Hello Everyone,
I have just filed a dba
The business which I intended this dba for was meant for online marketing
specifically I design model aircraft / drone platforms.
Since most of the people who are interested in this niche are from everywhere
but where I reside, it seems to me that my "county business title" is
useless.
To elaborate more, if a person from another state using my website selects a
product and clicks purchase, do I have the right to sell to that person?
What can you guys tell me about liabilities, proper certificates/licenses and
tax forms based on the following description:
- Products can weigh up to 3.5lbs
- Travel in excess of 100mph
- Range of 30+ miles if kept flying in one direction or using Autopilot
What I provide is the aircraft itself, currently anyway.
It is my design, it is designed for aerodynamic purposes --- reason why to
buy this product versus a different product
The product does not come with the autopiloting equipment, nor video piloting
equipment which requires HAM licensing
The 100mph statement is if the product is put into a full speed dive, however
normal speed range is 40-70mph
What can you guys tell me about what I have said?
I am based in the Chautauqua county of NY state.
Thank you for your time
kmurray | Community Moderator |
9/19/2012 - 9:51 am
Hi, BizResearcher makes excellent points. If you'd like more information about sales tax for online retailers, check out this blog post. This section of our site also addresses the details of online businesses. Good luck!
BizResearcher | Window Shopper |
9/18/2012 - 11:50 am
You set up your business where your office or on-line store is located, no
matter where your customers may live. You can sell to anyone anywhere who
wants to purchase your product. If your state collects sales tax, you will
need to obtain a sales tax permit and charge tax on in-state purchases. Some
other states also collect tax on internet sales, so you may need to remit
sales tax to them as well.
Because of the nature of your product, you may want to contact an insurance
agent that specializes in small business insurance and find out about product
liability insurance. It is possible that something could go wrong with one of
your products and you need to be protected.
Right now, with only a DBA, you are operating as a sole proprietorship. That
means that, should someone sue you for any reason, your personal assets are
at risk. Therefore, you may want to register your business as an LLC, which
protects your personal assets. You will need to open a separate business
banking account and keep your business and personal finances separate.
Because your product does not come with equipment that requires a HAM
license, you will want to be certain that your marketing materials fully
disclose what consumers are and are not getting. In many states, the attorney
general's office regulates consumer protection information. You may want to
visit their web site and be certain that your website and marketing materials
fully comply with any requirements.
kmurray | Community Moderator | 9/19/2012 - 9:51 am
BizResearcher | Window Shopper | 9/18/2012 - 11:50 am
matter where your customers may live. You can sell to anyone anywhere who
wants to purchase your product. If your state collects sales tax, you will
need to obtain a sales tax permit and charge tax on in-state purchases. Some
other states also collect tax on internet sales, so you may need to remit
sales tax to them as well.
Because of the nature of your product, you may want to contact an insurance
agent that specializes in small business insurance and find out about product
liability insurance. It is possible that something could go wrong with one of
your products and you need to be protected.
Right now, with only a DBA, you are operating as a sole proprietorship. That
means that, should someone sue you for any reason, your personal assets are
at risk. Therefore, you may want to register your business as an LLC, which
protects your personal assets. You will need to open a separate business
banking account and keep your business and personal finances separate.
Because your product does not come with equipment that requires a HAM
license, you will want to be certain that your marketing materials fully
disclose what consumers are and are not getting. In many states, the attorney
general's office regulates consumer protection information. You may want to
visit their web site and be certain that your website and marketing materials
fully comply with any requirements.
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