How can you obtain a business license to sell on eBay and craigslist out of a residence? We just got denied!?
We offer a variety of services, including auction assistance on eBay and craigslist – today we were denied a business license because they said we cannot sell items on eBay out of our home – we must have a retail location. There must be a way around this – as MANY have this type business.
Skip the license? That’s actually what one of my business professors advised. Don’t get a license until your level of sales proves you can sustain a business profitably. A state (or city) business license is really just a formality anyway. Yes, you can get fined or even shut down for not having one, and I am not advocating you break the law. And some form of licensing is required in most areas. You will need a reseller number to purchase items at wholesale from some wholesalers. But a reseller number is also the same number as your EIN. I offer this service for $75, email me if you need it.
First, reapply, explain that you are not selling products from your home. You’re not. You are selling products on the internet and all customers arrive soley from the internet, no one ever shows up at your home.
If that doesn’t work you can try a third party – someone who already has a license and offer to share theirs for a percentage of your income.
Next, try a third party provider – a business that supplies city, state and federal registration and licenses. You can find them with an online search.
If all the above doesn’t work, email me, I may be able to help further.
Skip the license? That’s actually what one of my business professors advised. Don’t get a license until your level of sales proves you can sustain a business profitably. A state (or city) business license is really just a formality anyway. Yes, you can get fined or even shut down for not having one, and I am not advocating you break the law. And some form of licensing is required in most areas. You will need a reseller number to purchase items at wholesale from some wholesalers. But a reseller number is also the same number as your EIN. I offer this service for $75, email me if you need it.
First, reapply, explain that you are not selling products from your home. You’re not. You are selling products on the internet and all customers arrive soley from the internet, no one ever shows up at your home.
If that doesn’t work you can try a third party – someone who already has a license and offer to share theirs for a percentage of your income.
Next, try a third party provider – a business that supplies city, state and federal registration and licenses. You can find them with an online search.
If all the above doesn’t work, email me, I may be able to help further.
References :
Bet you told them you were a retail store:) Go back, and when you fill out the application simply put that you are starting a business providing general services.
No idea what state you are in but most applications have a check box and if yours does, do not check professional services.
If asked you don’t know what your business will do yet but you’re looking at some kind of service. Period. Don’t volunteer anything.
Is this illegal? Nope. Because what if you decide to change what you do later, why box yourself in before you get started.
References :