Starting up an online store that sells wedding-related goods

Hi everyone, I'm looking at starting up an online store that sells wedding-related products in NZ. I've been doing lots of research but I have several questions that if someone knowledgeable on here could answer I'd really appreciate it!

1. Most of the suppliers I've found that have products I'd like to buy to on-sell are from the US. But they require a tax ID number or reseller's license - what is that and how can I get one in NZ?

2. A family friend told me that to get anywhere in business in NZ when you want to sell products online, you need to buy direct from China or somewhere in Asia because most products sold on US websites are bought from China anyway and it would be cheaper buying from China, would you say that is true? If so, why can't I find any of these products on Chinese sites. I would feel more comfortable buying from the likes of momentsofelegance.com or rosemary wedding company and those kind of sites than Asian sites, which sounds bad but on this forum I've read so many horror stories from people trying to buy from Chinese suppliers!

3. I haven't started anything yet, just researching at this stage. What would you say the first few things I need to do are, when setting up as a sole trader? (Get an accountant? Sort a loan for initial product purchases? Sort out if I need to register for GST? Contact the IRD? Get a customs broker? it's all quite bewildering!)

Any advice would be most appreciated.

Thanks,
Katie

Hi Kate, welcome to the site.

To do business with a US company that requires a reseller id you just need a tax id from your local authority. Not sure if you have Business numbers or not, but either that or the equal of will do just fine.

A quick call to you Tax office will sought that out for you very easily.

Work out what you want to purchase, then work out where the best avenue is to purchase it through. Don't get caught up thinking about what country you will be buying from at this stage, that will unfold for you when you start building your business plan.

The first thing you really need to do is to draw yourself that business plan, that will give you some direction. The more thorough the plan is you develop, the easier your business will be to roll out.


: )

Hi kate501,

Glad to have you on board! :)

Fudjj has pretty much addressed most of your concerns in his reply. I would just like to add a few things that may help you out as well.

You can actually find almost anything from our suppliers in Asia and China, just don't expect to find any authentic brand name items. If you are in search for the no brand items then Asia is a great market place for you to explore. Also be aware that you will be meeting all types of people/suppliers, good ones and the not-so-good ones. Just brace yourself for the experience and do plenty of research before you start. And when you start, start off small, buy a few pieces at a time and try to always use a safe payment method.

Here are a few articles that you may find helpful in your venture, please have a read:

Link hidden: Login to view
Link hidden: Login to view
Link hidden: Login to view

Hope this helps. Cheers:)

Thanks for your helpful info :)