[Twiggy]

I've searched the forums and read all the discussions on dropshipping and haven't found anything to help me yet. I'm going to try the free trial from doba.com and I just wanted to ask some questions first.Ok I know that legit dropshippers will require me to have a business license and tax ID number.

First question- I'm going to get my tax ID from the IRS online and was wondering if I should put my information down or my dad's (btw I'm 16) I'm guessing it's gonna be my dad's since someone over 18 is what the dropshippers are gonna look at. But then does that mean I fill out the taxes in his name or something. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I want the responsibility of the tax ID but I don't think I can since that dropshippers will look for someone over 18 or can I?

Second question- I heard I'm supposed to have a business checking account to have a business license. I don't even know what a business license is, how do I get it? If anyone is familiar with using doba, do any of the dropshippers require a business license. I heard some DShippers just take the ID but others take both.

Can someone answer these, I really want to get started but these questions are bothering me. Thanks

[sal329]

Ripoffreport.com and search google for doba scam. Just a heads up.

[Emma S]

Here's some links and research for you:
http://www.platinax.co.uk/forum/3547...r-options.html

[buynick]

I used to do dropshipping. I used a dropshipping directory, which is completely legit, and made from the guys who do eBay Radio for Entrepreneur Magazine. You can check it out at http://www.buynick.com/dropship.htm.

Now on to your questions. You will need to check with your local IRS office to see if someone under 18 can even get a tax ID for a business. When I did dropshipping I was over 18, so never had to ask. I never had a business checking account and I wouldn't worry about that. You will probably need to use a credit card to pay for most of the dropship stuff anyways, so it will probably be your dads.

Where are you planning to sell this merchandise? If you're thinking eBay, good luck, the market is pretty saturated and it takes combing through lots of products to find those one or two that will still be profitable. Please post back and let me know how you're coming on setting up your business.

[skasher]

I hope I understood your question right. You are looking to get stuff from another company and sell it for them and make a profit.

I work with 20-drop shippers. Depending on the industry you are looking to get into I would just hit up the suppliers yourself.
I am going to use extreme sports, since that is what my company does. What I did was look for companies that sell the stuff I am looking to sell in my store (Mountain boards, Skateboards, Surfboards, Sunglasses, ext.) and I hit them up myself by going to their websites. I went to “contact us” or I looked for a dealer area where it would tell you how to become a dealer. Just write them a short email/message that tells them that you are a new company, what your company does, and what you are looking from them (in this case you are looking to see if they do drop shipping) Most will send you back a application and a credit application. You have to fill that out and send it back. Others will just ask you just for your sellers permit ID number, and your biz. Licenses number.

Now to answer your other questions, in the state of California (I don’t know what state you live in) you have to be 18 to file for a business license, sellers permit, and to register your business name. Now once you turn 18, you can just transfer the company in your name. I would have your dad as the main person, and pay to have your name as a second owner. The good thing is you now own half of the company, bad part is it cost a little more to register as a partnership (you and your dad), and second, your dad has the say so on what happened with your company. But if your dad is cool, and will just allow you to use is name but allow you to control everything, then I say do it.

A business licenses is a licenses for you to do business in your City. It makes your company legit. About the bank account, it is a good idea to get one. Washing Mutual has a free business checking account. It is good to have so you don’t have to give your drop shippers your personal bank account number. But you don’t have to have one if you don’t want.

Here is a quick checklist of what you will need:

- Sellers permit
- Business license
- Factitious business name license
- EDD License (so you can have employees)

And that’s about it. Oh cause it all depends on the state you live in, you might not need all that, or you might need more.

By the looks of things you might want to wait to open your company. It is a huge responsibility, and you don’t want to mess it up with your taxes.

If you have any question, please feel free to ask. I teach a class on business so I can help you out.

-Skasher

[rufaacom]

Good Advice Skasher.

[Twiggy]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I already started an account with a dropshipper!

[Aletheides]

Let us know how it works out for you.

[orange655321]

So......how has it been going? Do you have some new advice to share?

[schumi]

hi,Twiggy,
yes,skasher must be a good teacher
just want to know the latest progress for your company,Twiggy.

[Gxq786x]

Twiggy do not use any of these programs, But it is up too it will be good if you do use it, you will learn and then never use it again. If your serious, and I wish at 16 I was doing what you are doing. But, if you want make money, contact me at artofcement@hotmail.com, add me on there i am usually on msn messenger.

[dfveteran]

I agree, dont use doba,ever.Get a business license and tax id's and go legal.Buy from the guys doba buys from.Put doba out of business