Selling goods online is a popular way to make money, and many people are turning to Shopify to do just that. But do you need a license to operate a store on the platform? The short answer is both yes and no.
You don’t need a special license or permission to set up a store on Shopify, but certain types of products may require particular licenses or permits to be legally sold. It’s important to understand which ones you need in order to stay compliant with the law.
The first step is to make sure you have the necessary business licenses and permits. Depending on where you live, you may need to register your business with the state, obtain an employer identification number (EIN), and get a seller’s permit. You’ll also need to comply with any local regulations or zoning requirements.
In addition, some products require additional licenses and permits to be sold on Shopify. Examples include food and beverage products, alcohol, firearms, pharmaceuticals, and tobacco. If you plan to ship products to customers, you’ll need to make sure you have the necessary shipping licenses and permits, such as a commercial shipper’s license.
Once you know which licenses and permits you need, you can start the process of obtaining them. The process varies from state to state, so you should contact your local government offices to find out what you need to do. In most cases, you’ll need to fill out an application, pay any applicable fees, and provide various documents to prove your business is legitimate.