Home as trading address

[ARSL]

Hi what happens if I use my home as a trading address? I'm about to setup a online furniture retail business then eventually rent a unit in my local area I have storage facility for my stock but it does not have an address.

I'm just thinking what will it affect ?

Best regards

 

[profitxchange]

Does not affect anything. your trading address is where your business is managed from.

 

[ARSL]

Ok thank you will this be on public record on companies House as I have selected a privacy package

 

[fisicx]

Yes.

But you need your address and telephone number on your website if you want to be all legal and compliant. And having full contact details on the site it a good confidence signal for potential customers - many of whom won't buy from you if they don't know who you are.

 

[msp-nick]

If your worried, why not use a forwarding service for your business?

That could potentially be a decent way to shield your home address (if you are worried)

 

[ARSL]

Hi thanks I have used a forwarding address it's not that I am worried all is above board and completely legal I just don't like giving out personal details.

Can I use the forwarding address to set up a bank account? Or would it be best to use my home address? Obviously that won't be on public record

Best regards

 

[StevensOnln1]

The bank will want to know your home address for anti money laundering purposes, although they may be happy to send statements etc elsewhere.

 

[ARSL]

Thank you all for your help and advice

 

[fisicx]

Remember though that people google addresses to check you out. If they see a random office block or mail drop shop they may well look elsewhere. If I'm buying furniture I expect to see something that looks like a warehouse or storage unit. It gives you legitimacy and helps to build trust.

There is now so much choice people will want to be sure about your business before parting with their cash.

 

[ARSL]

Hi yeah I understand what your saying I'm arranging a viewing for light industrial unit next week

Most of my business will be online I was just trying to save start up costs but would be beneficial if I had a unit in the long run

Thanks for the advice it's appreciated

 

[fisicx]

So play this to your advantage. Tell people you are working out of the garage, tell them this saves costs which means you can sell cheaper. Do the whole 'even the dog helps out' marketing and make it a real personal approach to selling rather than just another anonymous online retailer.

 

[Gecko001]

I note that most of the above replies seem to assume that the OP is forming a Ltd company. Is this the case as if the OP is a sole trader with a business name, it will be a completely different picture. His address will be much less visible on the internet and the public in general.

Note, if the OP plans to keep stock at his home and/or have large amounts of deliveries etc. he could need Planning permission, more insurance and Building Control permission whether sole trader or Ltd Company.

 

[ARSL]

Hi thanks no deliveries coming to my home address as ill be collecting the stock my self yes im forming a LTD the supplier of stock is 2.0 miles from my front door