Cheapest Microsoft distributor?

[smax]

I'm starting a small computer business and need to find a source for MS operating systems. I have an account with Ingram Micro but apparently they're not an inexpensive source for these materials. There are other local system builders that are selling Microsoft oem operating systems for LESS money than I can purchase it from an authorized distributor (there are only 9 in the US). I know some of these other local builders personally, they're not selling pirated copies.

Who is the cheapest distributor of MS products? Anyone know?

The Ingram Micro price is $4327.11 for an oem 30 pack of XP Professional, that's $144.24 per copy. A guy down the street is selling it to end users for $141. I can't even buy it at that price, let alone sell it.

 

[jfunk]

They all cost a lot.

The other local shops are probably not buying them from an authorized distributor.

The whole situation really does suck, the only way to get decent prices from Ingram Micro and the others is to buy massive quantity, there is no way for a small volume company to get them cheaply "the right way".

When I was working at a small shop, we just bought our copies of Windows from Ingram, so we could keep out license with MS, but bought everything else, and any extra copies of Windows besides that minimum amount from other sources. The copies that many other companies sell are legitimate, they were just able to buy a much larger quantity than you can and thus can afford to resell them for less than you can buy them.

MS doesn't give a crap about little stores.


j

 

[Doomer]

Yeah, and they wonder why pirating is so prevalent. They want ALL the profit and you have to kiss their but for the privilege. Sad situation.