The same LLC can provide consulting services and sell products without any changes to its structure. Depending upon how robust each business is, you may consider two LLCs, so they are not libel for the activity of the other.

Checklist of licenses and permits necessary for ecommerce businesses.

• Business Operation License.
• Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Doing Business As (DBA) License.
• Seller’s Permit.
• Sales Tax License.
• Home Occupation Permit.
• Occupational License.

While you can set up your new ecommerce business as a sole proprietorship, many small business attorneys recommend you create a limited liability company, or LLC, instead. In other words, if someone sues your business, or one of your employees, your personal assets are protected.

All companies require a business license, whether they sell online or from a brick-and-mortar storefront. When you operate a business without the proper licenses, you risk heavy fines. In addition, the city or state may require you to cease operations until you complete the required paperwork.

Ebay does not require a business license for any of its users, but if you have an eBay store you will likely need a business license — this depends on the statutes of your local government. If you plan to buy items on wholesale instate and resell them on eBay, you need a seller’s permit.

Resources and equipment needed for an eCommerce startup The average costs for eCommerce stores include: Professionally-built eCommerce website – $5,000 to $10,000. Domain name – $2 – $20 per year. Hosting – $300 per month.

To apply for a business license, you typically need to:

1. Determine your legal structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, etc.)
2. Provide a detailed statement on business activities.
3. Show your sales tax license, which can be obtained from your state agency.
4. Have all necessary inspections done (if applicable)

It is entirely legal to operate as a sole proprietorship without registering your company. Keep in mind, however, that doing so does not provide you with any form of legal protection if you experience debt or face legal action.

The short answer is no. Technically, you do not need a business license to start selling or dropshipping on Shopify. Getting started with a selling site like Shopify is easy. You just go in, create an account, upload your bank account information and social security number, and start selling.

7 Steps to Starting a Small Business Online

1. Find a need and fill it.
2. Write copy that sells.
3. Design and build an easy-to-use website.
4. Use search engines to drive traffic to your site.
5. Establish an expert reputation for yourself.
6. Follow up with your customers and subscribers with email.

This list is no means exhaustive, but it’s a good start if you’re considering taking the leap of faith and starting your own business from home….

• Copywriter/Content writer.
• Baker.
• Web designer.
• Clothes reseller.
• Language teacher.
• Blogger.
• Personal trainer.
• Beauty therapist.

8 home-based business ideas you can start today

1. Buy products in bulk to sell.
2. Sell homemade products you make yourself.
3. Start a dropshipping store.
4. Start a print-on-demand store.
5. Sell your service or expertise.
6. Productize your service or expertise.
7. Grow an audience you can monetize.
8. Buy an existing ecommerce business.

Starting a business is hard work, requires a lot of determination and learning, and only pays off in the long term. Take an honest look at yourself before leaping. Are there customers with real pain and money? Or maybe the people who really need the product don’t have any money.