Running USA Website From The UK?

[Londoner2001]

Myself and a co-founder are soon launching our site, sits in the sharing economy space, there is no actual cash transaction involved and we were wondering if we need to be in the USA to set up there or can we run it from the UK. We will be using geolocation of users from inputting their zip codes and can host the USA users on the .com domain rather than .co.uk If possible what legal pitfalls do we need to be aware of?

 

[TODonnell]

I say just do it and and see what happens, for the reason highlighted below. US server, .com domain, US-oriented content, owner is based in Somalia ... who cares?

Myself and a co-founder are soon launching our site, sits in the sharing economy space, there is no actual cash transaction involved and we were wondering if we need to be in the USA to set up there or can we run it from the UK. We will be using geolocation of users from inputting their zip codes and can host the USA users on the .com domain rather than .co.uk If possible what legal pitfalls do we need to be aware of?

 

[Londoner2001]

Thanks for that, even if we are going generate revenue down the line? Also do we need different privacy and terms and conditions if we are serving USA users? Does anyone know a good startup solicitor that doesn't charge through the earth?

 

[TODonnell]

As a person you are taxed where you are resident. As a company you are taxed where the company is registered. That's the basics.

 

[RambleRuth]

I have some experience in regards to this and legally you are fine! Your website would be subject to American laws but unless it infringes any of these laws then you are good to go! I would have added that latency may be a consideration here but it seems you have that covered that with the use of geolocation! Good luck!

 

[NuBlue]

If you are going to have hosting in the USA for the .com and in the UK for co.uk then there's no latency issues. If you're going to have one hosting package for both sites using geolocation to send them to the .com or co.uk version then you need to host the site in the country which will generate the most traffic and use CDN to help improve performance outside that country.

 

[Londoner2001]

Really helpful, thank you all.

 

[Carl "Excel-Expert" Nixon]

The last time I did this (a few years back now) the location of the server had a big impact on the SEO. Trying to get a foot hold in the US version of Google with a .com site hosted in the UK was an uphill struggle - shifting it to a US host got over that hurdle.

Is that still the case today?

 

[Sen Turan]

Hi everyone

I need a big advice on my export business start up for Automotive & heavy machineries.

- I am a British premanently moved to Germany recently.
- I still have Banking facility in UK
- I reside in Berlin, which is one of the big start up cities in the Europe right now.
- I am more familiar with the business systems in UK than Germany.
- I am not fluent in German either, although my partner is German.
- I would be operating as a sole agent to begin with by sourcing vehicles and machinery for clients worldwide.

What I like to know:

1. Where best to register and set up the business? Although there is english based help available in Berlin?

2. Can I register in Germany and do my banking in UK? or vice versa? which is more sound?

3. It would be online based, so websites and social media marketing streams as well as direct telephone contact. For example, if I set up the business as being operated in UK but having a German landline telephone in the website for contacting me, would that put the client of for fraud or trust purpose?
4. How about taxation and legal systems? How would this affect me as the company grows?

An expert/ experience advice from anyone involved in international trade would help me so much to make my dreams come true as I am stuck in this maze for a while now and is delaying my start up!

Thanks to all readers.

Best regards

Turan