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Ebay business partnership?
I'm starting an ebay business with my friend and wanted to know what I will need to do this. I plan on buying wholesale merchandise etc. I know we need a business license, tax ID, joint business bank account... but I'm not sure..where to start or where I can find the forms I need. I need help getting started is what I'm saying basically. Does anyone know what I need to get started with an ebay partnership?
Public Comments
- First, just to be clear, you are going into business with your friend, not ebay. So it wouldn't an "ebay partnership", just a "partnership". Otherwise, people you are talking to will get really confused. :) You will more than likely need a "ficticious business name" to open up a bank account (and this name will need to be on your business license as well). You will need to go to your county recorder or court house...check your phone book or business licensing staff (mentioned below). You will also need to submit the ficticious name to a local newpaper so they can announce it ($25-65 depending on newspaper, you can choose a small one). As far as naming your business, think ahead to the future. Pick a name that is relavant to the type of business you have. It will make things easier as far as advertising, website design, SEO, and phonebook placement. For your business license....if you open up your phone book, you can find which department you need to visit. Depending on your city/county, you may go to your city/county secretary for your business license. Additionally, if you or your friend will be running this out of your home, you may need the city planner to authorize the type of business for your neighborhood. (an easy thing, just a quick initial from them). Again, alot depends on where you live. For a tax ID / sales permit, I know here in CA, you need to visit the State Board of Equalization. You can also find this info in your phone book. (The people where you get your business license will probably know as well.) On a side note, if you are selling anything that could potentially put your customer's in harms way or injure them, you may want to consider purchasing liability insurance too. Check with your product supplier...some suppliers require liablity insurance as well (showing them as additionally insured) (check your yellow pages for carriers if necessary) AND: get in touch with an accountant / tax preparer ASAP to find as many loop-holes and savings you have available to you. ALWAYS double check before you do something, never guess or "assume". I'm sure this looks over whelming, but just take one bite at a time, and don't get discouraged!! Best of Luck!!! Multiple Business Owner :)
