Table of Content
Ingram Micro is a global technology distributor that works with resellers, solution providers, and other channel partners. Its portfolio covers a wide range of technology, including hardware, cloud services, cybersecurity, software, and enterprise infrastructure.
For businesses considering an Ingram Micro reseller account, the benefits extend beyond product availability. Partners can benefit from current vendor ties, digital technologies, technical resources, and distribution services. Additionally, Ingram Micro offers initiatives to assist many kinds of technology businesses.
You may be an established value-added reseller (VAR), a managed service provider (MSP), a systems integrator or a smaller IT business. Understanding the requirements and application process can help you determine whether an Ingram Micro partnership makes sense for your company.
This guide covers the main requirements for becoming an Ingram Micro reseller. It also walks through the application process and looks at what you can expect from the partnership.
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Key Takeaways:
- You need to meet Ingram Micro’s onboarding requirements and provide the necessary business information.
- An Ingram Micro account gives resellers access to a large technology catalog.
- Live pricing and inventory information can make quoting and order fulfillment more accurate.
- Having the right operational processes in place can help reduce fulfillment delays and customer issues.
- Following purchase and payment terms is important for maintaining a long-term distributor relationship.
Market Segments and Product Portfolio
Ingram Micro serves three main market segments:
- Commercial: Corporate technology providers
- Consumer marketers: Large computer stores, online retailers, consumer electronics businesses and office supply companies
- Value-added resellers: System and web integrators along with government, education and application VARs
Ingram Micro’s catalog includes more than 280,000 products from around 1,400 technology manufacturers. Its portfolio covers a wide range of categories. The product mix is approximately 40% peripherals, 35% systems, 20% software, and 15% networking.
Ingram Micro Product Categories
Ingram Micro’s product portfolio includes:
- Systems such as PCs, notebooks, workstations and servers
- AIDC/POS
- Software
- Supplies and consumables
- Printers and peripherals
- Monitors and projectors
- Storage
- Mobility and telecom
- Components
- Consumer electronics
- Security
- Multimedia and games
Ingram Micro Cloud
Ingram Micro has made significant investments in cloud services to assist partners compete in the burgeoning cloud market. Its portfolio comprises configurable cloud platforms as well as services for remote monitoring and management.
These solutions include remote monitoring and management (RMM), remote infrastructure management (RIM), and mobile device management (MDM). This gives partners access to services that they may use to create and manage various types of cloud solutions.
Basic Criteria for Becoming an Ingram Micro Reseller
These are a few things to keep in mind for becoming an Ingram Micro reseller:
- You must submit the reseller application and any papers needed during the application process.
- Your business must be a reseller of IT equipment or services. Businesses that do not meet the requirements for technology resellers may have their applications denied.
- Ingram Micro may ask resellers to engage in a minimum amount of annual purchase activity. According to the source information, UK resellers are likely to place orders totaling at least EUR 9,000 per year.
- Ingram Micro can review reseller accounts to determine whether minimum purchasing requirements are being met. Failure to meet those requirements can affect the status of the account.
- US applicants may need to complete a state-specific application in certain states. The source information identifies New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, West Virginia, Wyoming and Indiana as states with separate requirements.
These requirements can also vary by market. Hence, it is important that you check out the latest Ingram Micro application instructions for your region before submitting your information.
Steps to Become an Ingram Micro Reseller
After fulfilling the fundamental requirements, you are ready to become an Ingram Micro reseller. You can now launch the application using the Ingram Micro sign-up portal. Choose your area and adhere to the guidelines for your market because the precise paperwork and procedure may vary between nations.
1. Complete the Reseller Application
Entering your business and contact details is the first step. For applicants from the US, this could include:
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- The company’s legal name
- DBA, or business trade name
- Phone number and business address
- Kind of registered business
- An overview of the company
- The state sales registration number for any state in which you possess a reselling license
- The applicant’s name and title
- The owner’s or an authorized officer’s signature
- Signature date
Additional documentation may also be required. This generally depends on your location and business type.
