What do I have to do now?

[Chell]

Afternoon all, I'm after some help. I am trying to set up my own website. At first I was just going to sell my unwanted goods through it to avoid eBay fees but one thing lead to another and I am now setting up an online shop selling new items.

DP is building my site, my domain name has been purchased and it has a 'under construction' page displayed for now.

I have ordered some stock and have made enquiries about getting other items.

I have priced jiffy bags and Staples prices look ok, any better ideas? I need to see the size of my items when they arrive before I decide which to order.

My main worry is I don't know if I am supposed to register as a business? I have set up a new Paypal account so its easier to keep a record of what I am spending/making rather than have this muddled in with personal eBay sales. Too be honest I don't see me making a fortune right now but don't want to be getting myself into trouble for not doing something that I should have IYSWIM.

My last problem is that I need a printer to do some invoices, I want to spend as little as possible though. I am confused as to which is the best and isn't too expensive to replace the ink.

Sorry, I know I have waffled but any help would be appreciated.

Chell

[sparklekitty]

i dont run a business but printer ink can be expensive! i got a epson printer and to replace the inks costs loads. i found a person on ebay who sells inks and i can get all 4 cartridges for £6 instead og about£20! you dont notice any difference in the ink. definately reccommend ebay for your inks!

cant help on anything else im afraid

[Arianna]

Hi Chell,

You will need to register with Inland Revenue as self-employed within 3 months of trading. If you are going down the route of a limited company - you need to register with Companies House.

To save on ink etc, you could maybe email the invoices to your clients that way it's a paperless environment for you and cuts down your costs. I know you can't do this with all client's though and you do still need a copy for your records. However, your copy can still be an electronic copy - as long as you back them up regularly so you don't lose them and that should be fine.

It is definitely a good idea to keep your business purchases etc separate to your personal ones - it makes it much easier to sort out your books when it comes time to file your tax return.

I hope this helps and good luck to you on your new venture!

Arianna

[Al1x]

a very cheap place online to get ink is www.burn-media.co.uk (http://www.burn-media.co.uk/home.php)

they have Epson Compatible ink from £1.29!

[Chell]

Thanks for the info.

[Tanya]

Hi Chell

I would recommend my printer but depends on how much you want to spend. It was £49.99 (in the sale) and it prints, scans and copies.

don't know how much packaging costs in the shops but you could try this site as a comparison http://www.budpak.com/acatalog/jiffyairkraftpostalbagsjl000.html

don't forget to keep all of your receipts for everthing you buy.

I am being nosey now, what are you going to sell on your website

[MrsH]

I would HIGHLY reccommend a Canon printer !! My last one lasted for 5 years and that was on overtime in the end with the amount I was printing !!!! So did VERY well.

I then bought an Epson ( on reccomendation from person in store) , NEVER , EVER again, I took it back after just 2 weeks and made a huge complaint and then reverted back to another Canon which i vow I will always buy from now on.

Packaging, after months of searching and deliberating I found http://www.davpack.co.uk/ to be the best in prices, variety and good service.

Also, if your after small amounts theres a great seller on ebay: auctionpax who i have used a few times.

HTH
Kel x

[Tanya]

I have to agree, never never buy Epson printers no matter how cheap you can get one for. I have never used a Canon one so can't comment but my Brother one is great.

[Al1x]

Thinking about it we had a lot of problems with an Epson printer... I've used a HP one and that was great... can't remember what my current printer is - its been sat in a box up my parents house for the last 18 months!

[Chell]

Thanks for all the information, its very useful. I read on MSE that Epsons are great but I haven't had a good experience with them and neither have my parents. I will go with Canon or Brother after your recommendations.

Thanks for the stationary links too. I will be posting books, dvd's and CD's.

I have looked at the business link site and things are much clearer now, well as cleear as mud really but I knwo what I need to do.

Keep the advice coming please,
Chell

[Daffs]

Good luck with it Chelle! it's hard work starting up and I didn't knw what to do first but Business Link and Inland Revenue sites are quite good with having steps to talk you through what you should be doing and I found them a great source of help. Alos, I phoned up the Inland Revenue to register as self employed and the person I got was lovely and very helpful.

[Dino]

I have looked at the business link site and things are much clearer now, well as cleear as mud really but I knwo what I need to do.

Keep the advice coming please,
Chell
Hi Chell,

When I started up, I order a free book from Business Link/Inland Revenue. It was a no-nonsense guide to starting up in business. I also attended a Women into Business course which was run by Business Link and was very good, I still keep in touch with some of the girls on the course with me.

Good luck to you

Karen

[Chell]

Good luck with it Chelle! it's hard work starting up and I didn't knw what to do first but Business Link and Inland Revenue sites are quite good with having steps to talk you through what you should be doing and I found them a great source of help. Alos, I phoned up the Inland Revenue to register as self employed and the person I got was lovely and very helpful.

I work part time so I'm not sure how I work that with regards to tax. I only do approx 9hours so I am still well under my tax allowance.

Thanks again,
Chell

[Tanya]

I work part time so I'm not sure how I work that with regards to tax. I only do approx 9hours so I am still well under my tax allowance.

Thanks again,
Chell

I work part time aswell and am registered self employed. You will get sent a Tax Return next April (if you're up and running by then) and you will have to fill in employment earnings and self employment earnings