Wholesalers requiring a business registration number
Okay, I’m new to this so sorry if this is a silly question but I’m looking to sell branded items as a side income. Nothing too grand! However to obtain account with reputable wholesalers I’m getting asked quite often for my business registration number. I haven’t registered, do I need to. I’d really appreciate others thoughts on this. Is it usual to register as a business to sell on Amazon? Thank you kindly!
3 replies
Seller_77IcbQKVGdZo0
A lot of wholesalers will ask proof that you are a business and will do checks that they are dealing with a business.
These checks are often such things as Company Number or VAT Number. Depending on the wholesaler/supplier they may also do other checks to verify who they are dealing with.
Other wholesalers will allow you to buy without any checks on who they are dealing with you just need to sign up to their site.
If you are selling on Amazon for profit then Amazon rules are that you must be registered as a business. You don’t need to create a company you have the option to be registered as a sole trader (self employed).
If you don’t register as a business on Amazon and sell items for a profit then Amazon will deactivate your account. You also run the risk of HMRC questioning any income you have made from Amazon.
Seller_64jziShTiTjOq
Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter how little you intend to make. You will have to have a business seller account on Amazon, having first registered with HMRC as a sole trader. You will be given a UTR letter (Unique Tax Reference) which you then copy to Amazon for their records
If your “commodities” include food you will need approval to sell in that category, which is not usually given to new sellers. You would also have to register with your local council as a food business. And you would need product liability insurance in case any of your products cause food poisoning etc 
Other types of product have their own restrictions and requirements, both legal and Amazon
Before you proceed, you really ought to do some research on all aspects of running a business, and specifically for the type of product you intend to sell. Then if you want to continue, work through Amazon’s Seller University - link at the bottom of your seller page - to learn everything you need to know about selling on here
Seller_DROodOAYHftnc
Just to fully endorse the above post - you must register with HMRC as self-employed, probably sole-trader, unless you wish to be a limited company (but be sure you research that first) - easily done online, and also MUST have a Business Seller Account on Amazon to sell new goods, not an Individual Seller Account (the legal entity)
If you want to sell branded goods - do you have permission from the brand ?
