How to run a legal business uneder the age of 18?

**pacificfame** · 01-29-2007 05:15 PM

How do some of you run businesses when you are not 18? I am interested in running my own e commerce site when I save enough start up capital, but how can I start a legal business when I'm 16?

I couldn't even legally sign a contact, so how would I even be able to do business?

**Joe426** · 01-29-2007 07:55 PM

Just think small. Make a website...Use Adsense...etc.

**TIM_S_JR** · 01-30-2007 01:03 AM

I Know A Lot Of Wholesalers Will Not Sell To People Under 18 Butif You Need Some Products I Can Help You Out.

**akula** · 01-30-2007 02:13 AM

Originally Posted by pacificfame

How do some of you run businesses when you are not 18? I am interested in running my own e commerce site when I save enough start up capital, but how can I start a legal business when I'm 16?

I couldn't even legally sign a contact, so how would I even be able to do business?

okey dokey....

1) There's no law that says "under 18's can't be in business"

2) However, there is a law that says that contracts entered into by minors are voidable (not invalid). That's the issue you're having: how to enter into valid contracts with customers.

3) The solution to this problem is to incorporate a company, nominate yourself as a sole shareholder, have an adult be nominated as a director of this company (i.e. your dad), and sign a contract of employment with this company.

4) This way, it's the company who is entering into contracts with customers, and these contracts will be considered valid, if the issue is litigated.

This is how you would "legally sign a contact", by acting under authority to enter into contracts given to you by the company's constitution.

**Newton** · 01-30-2007 04:34 AM

What he said ^

I had a friend who followed this exact same path. She fully owned her house by the age of 18.

**pacificfame** · 01-30-2007 10:14 AM

Akula thanks a lot. My dad would be willing to do something like this, but if I incorporate a business will I have to have meetings and such? Also, would forming a LLC also work for my situation?

Thanks

**SSM** · 01-30-2007 01:43 PM

You can do the work around with an LLC just the same. It's just worded different. Owners vs Managers type thing.

**ajb** · 01-31-2007 04:13 AM

You have to be over 18 to join adsense though dont you? or doesnt it really matter?

**akula** · 01-31-2007 04:25 AM

it's the company who enters into contract with google, and the company is controlled by its director, who is an adult

get the director to fill in in application form