2. Submit Your Tax Documentation
A sales tax exemption certificate for each state in which they are registered may be required for US-based companies that are eligible for tax-exempt transactions.
These certificates should be kept up to date in accordance with applicable state standards and Ingram Micro rules.
Requirements differ outside the United States. International candidates should follow the steps outlined by their local Ingram Micro organization.
3. Complete the Account Review
Ingram Micro verifies that your company satisfies its account requirements once you submit the application and any accompanying documentation.
You will receive an account or customer number if your application is accepted.
Approval times may vary. The process varies depending on your location and the information provided. Additional verification may be necessary, therefore do not rely on a specific processing time unless Ingram Micro verifies it for your market.
4. Choose a Cash or Credit Account
You must determine how your company will pay for Ingram Micro purchases.
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- Cash account: A cash account lets you pay for orders through supported payment methods such as credit card, electronic funds transfer or direct deposit. Orders are released after payment is received.
- Credit account: Eligible resellers can make credit purchases of goods and services with an authorized credit account. The details in the credit application and Ingram Micro’s evaluation determine your available limit and terms of payment.
A cash account may be the simplest option for a new reseller who lacks a strong business credit history. After you’ve established a payment history and made a consistent number of transactions, you can consider if applying for credit makes appropriate.
5. Activate Your Reseller Account
Once your application has been approved and your account is ready, you can access the Ingram Micro platforms available for your region.
Depending on your market and account type, these platforms can provide access to product information, pricing, inventory and ordering tools.
Keep in mind that pricing and availability are typically only available to approved account holders. Simply filing a reseller application does not guaranty access to this material.
Advantages of Becoming an Ingram Micro Reseller
An Ingram Micro partnership can provide much more than access to a large product catalog. The distributor combines its vendor network with digital tools, technical resources and programs designed for different types of technology providers. Here are some of the main benefits to consider.
1. One-Stop Shop for IT Products and Services
Working with several distributors can make sourcing difficult, especially when a customer needs hardware, software, cloud services and infrastructure for the same project.
Ingram Micro brings products and services from a wide range of technology vendors into one distribution network. Resellers can source across categories such as hardware, cloud, cybersecurity, software and enterprise infrastructure.
The larger portfolio may also make solution development easier. Instead of sourcing each component of a project separately, resellers can combine technology categories to produce a bundle that meets the customer’s requirements.
Pro Tip:
Connect Ingram Micro product feeds to your quoting or eCommerce systems, where supported. Keeping these sources connected can eliminate the need for manual updates while also keeping your product information, pricing, and availability updated.
2. Access to Vendor Expertise and Technical Support
Selling technological solutions frequently requires more than just acquiring and providing a product. Customers can need assistance with product selection, solution creation, or implementation.
Ingram Micro works with technology vendors across a wide range of categories. Depending on the market and solution, partners may have access to technical and pre-sales resources along with training, certifications and professional services.
This can be especially helpful for smaller resellers. They can pursue more specialized opportunities in areas such as cloud, cybersecurity, infrastructure and managed services without having to build every technical capability internally.
3. Programs for Different Types of Resellers
Each reseller has a unique business strategy. A VAR that specializes in hardware projects has different requirements than an MSP that offers recurrent cloud services. The priorities of an IT supplier that works with business clients can change multiple times.
Ingram Micro provides partner programs and services geared toward various business types and technological sectors. Depending on your region, these may include cloud, cybersecurity, professional services, and go-to-market assistance.
Before signing up, review the programs available in your market. The right fit depends on how you plan to sell and grow your business, not simply on the size of the product catalog.
Pro Tip:
Take advantage of available training and certification programs in the areas where you want to grow. Building expertise in specific product categories can help your team pursue more specialized opportunities.
4. Digital Tools for Pricing, Inventory and Orders
Managing a distributor relationship gets more difficult when pricing, inventories, quotes, and orders all require distinct human processes.
Ingram Micro’s digital platforms, including Xvantage, provide partners with tools for product search, pricing, inventory visibility, and order administration. Depending on your region and account, these technologies can help decrease some of the human labor needed in processing customer orders.
