noted started this topic @ 16:46 on 04/03/2010
I'm looking into setting up a very small business and being a sole trader. It will just be a small website where I hope to have some affiliate links (if I can ever figure out how that works!) and hopefully sell a few ads/postings. The thing is I am anxious for the business to look as 'professional' as possible but know as a Sole Trader I have to list my name certain places.
I think the regulations mean i don't actually have to put my personal name t/a on the website? But i do have to on things like letterheads and invoices? I won't actually be invoicing though but selling online with maybe an online payment link to buy an ad one day. When someone buys online like that do I have to list my personal name on the payment part or is it okay to use the business name since it isn't actually an invoice?
I won't have any premises and will be working from home. Are there any other circumstances where I have to list my personal name on things? Wish there was a way just to provide my name to authorities/business register or whatever without having to give out my personal name. Just concerned highlighting that might put off companies from advertising?
Thanks very much
RE: Sole trader
Themister22 | 04/03/2010 08:02 PM
Hi,
I’m sure that you don't have to put your own name on such things and you can put your business name on instead for the customer to see. Just because you're a sole trader, this doesn’t have to scare potential clients away.
All invoices for any company should include:
- A unique identification number
- Your company name, address and contact information
- The company name and address of the customer you are invoicing
- A clear description of what you are charging for
- The date the goods or service were provided (supply date)
- The date of the invoice
- The amount(s) being charged
- VAT amount if applicable
- The total amount owed
And for sole traders you must also include:
- Any business name being used if the surname of the sole trader is not being used
- An address where any legal documents can be delivered to you if you are using a
Business name
A sole trader basically means you are liable for all debts in the company, but keeping records and accounts is straightforward, and you get to keep all the profits and there are no registration fees.
You'll be a real company, not a sole person (even though you are) and it is the company name that you should put in directories, on flyers and answer the phone with etc...So therefore, no one has to know that it’s just you.
Hope this helps.
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The Ultimate Caravanning Experience
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RE: Sole trader
noted | 04/03/2010 11:36 PM
This is really helpful. Thanks very much, themister22.
I thought I had read something or picked something up about when you are a sole trader not trading under your own personal name you had to include your personal name on all company documents of any kind. I was anxious about that. Because I won't be invoicing much (but now I know how to, thanks) I wondered if i would have had to put my own personal name on like a paypal payment screen rather than the company for instance and even on my website. But if not, it is music to my ears! Thanks.
RE: Sole trader
Themister22 | 05/03/2010 10:56 AM
Hi,
Check out Business Link's website, they will have everything you need to know about this area and if it's not on their website, I’m sure a quick call to them will get everything cleared up and you can get everything underway.
Plus if you haven't already spoke to these, you should, as they help with funding, mentors etc and have lots of contacts in different sectors and specialism’s.
Good Luck with it all
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The Ultimate Caravanning Experience
www.thecaravancommunity.com