Where do I purchase windows license in bulk?

[rcoyet]

Hi,

 

I'm looking to buy windows 7 and windows 8 oem licenses in bulk let's say around 100.

Where can I buy them for cheap?

I have contacted microsoft but they want to sell it to me more expensive as in the shop.

 

Thanks

[Synapse]

There is no shortcut to cheap licences. If you were a system builder, you would probably be registered as such with Microsoft and enjoy the perks, otherwise you will have to pay OEM prices at the very least.

[rcoyet]

Thanks for replying.

What do you mean by "system builder"? What I want to do is, to build Pcs and sell them with windows pre-installed. Is that called system builder?

 

Thanks

[Synapse]

Yep. exactly that, you build them and sell them.

 

Microsoft lays down rules regarding system builders, unsurprisingly!

 

Their OEM installs are slightly cheaper than Retail, but as a builder and distributer you have responsibility to sort out any problems a customer may have. Often fairly easy, but can be time consuming, and if you hit an issue you don't understand, it can be a real headache.

 

To be honest, 100 systems is a splash in the ocean, I doubt you will find much discount on licences as PC hardware and software have little margin anyway.

 

Copied from their System Builder webpages......

 

To distribute OEM System Builder software, you must be a System Builder and accept the System Builder License. “System Builder” means an original equipment manufacturer, an assembler, a refurbisher, or a software preinstaller that sells the Customer System(s) to a third-party.

 

OEM software may ONLY be distributed with a fully assembled computer system.

 

For a desktop operating system or application software, the software also must be preinstalled on the hard drive of the fully assembled computer system, using the OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK). 

 

The system builder who installs the software is responsible for the provision of end-user support.

 

Also, have a look at this

 

http://oem.microsoft.com/public/windowsgenuinelicensingdemosite/default.html

 

It seems Windows 8 licensing is changing slightly - it is the first I have read of it, have a look here

 

http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en-gb/licensing/sblicensing/Pages/index.aspx#fbid=gl5D4f-e7-m

 

They have introduced a Personal Use Licence which probably will be in line with OEM prices, allowing system builder software to be legally used for personal builds. Perhaps a bit of a technicality, but new all the same.

 

Hope that all makes sense!!

[rcoyet]

Hi,

 

Thanks for your reply again.

 

I know that Dell, HP etc. are much bigger than me, but do they get a discount? If yes, how do they do it?

 

Thanks

[Synapse]

I'm sure they do get discounts, but I'm willing to bet that they talk about hundreds of thousands of licences and bulk purchase agreements. It's a different world, hence the small guy finds it difficult to build a computer, supply Windows and be competitive.

 

I used to build PC's as part of my business, and I found providing a delivery and setup service, plus data transfer from old PC to new was a good way to get new business and keep customers, tbh I gave up competing about four years ago as the margins were too small for me, and people always compare prices to PC World :(