Wholesale membership card

[Charlieb]

Hi

I'm going to be running a small university business as part of my course this year, and we're looking to buy supplies from wholesalers such as makro, booker or costco. However for each of these you need membership and to be a registered trader. As we're going to be running a small uni business we wont have this. Is there any other way to get membership? Can anyone offer any advice on what to do?

Thanks

 

[Dave Kinnel]

If your running a business, small or not, then you will have the required documentation that wholesalers require.

 

[Charlieb]

ok but my point is that anyone can start a business without documentation. For example if you buy a wholesale pallet of clothes and sell them on ebay then you are running a small business without having documentation. As far as i understand it, it would then be up to you to register the business if or when you like. So if I was to follow this model then would there be anyway of us not registering but still being able to get a wholesale card? As the business is only meant to have a short lifespan, it dosent seem worth registering.

 

[Dave Kinnel]

Who are you planning on registering with? What are you going to register?

Just tell the HMRC your a sole trader, job done and get on with it.

Surely all this is has been covered in your university course so far, unless your planning to trade whilst avoiding the HMRC, and thus illegally? In which case change universities.

 

[vvaannmmaann]

Tradecard Terms & Conditions

Makro's Conditions of Use of Tradecard:

By signing the Tradecard and using it to obtain access to a Makro store, the business which is the Tradecard holder (the "Holder") and any authorised user agree to be bound by and will observe and comply with Makro's Conditions of Use from time to time in force. The Holder confirms that the registration information given to Makro at or before the time of signature is accurate. The Holder will notify Makro of any changes to any relevant information in writing.

1. Business to Business: The Holder confirms that at all times: a) he/she is actively engaged in the business(es) named and at the address(es) given at the time of registration. b) The authorised users are over 18 years of age and are directors, nominated managers, proprietors of the Holder or are otherwise authorised to purchase on behalf of the Holder.

2. Contract: Makro deals with the Holder, Makro's contract is made with the Holder, regardless of who may pay for the goods, and only the Holder will be invoiced for goods purchased.

3. Business Use: Makro is a business to business wholesaler. The goods it offers for sale are intended for and sold to businesses on the condition that they are for re-sale, commercial or industrial use only. Private individuals may not make consumer purchases as Makro is not a retailer.

4. Restricted Entry: Makro is not open to the general public. Entry into Makro is permitted only to the authorised buyer named on the Tradecard. The Tradecard must be produced on all occasions for entry into Makro. Proof of identification may be requested by Makro. The Tradecard and rights conferred by it cannot be transferred to any other person and any unauthorised use will invalidate the Tradecard and may result in withdrawal.

5. Loss / closure: Loss of a Tradecard must be reported to Makro immediately. If the Holder's business closes down, is sold or disposed of then he/she should notify Makro in writing immediately; in the event of closure or disposal, the Holder's Makro account will be closed.​

 

[Merchant UK]

This is what Makro requires to open an account

Registration Documents

As a wholesaler, we sell business to business only, offering you the best deals in the market place. It’s part of our legal requirements that we need to see documents that you are a business.
When you come into store to register, please bring photocopies of the following documents:

Companies/Organisations
(1) V.A.T. Certificate of incorporation from Companies House or copy of business bank account statement.
(2) Personal photographic ID of the cardholder.
Self-Employed
(1) Recent correspondence from HMRC (Inland Revenue) or a copy of a recent business tax assessment.
(2) Personal Photographic ID of the cardholder.
Complete application form



I guess the others would require similar.

So if your starting a small business at Uni as part of a course you will need to register with HMRC as self employed, or even register a limited company.

Take that along with your passport and you'll get an account