Hi Kev,
I will try to address your concerns to the best that I can.
First, with regards to your obstacles with Tax/SSN, you can try
visiting your government's official website and check out your options from there.
Please note that this piece of paper goes by many aliases! The sales tax Id is also called a Retail or Reseller's License, State Sales Tax Id, Tax Id, Resale Number, Resale Certificate, or Vendor's License. All of these names are referring to one thing: A certificate issued for a small fee by your state (if you live in Canada or the US) that says you are registered to collect sales tax. A seller's permit is required for retailers who buy or sell tangible, taxable items. It is required to buy wholesale and sell retail or sell wholesale.
WHEN DO YOU NEED A SELLER’S PERMIT (SALES TAX ID)?
* If you live in the USA or Canada. Most states have a sales tax, but there are a couple that don’t. If you reside in one of these states just let the wholesaler know and they may have a different form or requirement for you to complete.
* If you sell online to make money (i.e. You sell more seriously than just getting rid of a few old things from around the house every now and then). You need a seller’s permit so you can charge and collect taxes, which you’ll pay to your state government later.
* If you want to purchase goods wholesale from a US supplier (and you are also based in the US), you need a seller’s permit to buy wholesale sales tax free.
Although it’s not necessary for SaleHoo members to have a seller’s permit and a registered business for them to use many of the suppliers in our directory, we strongly recommend you get one as it will give you access to even MORE wholesalers.
And secondly, with regards to international shipping, most suppliers will ship internationally although it may not always be mentioned outright on their sites. You could always try asking them directly as most of them are willing to arrange international shipment. Remember that every shipment means a sale on their part.
Hope this helps. Cheers :)