Your small business checklist, item by item

Q: I want to sell goods in a store. I want to bring goods from Turkey and sell them in the US. What do I need to do first?

A: Hi Christian,
First, the business itself: the license that lets you sell, and a sales tax permit for the goods that cross your counter. Importing adds a step, since goods arriving from abroad often need an importer registration and the right customs paperwork, and some products have labeling rules. A resale certificate lets you buy from suppliers without paying tax on stock. A store also needs a lease and a certificate of occupancy. We find out which of these apply to Arzu Selling and fill out the applications. Here is the full map, item by item.

1. Business license: A business license for a general small business MAY ask for a plain description of what you sell or do, how customers reach you, and whether you have a separate workspace.
2. Home occupation permit: A home occupation permit MAY apply when a small enterprise runs from a house, often limiting customer visits, deliveries, signs, stored stock and the number of people working on site.
3. Sales tax permit: A sales tax permit MAY be required whenever goods change hands, and it is often what lets you buy inventory wholesale without paying tax twice.
4. Seller's registration: Selling taxable goods may require registering as a seller so receipts can be reported on a regular schedule.
5. Business plan summary: A short written description of what you offer, who buys it and how you get paid may be asked for.
6. Proof of address: A utility bill or lease showing where the business operates may be requested.
7. Employer registration: A team means MORE forms: an employer ID, payroll registration and proof of workers' compensation coverage may be asked for.
8. Company papers: Name registration, LLC formation and a tax ID number are the three companions most owners add; we prepare each of them on this site.

The upside, with all five senses

Starting small means your first sale can happen before the logo is even finished, and the thrill of a first payment notification is worth framing.

Opening day, imagined

Wendell stacks his first boxes by the garage door under a banner for Copperfield Goods, and the paperwork finally feels as real as the cardboard.

What can go wrong

If a buyer insists your product caused damage and sues, an LLC separates the claim from your home and savings.

The numbers behind it

Business code (NAICS): 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services). This page lists 8 paperwork items for a small business, and each one is marked as something you MAY need, since we confirm which apply.

Tip: Write down what you promised each customer; memory is a poor contract.

Being the boss means you finally get to approve your own vacation days and then deny them.

Ready when you are: start your order and we will find out what applies to Arzu Selling, fill out the applications and keep the paperwork moving.