Winnipeg Ebay Sellers need your help regarding permits

[jaynug34]

Hi,

Winnipeg Ebayers. I'm a brand new Ebay seller.

Do I need to apply for a home based business permit and a used goods dealers permit even if I'm new?

I plan to sell on Ebay long term. I sell clothing, vintage books, and video games.

Thanks

[ricarmic]

I don't have the exact answer you are looking for, but you are also going to want to read this as well eventually....

http://community.ebay.ca/t5/Seller-Central/GST-HST-PST-and-INCOME-TAX-for-eBay-Sellers/m-p/280593#M3...  

(This thread is from a long time, well experience ebay seller)

[reallynicestamps]

On a slightly different point, as a new seller, you would be wise to do some buying before you begin selling.

Feedback has always been voluntary, and today does not count as a selling account metric, but it is good public relations with your future customers.

(Buyer feedback is always 100% positive too, which is helpful.)

Buying also gives you a picture of what challenges face buyers here. You'll find the seller challenges soon enough.

Most experienced sellers suggest buying shipping supplies like bubble envelopes, poly envelopes, labels, tape and the like (cough postage cough)  from a variety of sellers in North America and overseas.

Best wishes for your new business. Keep records. I hope you are paying taxes on your profits soon.

[recped]

Here are the official City of Winnipeg rules on home businesses.

http://www.winnipeg.ca/ppd/permits/Residential/HomeBusiness.stm

I think I can say with confidence that there are many thousands of home based eBay sellers in Winnipeg that DO NOT have permits.

I had a retail store in WPG in the 80`s, the business taxes and fees were completely outrageous, amongst the highest in all of Canada.

[jaynug31]

I think I'm overthinking this. Maybe I should just focus on selling and see if this is worth it for me. I also spoke to the guy the issues the permit in city hall. He says the government doesn't allow two business and in one household. (My mother runs a daycare) Bummer.

I'm OP. This is my main account.

[femmefan1946]

I usually tell people who need reliminary permit or sales tax information to call the office of their municipal councillor or provincial member for information.

Not necessarily the politician, the staff handles a lot of these questions capably.

And your name and phone number are not logged by the 'government'/

Most eBay sellers are at the garage sale level. Just online.

Think of your business that way.

The biggest problem I can see with doing a little eBaying while your mum runs her daycare is keeping the rugrats our of your stock.

[pen8929]

Hey would you sell my stuff on consignment ?

[reallynicestamps]

ZOMBIE THREAD FROM 2017

The problem with zombie threads is that the information will be out of date and may no longer be accurate.

@pen8929 

When consignment selling was a thing, the sellers wanted to have the product in their hands. They charged for photography, writing descriptions, listing, packaging, and shipping. The minimum wage these days is about 25c a minute, and selling on eBay is a skill worth more than minimum wage.

On top of those basic costs the seller usually charged between 40% and 60% of the selling price. The consignor also paid all eBay fees, which run between 15% and 20% of the selling price.

[marnotom!]

40 to 60%? Those greedy sellers! eBay is content with 12.9%, why can’t sellers be that reasonable? 😉