wholesale?

[sikander293]

does anyone know where I can get wholesale computer parts without being VAT registered?

[peterb]

If you are a trader. and you can satisfy the requirements of a trade account, (typically a minimum spend of £1000/month) you don't need to be VAT registered. You just pay the VAT and pass on VAT inclusive prices to the customer. If you are VAT registered, you buy VAT inclusive, but claim the VAT back from HMRC and then when you sell the goods, you add VAT and pay that to HMRC. Being VAT registered does not automatically entitle you to a trade account with any wholesaler or retailer, that is up to them, although it is a good indicator that you are in business.

Obviously if you buy anything for your personal use you would have to pay VAT on it anyway, if you live in the UK or the EU, whether you are VAT registered or not.

You do have to be VAT registered if your business turnover is greater than a certain threshold - I think £68,000/yr - but the HMRC website will give you full details.

[Spud1]

There are a few suppliers that will let you register wtihout a minimum spend level - but they will want proof that you are actually trading and are not just trying to buy for personal use. Westcoast being one such supplier - always had positive dealings with them.

Just remember that when buying in low quantities (less than 10) the prices you pay will often be more than the big etailers (ebuyer and the like) - it takes larger quantities to get any meaningful discount.

It's really worth being VAT registered if you are trading also - saves you so much money during the early years, especially if you don't make any/much money. It's really easy to do as long as you keep proper records.