Establishing a business name?

[Zimmer]

I am going to be breeding my first clutch this year. I don't see myself producing much in the next few years but someday, maybe, I would like to breed on a larger scale. Probably after my kids grow up and move out! However, I will hopefully have babies to sell this summer and probably will continue to have a clutch or 2 every year or 2 until then.

I would like to have a "business name" or some type of way to identify myself and my snakes. I have a few ideas but I'm not sure how to go about putting myself out there. I was going to look into making a Facebook business page. I tried to register with the ACR but have gotten no response or confirmation of anything in over 3 weeks.

Beyond that..... what else can I do to become a bit more "official"?

 

[MysticExotics]

When picking a business name, do a search to see if that name is being used. If there is a word (like mine, "Mystic") that has a variation, and you still want to use that main word, you can modify it.
For example, mine is "Mystic Exotics". There is also a few variations, like Mystic Reptiles. I made sure Mystic Exotics was not being used.

A FB page is a good idea, and you can also purchase a domain (.com,etc) with the name.

You can also get a business licence with the business name.

 

[Dragonling]

If you want to do things the legal way: http://bls.dor.wa.gov/tradename.aspx

Chances are, you won't have enough assets to warrant forming a single-member LLC, so a sole proprietorship should do. You'll likely also need a vendor's license from your secretary of state. Optionally, you can file for a federal employer identification number, but that may not be required in your state. Sole proprietors under a certain amount of profit per year generally file taxes quarterly, and you can take quite a lot of deductions.

Kind of makes me wonder how many people are breeding and selling snakes without doing any of this. Most people will never get caught, but those that do...boy that'd be a fun audit.

 

[Zimmer]

Ya, I definitely want to go through the proper channels with setting all of this up. I thought of making a website too, but I'm not entirely sure if I'm ready for that yet. However, I do want to claim my "name" lol so I am trying to get things sorted out sooner rather than later!

I have done a cursory google search and haven't found anything with my name of choice, so that's nice. How deep do I dig before assuming nibody else is operating under that business name?

 

[Rich Z]

Your biggest hurdle may be local zoning. Establishing a business involved with breeding animals is not going to be permitted everywhere because of zoning restrictions.

Do you own your own home? Any sort of deed restrictions or association rules to have to contend with?

 

[daddio207]

I tried to register with the ACR but have gotten no response or confirmation of anything in over 3 weeks.

I registered 2 years +/- ago but made a mistake and emailed but couldn't get a response! Even emailed Charles directly with no response.

 

[daddio207]

Kind of makes me wonder how many people are breeding and selling snakes without doing any of this. Most people will never get caught, but those that do...boy that'd be a fun audit.

Most are really Hobby Businesses.......

http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/operating-losses-prove-hobby-business-30000.html

 

[Dragonling]

In Ohio, to be considered a hobbyist you have to sell no more than two animals per year. Otherwise you're required to have a vendor's license and collect sales tax. At least that's what I've been reading everywhere.

(e) It even says that at the bottom of the article:

In practice, many microbusinesses -- so tiny that the word "business" seems excessive -- might be able to fly under these agencies' radar. But be aware that, depending on your local rules, you could be penalized if you're caught doing business without the licenses or permits required by your state or local governments. These penalties may include fines and any back taxes that apply.

If you sell snakes without whatever permits are required in your state, you can get into serious trouble if you're caught, but I'd guess very few hobby breeders actually do so no one worries about it.

 

[Zimmer]

Your biggest hurdle may be local zoning. Establishing a business involved with breeding animals is not going to be permitted everywhere because of zoning restrictions.

Do you own your own home? Any sort of deed restrictions or association rules to have to contend with?

We live outside city limits on 3 acres and own our home so hopefully no issues there... hadn't considered that.

 

[Zimmer]

I registered 2 years +/- ago but made a mistake and emailed but couldn't get a response! Even emailed Charles directly with no response.

Ya I am really disappointed that I haven't heard back I guess it's not active anymore? It would have been nice to be linked up with other breeders and track animals and bloodlines... I use iHerp so there's that at least for animal tracking.

 

[Zimmer]

In Ohio, to be considered a hobbyist you have to sell no more than two animals per year. Otherwise you're required to have a vendor's license and collect sales tax. At least that's what I've been reading everywhere.

(e) It even says that at the bottom of the article:


If you sell snakes without whatever permits are required in your state, you can get into serious trouble if you're caught, but I'd guess very few hobby breeders actually do so no one worries about it.

I will have to look into rules for Washington....