Small Business Bonfire

Starting a Running/Athletic Clothing Line

Hello,

I just joined this site and I have a few questions. I am 25 years old, so I have never started a company before. A friend and I plan on starting a running/athletic clothing line where we would first start selling to our friends and family in person as well as setting up a website with an online store.

What I want to know is what kind of licenses do I need? Some websites tell me I need a vendors license because I need to charge sales tax, others say if you sell online you do not need a vendor's license but if you go to say a local 5k you will then need one.

I currently live in Ohio and would be doing any shipping from here at home. My partner lives in New York and would sell in person with no shipping.

What will we have to do to be able to sell in person with no shipping to hand the goods over to friends/family, online with shipping through our website, and at in person with no shipping at local 5k races in Ohio and New York? Or am I getting in over my head with this project?

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

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Permalink Reply by Elaine Love on January 11, 2013 at 7:42pm

The NextWomen.com has an entire series on business startups. Entrepreneurs submit their story of the challenges, humorous parts, ah ha moments and successes. I just submitted mine today. From "You can't do that" comments to winning international awards.

Check it out. It will be a great resource to add to the Bonfire.

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Permalink Reply by Alyssa Gregory on January 14, 2013 at 4:12am

Hi Colin. Each state (and city) has different regulations in terms of licenses and permits. What type of business structure will you be forming (LLC, Corp, etc), and in what state? That should be one of your first decisions and will drive the rest.

This article takes a high-level look at the steps involved in starting a business, and this one lists small business resources by state. I would suggest taking a look at those articles first, then taking a step back and starting from the beginning.

I hope that helps!!!