There are a million things you need to do before you can start operating your online Tampa shopping business. It is not as easy as posting content on your Facebook and Instagram news feed. No, sir. Starting an online business is much like starting a physical one, minus the space and the interiors and the parking lot problems.
However, you’re also getting a digital space on the internet. You’re going to profit, too (hopefully). You are going to be accepting payments. All of these would require that you get the proper licenses and permits in order to operate legally and without hassle.
Register your business and get licenses
Even if you only have an online presence, you still need to get valid business permits and licenses to operate. Where is the wed address linked to? Where is the mainframe? There’s got to be a physical location, too, where you will store your products. Is it your house? Is it a separate and a rented storage unit?
You need to get the necessary permits and licenses for these, so you won’t have to face legal problems once the money starts coming in. Remember, if you ever get really big on the internet, the government will immediately tag you and demand to see your updated permits and licenses. Oh, by the way, you would have to pay the necessary fees, too.
Find a secure network/host for your web address
Because you are going to accept online payments, you need a secure network and host for your domain name. Pay up for the online security and don’t scrimp on the virus software. What you’re managing here is the private information of your potential buyers.
Think about it: if you are the customer, would you be willing to provide your personal information to an online site that does not have tight security (lock icon before the https://)? It matters to your clients that you care about the security of their personal and credit card information.
File the right taxes
Of course, because this is a business and you are going to receive payments for products and services, you need to pay the right taxes. You would be charged for the business itself, and you would need to update your personal status, too, since you’re getting your income from another source (other than employment). If you will keep your formal job, it means you’re a multiple income taxpayer. If you are going to focus on your business, then you are now a self-employed taxpayer.