how do i become an e-commerce florists business ?
To start your ecommerce florist business you’ll need to do the following:
- Research local business laws. These vary by state, then county, then local city. To do business, you will probably need to start your own company, or register to do business as a sole proprietor. Starting a business entity will require filing forms with your state. Check the secretary of state’s website for your state on procedures for filing a business entity.
- To file a business entity you will have to research names to make sure you are using a unique business name. You may also have to register your name at the local (City or county) level too. Check with the clerk’s office of those places to get filing requirements.
- Whether you choose to do business as a sole proprietor or another business entity you may want to register as a business with the IRS. To do that you’ll sign up for an EIN or Employer Identification Number. This number will register you as a company and allow you to get a business bank account with a local bank.
- As with any E-commerce site, you’ll need a dedicated website. To host a store you’ll probably need a hosting plan and an integrated shopping cart. Try one of the popular hosting providers by searching online first. Choose one that has a ecommerce store built-in. That will save time and money.
- As an e-commerce site, you won’t have an actual store location, so unless you plan to arrange and ship flowers from your home you’ll want to partner with a local florist to actually arrange and ship those items for you.
- Register with the state and local municipality for a sales tax license, as you will be selling a tangible product you will likely need to pay sales tax. Make sure you understand the amount you are required to pay, you will likely be adding that percentage to the price of the items you sell – passing that on to the customer.
- Finally, check with a local CPA about tax requirements, and a local business attorney about other business laws you may be required to follow for your particular city and state.
