Do I need a company name to register with a dropshipper?

Hi to all the members in the forum,

I've recently joined SaleHoo and I'm looking to drop ship products on Amazon as an individual seller (not professional).

Looking through the dropshippers' websites, I need to include a company name on the reseller application to view their catalogue; however, I don't have a formally set up company just a 'doing business as' name used to set up my Amazon account. My question is, "Can I use this name to contact the dropshipper or do I need a formally set up business to do this?

I'd appreciate all your replies.

Hi Jose and welcome to the forum,

Using what you currently have will be fine with most dropshippers.

Cheers

I echo what Mark says.

A lot of new starters would classify themselves as a sole trader. This in most cases would be suitable to start your journey. Some however, do require registered companies + VAT numbers.

Good luck!


Lee

Hello Jose,

True that most suppliers do not need a business license/registration for you to apply as a reseller. However they do need a reseller's license just so they can prove that you have the intention to resell. Since you are still on the start-up stage and if you do not have any of these yet, what you can do is call the supplier directly and explain your set-up and business plan. Suppliers really just want to verify information first before they can accept you as a reseller so if nothing can be verified online then a phone call might be needed. Do note as well that if you have the licenses, these suppliers might be able to give you a more competitive wholesale pricing.

Hope this helps! :)

Thank you for your wonderful post it is very helpful :)

Just to clarify the advice in this thread to make it clearer,

A Reseller's Certificate (tax id) will be required by "wholesale suppliers", unless you are an international customer. In most cases, the "wholesale supplier" will not require a tax id in this circumstance. If they do still insist on you providing one, then you can use a tax id from your own national tax authority.

A "Reseller's Certificate" is required by US residents dealing with US suppliers only.

While some "dropsgippers" also require a "Reseller's Certificate", not all of them do. and Surplus Suppliers usually won't require any tax id. If in doubt, just ask the supplier to clarify for you.