I am trying to start an online business - Can I get some help please

[StevenMara]

I live in Wisconsin, and I want to sell video games on eBay. I have been to many distributor's websites, but they all require a business tax number if I want to see pricing info. So almost 2 months ago I filled out the Business Tax Registration form. I applied for my seller's permit (in that form).

1. I still haven't gotten anything back. Should it take this long?

2. Will the seller's permit have my business tax number on it, or are they two separate things?

3. Is this all I need to sell on eBay?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Yossarian]

you don't need any of that to sell on ebay. good luck making any money on video games, everyone sells them.

 

[StevenMara]

I need to have a business to buy the games cheap from the distributors. I know I don't need it to sell on ebay, but if I don't get the games cheap, I can't sell them for a profit.

 

[imported_KuJaX]

You are better off taking the $10 loss or whatever the registration is for the business license...... Video games on ebay? You'll never make a cent with ebay charging 5% and paypal charing 5%. Your profit margin won't even be 10% on the games. I wouldn't suggest it. It will be a lot more work than it is worth. Of course, only one man's opinion

 

[StevenMara]

Well, if it doesn't work, then why are all the other people selling them with thousands of sales? And I think I would make a lot more than 10% profit, but I need my tax number first, so I can see what price I can buy them for.

 

[Albis]

well i wish you good luck. i agree with other posters that the profit margin shouldn't be too high.

you need to add in your fixed costs to see if you can actually make a good business out of this

 

[HDTVMan]

Your tax ID is usually your Social Security number with an extra digit but that might vary from state to state.

 

[gigapet]

if you applied for the tax id number online you could have gotten it instantly

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

Steve, you need to take a serious look at your business plan. From your responses, it looks like you have not investigated the market in any way. I'd suggest you do some research before you waste your time and money.

 

[StevenMara]

Originally posted by: gigapet
if you applied for the tax id number online you could have gotten it instantly

Are you sure? First, I didn't even see anywhere to apply online. Second, they use my information about the future business to determine my reporting period and other things.

EDIT: Also, there are only 2 ways that I would not go through with this:
1. They refuse my application, which I am worried about because it has been 1.5 months since I sent it in.

2. Once I get my tax number and I can get pricing info from the distributors, if I find that I won't make enough profit.

Otherwise, I am going for it. I won't lose too much money if it doesn't work.

 

[HyTekJosh]

I have started a few companies. Business tax number can mean a couple different things...one being state sales tax which is what distributors typically require. Another can be the FEIN, federal employer identification number, which is your business entity's tax # for filing purposes. You will probably need a trade name license from your city in order to get a state sales tax permit.

 

[StevenMara]

Originally posted by: HyTekJosh
You will probably need a trade name license from your city in order to get a state sales tax permit.

It didn't say anything about that in the application, so I don't think I need it.

 

[HyTekJosh]

BTW, most states should be able to generate a sales tax ID instantly (online or on location) for you and the same goes for the FEIN (online).

 

[Rip the Jacker]

http://shop.usps.com/cgi-bin/vsbv/posta...products/productDetail.jsp?OID=4849227

http://shop.usps.com/cgi-bin/vsbv/posta...products/productDetail.jsp?OID=4849213

FREE BOXES...

 

[badmouse]

If you really need that info from the form you filled out, start making some calls.

I've started several businesses, always used my social security number. Nobody ever complained. The point of the tax number is so that the government gets information about sales, tax, etc. You will probably need a resale certificate, too. Once again, your social security number should be okay.

If not, have your accountant take care of things.

Good luck on your business. There will always be people telling you that you'll never succeed. Take the comments with a grain of salt - the only way to find out is to go ahead and start your business.

 

[snoturtle]

You can get your tax id over the phone or online instantly

the markup on video games sucks

Unless you can find distributors looking to get rid of old inventory you won't make much on video games
now accessories are a whole nother ball game