Postal Letter

Starting an online flower and gifts delivery business?

Aside from having an effectively running website, what other things do i need to consider when getting into an online business? 1. Do I need to get a business license? register for paying taxes? 2. go to the bank to register to be able to accept credit card payments? is this difficult to get? 3. how much would the start up cost be like? how much is to pay a professional web designer? all other things i will need to get an online business going - flowers and gifts delivery online? pls help! Thanks...!

Public Comments

1. Go to http://www.score.org/ and in the upper left hand corner, enter your zip code. On the next screen, you will get information on the nearest SCORE chapter. Call them and arrange for a free meeting with a volunteer SCORE counselor. They will guide you through the process. SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide and is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SCORE has 350 chapters in locations throughout the United States and its territories, with 13,000 volunteers nationwide. Both working and retired executives and business owners donate time and expertise as business counselors.
2. I assume you have vendors set up? If yes then just start doing business. Sales tax varies by State, but generally if you sell out of state then you don't collect sales tax. Marketing your web site is the most crucial element. You can go to the bank to accept credit card payments if you wish, you will need a bank account for sure, but there are other alternatives to accept credit cards.