I have already started selling a few things, but my client list is growing and I do not want to get into any trouble. I know I need a business license of some sort, but I am not sure what else I need. I do not have a store or anything yet, but I am trying to open up a merchant account because a lot of my business is online. Do I need a business name to open a merchant account? Thank you!
2007-09-03 18:42:53 · 6 answers · asked by WonderingInCO 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
Since you've never been in business before, I would strongly recommend that you talk to a business counselor before you do anything especially spend money. You have to determine whether you'll only stay with the web based business or you'll open one with a store front. I'd call the local office of SCORE (go to http://www.score.org and input your zip code to find the chapter nearest you), the advice is FREE.
The counselor at SCORE will most likely advise you to write a business plan which is very good advice because it will force you to dig out all of the start up details and the costs of starting a small business and force you to also understand all of the aspects of this business including the customers you'll concentrate on (your market ) and how you'll go after them.
You'll need to register the business with your state controller's office and make sure that you have any city and county licenses if any are needed where you live. All of this will come out in a business plan.
Try this link :
http://www.ychange.com/small-business-consulting-articles.html and read some of the articles especially the ones about a business plan and starting a business.
Good Luck
2007-09-03 22:04:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
You can do business without being a registered business.
If you want a name for your business you need to register that name. Then you can open a merchant account. Stan Lee wanted his checks made out to the Amazing Spiderman only to find out they don't cash checks not in your name.
If you expand you can incorporate, but at that stage you should be talking to an accountant, who can provide you on advice about how to structure your business. (this advice is tax deductable).
2007-09-03 18:50:12 · answer #2 · answered by flingebunt 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the type of business. If you incorporate (LLC or other) you will have to register with the state of inc. and probate. If just a sole proprieter, no store front, maybe not-except for tax id papers *you must have these to buy wholesale, no tax, etc. - look on net - you can do that online (www.gov-tax.com.
2007-09-03 20:26:16 · answer #3 · answered by lawlass 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should really consult a lawyer. Try this site: www.bplans.com it has a lot of useful information for a beginning business. Good luck.
2007-09-03 18:59:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you could no longer patent a sort call. A sort call is a hallmark. Patents are for recipes and so on. specific, you additionally could make a internet site. in spite of the undeniable fact that, until you intend to furnish worldwide, you may evaluate advertising on your community newspaper particularly. determining of your man or woman house is legal.
2016-10-03 22:57:35 · answer #5 · answered by suero 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to your city hall or chambers web site and look for starting a business, they will explain everything you need to do.
2007-09-07 03:52:57 · answer #6 · answered by Jovesash 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