Even though home-based food and drink sellers are not required to apply for a licence to sell their food/drinks, they should follow the food hygiene guidelines issued by the National Environment Agency (NEA).
You are allowed to operate a sole proprietorship without registering, but you are required to register with your local government to collect and file state taxes. There is nothing wrong with running an unregistered business as long as your business is legal and meets all licensing and tax requirements.
How To Register A Home Business In Singapore
- Step 1: Figure out which business structure you have.
- Step 2: Decide on a name for your business.
- Step 3: Register via BizFile.
- Step 4: Get your UEN.
- Step 5: Register it with HDB.
- Step 6: Make sure you meet the requirements.
- Step 7: Apply for a license via LicenceOne.
While you won't need a license for a Home-Based Small Scale Business, there are guidelines to follow. Your business should not adversely affect your neighbours' living environment, involve the use of heavy equipment that is not intended for domestic use, nor require storage or the movement of goods.
How to Start an Online Business in Singapore
- Step 1 – Research the native market. If you are an expatriate to Singapore and wish to start an ecommerce business in the country then market research should be your first order of business.
- Step 2 – Create a business plan accordingly.
- Step 3 – Incorporate according to Singapore's business requirements.
Firstly, you will need to set up a legal entity which is required if you want to trade online. Happily, registering your company and getting a company registration number is relatively straightforward in the UK.
During the Circuit Breaker period, all home-based food and beverage businesses must cease operation. The Home-Based Small Scale Business Scheme by HDB and URA allows residents to prepare small quantities of food in their homes for sale. The scale of operations in a residential unit is limited.
Basic cost of company incorporation with ACRA involves two things, company name application (S$15) and the Singapore company registration fees (S$300). However, it goes higher if you consider other mandatory requirements like Company Secretary, Registered Address, etc.
7 Steps to Starting a Small Business Online
- Find a need and fill it.
- Write copy that sells.
- Design and build an easy-to-use website.
- Use search engines to drive traffic to your site.
- Establish an expert reputation for yourself.
- Follow up with your customers and subscribers with email.
How to Build an Online Store from Scratch – Step by Step Guide
- Do Some research about your target market.
- Buy right domain name for your online store.
- Prepare an effective eCommerce business plan.
- Choose the best eCommerce platform.
- Designing eCommerce website.
- Development of all the front end and back end functionality.
- Deciding product categories.
- Preparing product pictures and videos.
How to start an online store (7 Steps, no experience required)
- Step 1: Decide on your niche.
- Step 2: Choose between dropshipping or holding your own products.
- Step 3: Brainstorm a business name and register your domain name.
- Step 4: Select products to sell.
- Step 5: Create your website with an online store builder.
- Step 6: Set up a company and get a sales tax ID.
Do You Need A Seller's Permit To Sell Online? Seller's permit, like a business license, depends on your state. For most states, the general rule is that if you sell products or services that qualify for sales tax, a seller's permit is a must. It allows you to collect sales tax from your end customers.
Overall startup costs: $0 - $20,000 per year. Low-Cost Example: If you are looking to start your online retail store on a very low budget, then you only really need a few components to get going. You could spend $400 on a well-designed website, $50 a year on hosting, and $90 a year on an SSL certificate.
All companies require a business license, whether they sell online or from a brick-and-mortar storefront. When you operate a business without the proper licenses, you risk heavy fines. In addition, the city or state may require you to cease operations until you complete the required paperwork.
You do not need any sort of business, city, state or federal license to sell art on facebook, instagram or in person. As an individual you are a “Sole Proprietorship” and you license to sell is your citizenship.
How to Apply for a Reseller License
- Obtain the application from the appropriate state department.
- Organize the information and documents you need to complete the application.
- Submit the fee for obtaining your reseller certificate.
- Find out if and when you need to renew your reseller permit.
If you're in business, you need a business license. It's not dependent on what you make or sell, or if you make a profit or not. Several licenses may be necessary, depending on where you sell and to whom. You also might need additional licenses if your craft is food-based.
Starting a bakery business is one of the most successful home based businesses available today. If you enjoy baking and got skills not only to create tempting food but also visually appealing, then this can be one of the best startup ideas. You can also tie-up with retail shops to sell your products in their stores.