Partners focused on cloud services can also gain access to platforms and services that help with subscription management, billing, and marketplace operations.
5. Go-to-Market and Sales Support
Having access to products is only one part of running a successful reseller business. You also need ways to generate demand and position your solutions in front of potential customers.
Ingram Micro offers a range of partner resources that can support sales and marketing efforts. Depending on the region, these may include marketing resources, vendor campaigns, training, deal registration and other sales enablement programs.
These resources can be valuable for smaller IT businesses that have strong technical teams but limited in-house sales or marketing capacity.
6. Financing and Credit Options
Large technology initiatives might provide working cash issues for resellers. This is especially true if you need to purchase equipment before your customer pays for the order.
Eligible partners may be able to set up a credit arrangement with Ingram Micro. Approval and terms are determined by the distributor’s assessment of the conditions in your location.
Credit can allow qualified resellers more flexibility when dealing with larger transactions. However, availability and terms differ by market, so check the possibilities available to your company before incorporating them into your financial strategies.
7. Access to a Broader Technology Ecosystem
Technology projects are increasingly built around a combination of hardware, software, cloud services, security and professional services. Having access to a broader ecosystem can make it easier for resellers to build these solutions.
Ingram Micro’s ties with vendors and channel partners provide resellers with access to a broader technology network than they would otherwise have through individual manufacturers.
This can open up potential for a developing IT reseller to offer bundled solutions or recurring services in addition to direct product sales.
Start Selling Ingram Micro Products with VARStreet
VARStreet is an all-in-one business management and quoting platform built for IT resellers. It brings your distributor connections into one system, making it easier to manage products and sales activity across your business.
VARStreet has partnered with Etilize to provide rich product content at no additional cost. Its aggregated catalog is updated in real time and can feed information into your VARStreet platform and eCommerce store. This also makes quoting easier. Sales teams can view pricing, availability and distributor deals from multiple sources in one place.
Becoming an Ingram Micro reseller gives your business access to a large technology catalog. Managing that catalog can become difficult as your business grows. Checking distributor pricing, updating your online store and keeping track of inventory and account information can quickly turn into a time-consuming process.
VARStreet helps simplify that work by connecting with Ingram Micro’s catalog and pricing feeds. Your quotes and storefront can reflect current information without requiring your team to update everything manually.
With quoting, CRM and order management in the same platform, VARStreet gives resellers a more connected way to manage their sales operations.
FAQs
How long does the Ingram Micro reseller application process take?
The application review may take around two to three days after submission. The full process can take longer if additional documentation, accreditation checks or credit account setup are required.
Can a new business with no sales history become an Ingram Micro reseller?
Yes. A new business may need to begin with a cash account because credit approval depends partly on the company’s financial history. Building a consistent payment record can help when applying for credit later.
Does Ingram Micro require ongoing certifications or training?
Training and certification are not always required to maintain basic reseller status. However, Ingram Micro offers programs linked to specific vendor products. Completing relevant training can help resellers build expertise and may provide access to additional programs or opportunities.
What happens if my business is registered in an excluded US state?
Businesses in states with separate application requirements may need to complete a state-specific form. The source information identifies New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, West Virginia, Wyoming and Indiana as states with separate requirements.
Is there a cost to apply for an Ingram Micro reseller account?
The source information states that an administrative fee is charged after the application has been accepted rather than when it is submitted. Check the current terms for your market before applying.
Can I sell Ingram Micro products through multiple online stores or marketplaces?
Yes, resellers can distribute products via different sales channels. The most crucial aspect is to maintain correct product, pricing, and inventory information across all channels. Instead of depending on human updates, a catalog integration platform can help automate the process.
What's the difference between a commercial reseller and a VAR?
Commercial resellers and consumer marketers generally sell products in their standard form. VARs, system integrators and other specialized providers typically add services, customization or solutions around the products they sell.
This distinction can affect which Ingram Micro programs and pricing options are most relevant to your business.
