How to have an online business in the USA? Many people have asked this question. There are several things that you must take into account to start this type of business. Hispanic Entrepreneurs It will reveal what they are so you can orient yourself.
Entering the US market gives several advantages and benefits. You can take advantage of the fact that it is the largest in the economic field, In ecommerce alone, the average spend is more than $3000 per year per person.
In addition, English as a universal language breaks down barriers that are more difficult. Also, the second language is Spanish, so you can do business using both.
Its leadership in technology represents a benefit for companies dedicated to the sale of software, for example. But you should also consider that the American market is highly competitive due to the presence of native brands, as well as foreign ones.
Another disadvantage is that it has at least nine time zones. The key to success will be good management in customer service and logistics.
Before we venture out to look at US e-shoppers we should know that 79% buy once a year. While, 29% of Internet users do it once a week. Additionally, one in three e-commerce customers would pay 25% more for green products.
Users invest more frequently in travel, clothes, shoes, cosmetics, electronics, toys, hobbies and furniture. Then there is what is related to food, personal hygiene and video games.
The digital marketing research firm eMarketer determined that the US is the second country with the most online retail sales behind China. Statista estimates that by 2024 sales from this sector will reach almost $600 billion.
How does have an online business In U.S.A?
Starting an online business in the United States does not exempt you from meeting certain legal requirements. All companies must have a business license even if they do not have a physical store. Each city and state establish the collections to process it. It is issued by the government, federal, state or local.
For example, if you will be selling products regulated by agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration a federal license is required. Products of animal origin, explosives, alcoholic beverages, etc. fall into this category.
While, the states require those that cover specific occupations and the sale of some products. You need to check the website of the local Town Hall or the website of the Secretary of state of the place where you will develop your business. You can also rely on the information provided by the US Small Business Administration (SBA).
This way you will know which license you should have and its requirements. It should be noted that lottery tickets and alcohol are the ones that require a license in most states.
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You will almost always have to apply for city and county licenses. The licenses that online businesses commonly need are the general license, home occupation permit y seller permits.
The general authorizes you to operate in a city or county, it must be renewed every one or two years. The home occupation permit is the most requested, especially if the products are sent from your residence.
You may be asked for a seller's permit, but it will depend on the state you are in. But most require it if you sell products or services that fall on the list of those who pay taxes. Check with your state's Bureau of Licensing or Department of Revenue to make sure you get the right one for your business.
There is also a temporary seller's permit that lasts for 90 days, if you do this occasionally. You must obtain licenses and pay taxes in case there is a link. That is, the company is in one city and the merchandise in another.
When the business operates from home and manages inventory you will have to go to the Department of planning and zoning of the city. This will check if it violates local zoning restrictions.
After identifying which licenses your online business needs, proceed to download the forms that are online. You can also pick them up at the corresponding office.
Before filling them out you have to define the structure of the business, have a detailed description of what it does. In addition, to have the sales tax license, obtain the EIN (employer identification number) and other special permits. Visit the website of Internal Revenue Service to apply for the EIN.
Once the forms are ready, deliver them to the finance department in the corresponding area. Pay the required fee and wait for approval in a couple of days or several weeks.
Other steps to have an online business
With the paperwork handled, the next thing to do is create the business website. As this will be the face of it, it is suggested that the domain coincide with the name of the company, or have a similar one.
With the Doing Business As (DBA) license you can operate with a name that is not yours, although it is not mandatory, it is very useful to have it. Then choose the e-commerce platform that you will use.
It can be software that has everything like Shopify, open source, etc. Do not forget that this is essential to develop the online store, everything that involves managing inventory, managing orders, receiving payments, etc.
Then you must include the products in the store and start marketing your proposal. You can do it through SEO positioning, Google ads, social networks, word of mouth, among other marketing channels.
To attract customers keep the website attractive, remains present on social networks and prioritizes customer service. But it also launches promotions and discounts and bets on email marketing.
Keep in mind that depending on the type of online business you have, you may need to obtain an occupational license. This covers state-regulated professions such as legal advice, real estate, architecture, financial planning, insurance, among others. In the national database of occupational licenses there is information that serves as a guide in this regard.
In case you prepare, sell or distribute food products you will need a state and local health inspection certificate. If you have to weigh objects for sale, it will be essential to have a weights and measures permit.
Similarly, find out if you are required to process environmental and health permits according to the line of your e-commerce business. It will be essential that you consult the local government to find out what you must do to process it. Find in https://www.usa.gov/local-governments Official websites and contact information for local governments.
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