A Question Business Licences and Permits ?

[addmhat.18]

I will make this short. 

Do i need a licence or permit to sell on ebay as i wish become a business seller on ebay at some point.

Any information will help me alot.

[*vyolla* · Accepted solution]

No, you just need to upgrade your existing eBay account to a business one and have a returns policy in place.

A Business seller is someone who buys or makes and item to sell on.  They need to be registered as a business to meet the requirements of UK law. They need to declare income to HMRC once they reach £1,000 worth of sales (eBay will be providing HMRC with your details anyway so it's vital to keep correct accounts for your tax return). You can obviously offset more expenses as a business seller, but can't offset any at all as a private one.  

When you're ready, to correctly register as a business seller simply go to your Personal Information in your account and to the right of Account Type, which will be showing as 'Individual'  you'll see an Edit option.

https://accountsettings.ebay.co.uk/profile

Further information on business seller obligations can be found here on this eBay guidance page:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/policies/selling-policies/selling-practices-policy/business-seller-polic...

[nigel_paul_wright7557]

You need to let the tax man know.

I got an accountant to do my accounts and send in my tax return every year.

Keep a track of what you sell and your outgoings too.

[btr.style]

1) eBay business account which then has returns accepted and shows contact details on the page to comply with the law. 

2) If turnover (not just profit.... The total amount in sales before any fees or expenses) exceeds 1k, you'd have to register with HMRC for self assessment tax returns. 

In regards to where stock is stored. If you store it at home then it will likely void your home/contents insurance should a break in occur because it's seen as a risk factor and you'd have to have more specialist insurance to cover it. 

If you rent, for this reason many landlords wouldn't be happy. You'd be best informing them (although they could well refuse). If you don't tell them and there is a break in which voids their insurance covering damage to the property during the break in, they could chase you for the damages in court. 

No council rates to pay via mail order (eBay) sales. It would only apply to things like running a hair dresser business from your home where customers are on the premises. 

Accountants may be needed but if you are able, better doing it yourself as there are already enough costs and fees to pay. 

[magpiecorner1]

Always check with your local authority, they may have requirements, and issue licences,  that are not nationwide.   For instance, my LA demands businesses have to be registered and licensed to sell a wide range of things, for instance cars, which not many other LAs require.

Also consider getting business insurance, particularly public liability, especially as you are selling electrical goods.  Also check if these need to be PAT tested.