Looking to go legit

I would just list it as manufacturing. If you say Automotive anything it seems to raise red flags with everyone. All they think about is the oil and chemicals that come out of a car. I got hung up on several times when looking for insurance. Once I just said Manufacturing everyone wanted to listen. And when they asked what I made, I said "car parts". Never had an issue, even when I said I install them.

Also, look into getting a business license at home before you do anything. Every city is different, but I looked into it here, and it was around $1500 and it would be put to a committee vote. If they said no, I was still out $1500. They basically only want home offices as far as home based businesses go.

Great, thanks Seth.

All I have to say is be ready to get a bunch of telemarketer calls...All I did was apply for a tax I.D. number so I could get some wholesale accounts....and I get atleast 10 calls a day from people. Ranging from insurance on my everything...to people wanting me to carry their home air filters. Shits crazy...I turned the phone off and I only call it to check the messages...which ussualy consist of 25 telemarketers and 2 real messages.

LOL HAHAHAHA yup the telemarketing calls will roll in quick!!!!

it's a DBA (Doing Business As) which allows you to cash checks made out to IE: "Mike's Never Finished Customs"

you can get a business license no prob without the DBA, but you won't be able to open a business bank account etc... it's not all that bad a process, just takes a few days and a few bucks

Good luck with everything!

Check with city ordinances if you want to work out of your garage and pray to god you have understanding neighbors.

I haven't gotten any telemarketing calls, other than the mortgage ones I get at home anyway. The thing I do have an issue with, is people that come in your shop to try to sell you shit! My no soliciting sign obviously isn't big enough. I usually ask people if they have seen the sign on the door. Some reply with something like "Yes, but I am not trying to sell you anything, I just want to set up an appointment with you so I can tell you what we can offer you." Lmao. Or they say "What sign?" So I go make them look, close the door, and lock it. Usually get a card slipped under the door.

I think I need a bigger no sign that says "No soliciting, yes this applies to you!"

Originally posted by HotRodDime





it's a DBA (Doing Business As) which allows you to cash checks made out to IE: "Mike's Never Finished Customs"

LMAO mike,finally opened your own shop huh? are u guys hiring over at mikes never finished customs???

Again, great info guys, and funny as hell to!

Well you got all the info you need basically.. Since im also in Michigan figured I would let you know what the crap runs here...

The DBA runs 30.00 It takes about 5 minutes to fill out.. you have to do it at your county clerk. Check online to be sure your name isnt already registered in MI or anywhere else for that matter..

Tax id you can do online. Thats free..Do federal first then state..

In Michigan you dont need a business License for everything. I didnt need one for my biz.. So check out the Mich.gov site to see if you actually need one before paying for it. You might also be forced to get insured/bonded like a contractor is in MI.

Edited: 10/1/2008 8:14:33 AM by e10pvmt

when i did my pool tile biz back a few years ago i did an S-corporation....if you incoporate yourself it releases you personally from any liability that may fall on the company...it also seperates your assests so basically you have business income and you pay yourself...and you can call it "whatever you want, INC"....and i did without doing a DBA...had no issues gettin a bank account or credit card......or even dissolving it when it tanked....lol....i also had to fill out a workmans comp exemption forms for single employee

if you want do some research on corporations