Because your business is based online, you can reach more potential customers, work from virtually anywhere and make money online without large overheads. While some of these ventures can bring in a nice passive income, some of these online money making ideas can actually create small fortunes.
5 Most Profitable Online Businesses
- Training. People are quickly realizing that the things they learn in their universities have nothing to do with their life.
- Selling Digital Products. This is the next profitable business online.
- Blogging. I am a professional blogger.
- Freelance writing and other freelancing.
- Amazon FBA.
Below are several things to consider when starting your own business online.
- Build a Free Online Store.
- Use Existing Online Sales Platforms.
- Consider Using Content Management Services.
- Join Affiliate Networks.
- Print-on-Demand Products.
- Market Your Business Online.
Starting A Business Requires Long Term Thinking
When I say commitment, I'm talking about giving it a go for at least 3-5 years. When my wife and I started our online store, we were in it for the long haul.Just because there are benefits, however, doesn't mean that operating an online business from home is risk-free. Just like other businesses, home-based companies must comply with federal, state and local regulations and tax rules.
It is never too late to launch your business successfully! If you have a good idea that you want to develop you just have to give it a shot. Everything you need to start an online business without the wasted time, money and effort.
Online Business Ideas You Can Start With No Money
- Freelance writer. It's hardly a surprise that freelance writer makes the list of online businesses you can start.
- Social media consultant. Do you have a knack for social media?
- Web designer.
- Graphic designer.
- SEO consultant.
- Business coach.
- App developer.
- Online retailer.
- Amazon. Amazon: A Major Marketplace like eBay, but Cheaper.
- Etsy. Etsy (as well as Ruby Lane): The Artsy-Crafty Platforms.
- Bonanza. Bonanza: A Fast-Growing Online Marketplace.
- Craigslist. Craigslist: The World's Largest Online Classified Website.
- eBid. eBid: Another "Sell Anything" Marketplace.
- Rakuten.
- Newegg.
- eCrater.
Selling on Carousell is the easiest and cheapest compared to the other platforms. Registering for an account is free. And anyone can list items for sale for free too. Just tap the “+” or “sell” button on the mobile app (or the red “Sell” button on desktop) and you can upload or take up to 4 photos of your item.
Let these top picks inspire you and get your online store going.
- Qoo10. Formerly known as Gmarket, Qoo10 is one of the most popular online shopping sites in Singapore.
- Lazada.
- Zalora.
- Carousell.
- RedMart.
- Honestbee.
- Reebonz.
- HipVan.
Essentially selling on LAZADA is FREE, you only start paying when you start selling an item, and that is all, basically ZERO start up cost. On Lazada there are no fixed fees, no listing fees, and no hidden costs. We only charge a commission per order, based on the unit price of your product.
Online sales and auctions
- Amazon. You can sell pretty much anything on Amazon, although selling in some specialized categories requires Amazon approval and an upgraded selling plan.
- eBay.
- Bonanza.
- eBid.
- Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Letgo.
- Poshmark.
- Ruby Lane.
- Etsy.
These sites make it easy to have all your items for sale in one place:
- Amazon.com.
- Bonanza.
- eBay.
- eBid.
- iOffer.
- Listia.
- Mercari (app)
- Oodle.
Physical Marketplace to Sell Craft
- Kranji Countryside Farmers Market (Quarterly)
- Loewen Gardens Farmers Market (Monthly)
- Farmers' Market @ Central Singapore (Monthly)
- Open Farm Community Social Market (Monthly)
- Public Garden Singapore (Multiple Times a Year)
- Etsy (Artisan Focused, USA based)
Carousell is an open community where members have the freedom to conduct transactions in ways which they feel most comfortable. We take the safety of our community very seriously and do our best to keep the marketplace a pleasant place for all.
Making Money With The Carousell App
- Snap to sell, chat to buy.
- Snap, list, sell in 30 seconds.
- Chat with buyers/sellers in one place. Keep your email or phone number private.
- Shop near or far.
- List your item here, and have it posted to Facebook, Instagram, and many more sites all in seconds.
