Do I need a Business seller account

magic57

Hi there. I know there are some expert ebay sellers here and I'm hoping for some advice. I've been a private ebay seller getting rid of odds and ends for several years but now have an idea for a business that I want to try.( I know I would need to register for tax within 3 months and that's fine.)
I was wondering if I need to register as a Business Seller on Ebay if I don't have a shop. Also if I make things to sell do I need insurance in case someone manages to injure themself with the item?
Last question is do I need a business PayPal account too? I have one that I use for my personal ebay stuff.

Thanks very much .:)

soolin

Yes you will need a business account on ebay- you don't need a different paypal or liability insurance though (unless you think it likely you will be sued for negligence)

forgotmyname

I avoid buying from private sellers that are obviously trading as a business.

Not everyone will of course, But i fell your obviously hiding something.

Maybe its just tax evasion, Maybe your selling dodgy items?

magic57

Thanks for the replies.
I might just give it a go. I doubt that anyone could hurt themselves with my items but I've read on some forums that if you go to a craft fair you have to show proof of insurance. Not that I'm planning to do craft fairs I'd rather just sell on ebay.

Can I use my present ebay ID as I've got 100% good feedback or do I strart from scratch?

Thank you.

delta-1

Yes you may upgrade your present account, or you may open a new one - its entirely up to you :-)

theonlywayisup

If you buy on eBay, open another account specifically for buying and never use your selling account for buying.

magic57

Thank you for all your help.
I have no idea if my craft work would be successful or a complete flop! Am I allowed to test the water by just selling one or two items before I commit to being a business. The items are small and would retail at less than £5 so the profit would be very small.

I don't want to get into trouble but it would be good to find out.
Thanks again.

delta-1

Once you change to a business account, it's not easy and may not be possible to change back.

Failure to represent yourself as a business would technically breach the CPUTRs (The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008). I'd probably set up a fresh account and run some trials, but using an established account would be in your interests as you are starting up, to engender consumer confidence.

The profit you make has nothing to do with registration - if you need help with that side of things, google talkinpeace and visit their eBay me page.

hermum

You can't change back from a business to a private account.

delta-1

It's been done, eBay CS don't like to do it, but its not impossible. I wouldn't count on it though.

magic57

delta-1 wrote: »

The profit you make has nothing to do with registration - if you need help with that side of things, google talkinpeace and visit their eBay me page.

Thanks that's a really helpful link.