HIGHLIGHTS

You are NOT required to set up a DBA or a business entity; it's completely optional.

Reasons you may want to get a DBA:

• Get a seller's permit (which a lot of suppliers require to set up a reseller account)
• Look more professional (you can contact potential suppliers as a representative of a company)
• Get a free business checking account (so you can segregate business & personal)

Setting up a business entity is usually very fast, easy and cheap. In most states, you can do everything online. Read through the Types of Business Entities and How to Register a Business Entity articles to determine what type of business you should set up (usually a simple DBA) and how to do it.

If you decide to get a DBA or set up a business entity, we strongly suggest giving it a generic corporate-sounding name (rather than giving it a name specific to your chosen micro niche). Read this forum post to learn why.