There’s a lot to cover, but this should give you a broad idea of what is involved in setting up a site.

If you are serious about establishing a business on eBay, then you’ll need a federal Tax ID number. Find out why…

Name availability check. This ensures that your business name is not already in use by another business.

The cheapest way to register a business is through the Companies House, where it costs £20, payable to Companies House. Alternatively, you can get a same-day registration service for £50. If you require witnesses for form 12, this is around £10. See the Companies House for a full price list.

Step One: What type of business will you have?

Sole proprietorship – You have complete control over the business. This form of business has low start-up costs and few regulations, but you are personally responsible for any debts and obligations. If you operate under your own name you do not need to register, but if you earn more than $30,000 a year you will need to apply for a GST number.

Step One: Decide on a Business Structure

The four main types of business structures commonly used by small businesses are:

Sole trader: an individual trading on their own

Setting up an online store is a great way to start making money online, or to expand an existing business. However, setting up an online business can be confusing for those who are new to selling on the web. Not only are there some very complex design and set-up factors involved, Internet marketing is also a completely different ball-game to marketing a brick and mortar store..

As more and more people flock to shop on the web, there has never been a better time to start an online business. Researchers predict that by 2009, 40% of all households in the USA will be making online purchases!

So how do you go about setting up your own online business and capitalizing on this emerging trend?