eBay business account

shopbot

I'm thinking about opening an eBay business account to allow me to sell items I've specifically bought to resell. This income will also be declared to HMRC.

I won't be setting up a business as such, this will be something I do in my spare time to top up my income. There is no business address just my home address.

Is it correct that my home address will be publicly displayed on all listings (not just with successful buyers as with a private account)?

I have some concerns about privacy and security i.e if I am selling expensive items, does this increase the likelihood of burglary of my home?

Am I being over cautious or have I misunderstood the rules completely?

Thanks in advance
SB

soolin

shopbot wrote: »

I'm thinking about opening an eBay business account to allow me to sell items I've specifically bought to resell. This income will also be declared to HMRC.

I won't be setting up a business as such, this will be something I do in my spare time to top up my income. There is no business address just my home address.

Is it correct that my home address will be publicly displayed on all listings (not just with successful buyers as with a private account)?

I have some concerns about privacy and security i.e if I am selling expensive items, does this increase the likelihood of burglary of my home?

Am I being over cautious or have I misunderstood the rules completely?

Thanks in advance
SB

Wherever you sell you have a requirement to display a geographic address, so no, you haven't misunderstood, your address must be available under 'business contact details'.

shopbot

Thanks Soolin.

I thought it was just physical address but it's actually email and phone number as well..

KRDmum

I'm sure a number of times I've seen business sellers with a very limited information there and definitely no phone number?

soolin

shopbot wrote: »

Thanks Soolin.

I thought it was just physical address but it's actually email and phone number as well..

KRDmum wrote: »

I'm sure a number of times I've seen business sellers with a very limited information there and definitely no phone number?

You have to supply a phone number but it can be withheld from the main contact details, however, the email address is a good thing as it is not unusual for a buyer who wants a number of items to email direct for a price.

sjbrun

If you are worried about security at your home then rent a small unit at one of the self store places like big yellow or self store and then just use that address. Its very secure and can be less than £100 a month. Can just store your stock there then too.

soolin

sjbrun wrote: »

If you are worried about security at your home then rent a small unit at one of the self store places like big yellow or self store and then just use that address. Its very secure and can be less than £100 a month. Can just store your stock there then too.

As long as that address is capable of accepting post of course in case of returned parcels or customer returns.

ballisticbrian

As long as that address is capable of accepting post of course in case of returned parcels or customer returns.

There's a separate place on the system for the return address. However, it might be an idea to make clear if the business address is not the return address especially as it's eBay and people just do random shnitt.

forgotmyname

Have a simple domain and website. I have used sellers contact details to buy stuff which works in their favour and mine.

Instead of having a generic gmail or yahoo email, have a mysellingstuffwebsite.co.uk and use that email address also.

Costs pennies but may entice customers.

I will always try to see if they have a website which wont have ebay fees attached so you can make more money even if you still use paypal.