Starting a businessat the age of 15?

[potjack]

Hi, i just turned 15 in july and i would like some advise. Im looking to start an ebay business, but if im honest i wouldnt know what to sell or were to start! Two of my older cousins started to sell fancy dress a few years back on ebay and from what i remember they were making a fair bit of money, but have now stopped as they are setting up there own cafe. Now im only 15 so any money is good money... and im not really expecting to make much, but hopefully wont lose money Now what i need to know is... What kind of things sell well? Were can i buy things in bulk for cheap money as everything i find seem just as cheap on ebay? Do i need to be registered as a business seller on ebay, and is there any advanteges to this? Do i get taxed at the age of 15? Any infomation would be very appreciated, and just say if you dont think its a good idea as i wont be offended! I have bought and sold a few motorbikes over the summer holidays and made about £600 so this is what will be starting me off.
Many thanks,
Dan

 

[Billmccallum]

simple answer is to ask your cousins to give you the info they have on fancy dress and replicate what they did.

 

[Mike W]

Hi Dan

The first thing, I think, is don't mention your age! I think you have to be 16 or 18 to sell on Ebay

As to what to sell, that's not an easy one. Either find something you're keen on or just keep searching around until you find a really good deal somewhere. You will find one if you look hard enough.

In the meantime, the best of luck to you.

Regards

Mike

 

[potjack]

Do i have to be a business seller on ebay or can i just use a normal accout, as i already have an account with 120 things sold and 100% feedback.

 

[Vaheed Akhtar]

Hi,

You're never too young to make money - I think you need a registered business number in order to open a business account - as they get more benefits over a normal user. I would suggest you just keep doing what your doing and keep it low key until you a) find something you want to sell and can provide and b) you're old enough to create an actual business.

 

[johndon68]

Do i have to be a business seller on ebay or can i just use a normal accout, as i already have an account with 120 things sold and 100% feedback.

You could either set up a new account or change your existing account to a business one.

John

 

[Big Pete]

The younger you start the quicker you retire Go for it young man ..
get on ebay and sell sell sell !!

 

[potjack]

The younger you start the quicker you retire Go for it young man ..
get on ebay and sell sell sell !!

I need to buy buy buy first... just not sure what tho Can anyone give me any ideas? Im a bit scared to buy anything as im not sure whats what. Like i have been offered designer sunglasses FROM £44 each. Now the make she has for sale can range from £20 to £150 on ebay, but surely she would be selling on ebay if they are worth that much? Im a bit confused as to why anyone would sell whole sale if they can put it on ebay and get more for them
Can anyone explane?
Thanks,
Dan

 

[Businesswise Solutions]

I need to buy buy buy first... just not sure what tho Can anyone give me any ideas? Im a bit scared to buy anything as im not sure whats what. Like i have been offered designer sunglasses FROM £44 each. Now the make she has for sale can range from £20 to £150 on ebay, but surely she would be selling on ebay if they are worth that much? Im a bit confused as to why anyone would sell whole sale if they can put it on ebay and get more for them
Can anyone explane?
Thanks,
Dan

Hi Dan

If you can get some pics of these sunglasses and you know that she has plenty of stock, then put your ads on ebay, stick a reserve price on them to cover all costs then if you sell any, take the money off your customer, buy the shades from your supplier then ship them out to your customer! Job Done! No initial outlay just profit all the way!

Good luck with it Dan

Dean

 

[sanjiv]

1. You could setup an eBay account in your parents name?
2. Search Google for things like liquidated stock which you can get for really cheap.

 

[MASSEY]

but surely she would be selling on ebay if they are worth that much?

You have successfuly poked the hole in that plan.

 

[potjack]

You have successfuly poked the hole in that plan.

But then how does anyone make money? Why do supplyers not just not sell them directly from the factory :redface:

I cant sell he glasses and then order as she says there is limited stock, and not to sure if all the glasses are different prices :|

I think i will go to the carboot sale like suggested, and try find some bargins there!
Thanks
Dan

 

[lorr]

Just wanted to say well done you, i wish my son had the get up and go you have. wish you the best of luck hope it all goes well

lorr