Sole trader purchasing

[GGN2001]

I'm aware that a sole trader has to present themselves as a business when selling (e.g. by registering a business account for selling on Ebay, by displaying business details etc), but what are the rules when it comes to buying? If you're not VAT registered, do you have to give your sole trader business name in your shipping/payment details when purchasing items for the business, or is anything allowed?

 

[Scalloway]

You give whatever details are necessary to get what you want to buy, mainly telling them where to send the goods and who is paying the bill.

 

[GGN2001]

Thanks for the reply. So there is no compulsion to mention the business either when paying for the item or submitting shipping details? (I can just use my personal details and shipping address)

 

[Mr D]

Most places will ask you for business details when you register with them. After that they usually don't care.

 

[GGN2001]

But is there any compulsion to give them your business details (other than complying with their TOS) if all you are doing is purchasing?

Or, on Ebay (where I believe you can have different shipping/payment details for buying than for selling), is it allowed to leave out any mention of the business when purchasing items?

 

[Scalloway]

The only reason I can think of for disclosing you are a business is some businesses give better selling terms to other businesses because B2B sales have less regulation than sales to private customers.