Need help!

[cafefuture]

I am soon going to open my own online store that sells unknown artists art (music, paintings, sculptures, etc). I have all of my ideas down, I have the name, the location, the price, and the money. All I need to know is what licenses do I need if any? Do I have to go to my local offices and get a business license, or can I get them online? Any and all advice will be greatly appreciated.

[rogercbryan]

Once you get the site open please let me know. I'm a huge art collector of original modern art.

As for the licenses needed every state and municipality is different. A 'basic business' (actual name) license is all that is required in most states. You may want to consider becoming a LLC or Corp so that you can separate you finances and liability. Getting an EIN can go a long way toward establishing business credit.

I may catch some slack for saying this... but don't be in a hurry to become a business entity as it creates many tax liabilities... make sure the business is going to work before you spend thousands of dollars of licenses and legal fees that you may not need.

[cafefuture]

Once you get the site open please let me know. I'm a huge art collector of original modern art.

As for the licenses needed every state and municipality is different. A 'basic business' (actual name) license is all that is required in most states. You may want to consider becoming a LLC or Corp so that you can separate you finances and liability. Getting an EIN can go a long way toward establishing business credit.

I may catch some slack for saying this... but don't be in a hurry to become a business entity as it creates many tax liabilities... make sure the business is going to work before you spend thousands of dollars of licenses and legal fees that you may not need.

I plan on having the site up in the next few months.

You never know how things will work out unless you try them. Thanks for the advice.