Becoming an s Entrepeneur: An Introduction

Begeing an okay Entrepreneur: An Introduction

Maybe youve been selling some things here and there on okay and that was ok butnow you want to take the next step and make okay your business. Here are some ideas to get you started!
Start thinking like a small business owner rather than a seller

Get a Federal Employers Identification Number (EIN)
Contact your local and state government to determine what licenses you need to operate a business in your area.
There are many different types of vendors licenses. Be sure to get the one YOU need. My state, Ohio, has one specifically for internet sales. Your state may have a small business start up kit that they will send you FREE.
Open a checking account specifically for your business transactions. National City Bank has a FREE small business checking account worth looking in to. Be sure to get an ATM card for the account. Use it to pay for postage, shipping supplies and inventory. Some okay entrepeneurs prefer to use the debit cardavailable fromPaypal which provides 1% cash back on purchases.
Have your Paypal ingee routed to your new business checking account.
Consult a CPA, tax professional or educate yourself on the tax laws for your business
Invest in an electronic accounting program such as Quicken or Quick Books. Most banks, okay and Paypal are gepatible with these programs and you can download the information you need to keep track of your business
I would advise you to invest in a tax return software package like Turbo Tax for Small Business when it gees out each year. Turbo Tax even has a special online okay edition as well geared specifically for okay businesses!

Now that you have your Licensing, Tax and Accounting in order think about preparing a Business Plan

What service or product does your business provide and what needs does it fill?
Who are the potential customers for your product or service and why will they purchase it from you?
How will you reach your potential customers?
Where will you get the financial resources to start your business?

What experience do you want your buyers to have when they click on your store or your listing?

Unless you are expert at html, hire a professional to design and set up your store with at least one custom template.
You are establishing yourself as a serious business man or woman and your store and your listings directly reflect your professionalism or lack there of
Invest in a good digital camera and learn how to use it. A good picture sells itemsLearn how to optimize key words in your listing title
Write a thorough and interesting description of your item and invite potential buyers to email you with questions. Provide a hyperlink so they can email you easily.

Take the time to gepose clear store policies. Professional okay businesses have return policies. It sets them apart from the casual seller. Publish these store policies in your store and in your listings