42343 - Computer and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software Merchant Wholesalers
The world of government contracting and business classification can be complex, but understanding your industry’s North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is crucial for compliance, eligibility, and identifying market opportunities. If your business is involved in the wholesale distribution of computers, computer peripherals, or software, then NAICS Code 42343 is your key classification. In this blog, we'll dive deep into what NAICS 42343 covers, the sector it belongs to, typical business activities, size standards, and much more.
What is NAICS Code 42343?
NAICS Code 42343 corresponds to the industry titled:
Computer and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software Merchant Wholesalers
This code covers establishments primarily engaged in the merchant wholesale distribution of:
- Computers
- Computer peripheral equipment
- Loaded computer boards
- Software
These wholesalers sell their products mainly to:
- Retailers
- Industrial customers
- Commercial entities
- Institutional or professional users
- Other wholesalers
Sector: Wholesale Trade
NAICS 42343 falls under the broad Wholesale Trade sector. Wholesale trade industries are key middlemen in the supply chain, facilitating the efficient distribution of goods from manufacturers to various types of end users.
Typical Business Activities and Examples
Businesses classified under NAICS 42343 are involved in a variety of activities including:
- Computer hardware wholesaling: Distributing desktops, laptops, servers, and related PC hardware components.
- Peripheral equipment distribution: Supplying monitors, printers, keyboards, storage devices, networking equipment, and other computer peripherals.
- Software wholesaling: Distributing packaged or licensed software to various user groups without direct manufacturing.
Example business types include:
- Computer hardware wholesalers
- Software wholesalers
- Peripheral equipment distributors
Size Standards for NAICS 42343 Eligibility
When it comes to government contracting and SBA programs, the size standard for NAICS 42343 is typically based on the number of employees:
| NAICS Code | Industry Title | Size Standard (Employees) |
|---|---|---|
| 42343 | Computer and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software Merchant Wholesalers | 100 employees |
Businesses with 100 or fewer employees can qualify as small businesses under this NAICS code, granting them access to small business set-asides and other federal contracting benefits.
NAICS 42343 - Code Details Table
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| NAICS Code | 42343 |
| Industry Title | Computer and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software Merchant Wholesalers |
| Sector | Wholesale Trade |
| Primary Activities | Merchant wholesale distribution of computers, computer peripheral equipment, loaded computer boards, and/or software |
| Typical Customers | Retailers, industrial, commercial, institutional, professional users, other wholesalers |
| Size Standard | 100 employees |
| Examples of Businesses | Computer hardware wholesalers, software wholesalers, peripheral equipment distributors |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What types of products do businesses under NAICS 42343 sell?
They sell computers, computer peripherals like monitors and keyboards, loaded computer boards, and software products primarily in bulk to resellers or large end-user organizations.
Who are the typical customers for NAICS 42343 businesses?
Customers include retailers, commercial companies, industrial clients, institutions such as schools or hospitals, professional users, and other wholesalers.
Can a small business with 90 employees be classified under NAICS 42343?
Yes. The SBA size standard for this code allows businesses with up to 100 employees to be classified as small businesses.
Does NAICS 42343 include software manufacturers?
No. This code is specific to merchant wholesalers selling software. Software manufacturing falls under a different NAICS code.
How can knowing the NAICS code 42343 benefit my business?
Understanding your NAICS code helps in targeting the right contracts, accessing federal procurement opportunities, meeting regulatory requirements, and benchmarking your industry.
Conclusion
NAICS Code 42343 is critical for businesses involved in the wholesale distribution of computers, peripherals, and software. Whether you are a software wholesaler, a hardware distributor, or a computer board merchant, knowing this NAICS code helps streamline your business classification and opens doors in government contracting. Ensure your business aligns with the size standards and typical activities described here to maximize your growth and procurement potential.
Optimize your business strategy by leveraging your NAICS code accurately—start with NAICS 42343 today!
