then overnight your laptop back to you after fixing the problem. Though it won't guarantee length of time for repairs, Asus usually takes 2 days. The program also features a 24-hour and 7-days-a-week technical support service. Best of all, if your customer experiences a dot on his/her LCD screen, ASUS will replace the whole screen. The purchase, however, must have been made within 30 days.

I recommend: Learn about the Asus 360 Notebook Service Program.

Check motherboard manufacturers' websites for computer motherboards for sale

If manufacturers combine the motherboard CPU and the PC motherboard, this can save you money. Most customers like the motherboard-CPU combo because it saves them money and time. Don't overlook sales on dual-core processor motherboards (computer motherboards industrial strength). Sometimes these can be a steal, especially since companies are always looking for faster processing speeds.

I recommend: Look at individual motherboard manufacturers' websites for their PC motherboards. To become more familiar with motherboard manufacturers, look at AnandTech's website. AnandTech covers every motherboard you can think of. Find additional motherboard information at Tom's Hardware. They will have photos of the motherboard, and go into depth on each feature. They also will give you the pros and cons of motherboard bundles, such as: Is it smart to have audio and video integrated on the motherboard or is it better to purchase these items separately?

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Download your motherboard's latest BIOS from the manufacturer's website. Take advantage of this. It's free.