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I shop under a DBA

February 10, 2019 02:43PM
I was reading a post and the statement "I shop under a DBA" caught my eye. Can anyone expand on how they set themselves up business wise. What tools/apps do you use or recommend as "must have". What are best practices for 2019. Thanks
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February 10, 2019 06:41PM
I just do my MS business in my own name, as a sole propritor. There is not reason to do any DBA stuff inless you really want to copmlexify your life.

Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel

Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
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February 10, 2019 06:44PM
I do most of my shops under my own name and use my own SSN. This work is reported on Schedule C as a sole proprietor.. I also have an LLC for consulting work that I do. If an MSC wants an EIN, I have one from the LLC. The LLC work is reported on a second Schedule C.

Shopping Southeast Pennsylvania, Delaware above the canal, and South Jersey since 2008
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February 11, 2019 01:40AM
"copmlexify "

New word. Love it!
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February 11, 2019 12:46PM
If you want to set up as a DBA, go to the IRS site here: [www.irs.gov] and apply for an EIN (Employer Identification number). When registering, you must use your full real name and then add DBA whatever your business name is. It should look like this: (Example is a fake name and fake company) John P. Doe DBA Best Mystery Shopping Company In The World.

Other things you should do: You receive the EIN number immediately after applying. You will use this number instead of your social security number. Then, go to your local courthouse and apply and pay for an occupational license with your DBA (My area it cost $50). In addition, I suggest getting insurance for Mystery Shopping with your DBA. Also, you can open up another checking account with your DBA but, you are allowed to use your personal account if you want to.

Shopping Arkansas, Louisiana, & Mississippi.
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February 11, 2019 02:42PM
I am sure that what you wrote about going to the courthouse to get an occupational license is true here you live. It is not the case in Delaware, Pennsylvania, or New Jersey. Be careful about generalizing state/city requirements to other areas of the country.

I am intrigued about getting insurance for mystery shopping. When I tried to get liability and errors and omissions insurance, the information required (names of all clients, revenue, etc.) was daunting and the premium was huge. Does anyone else have insurance? If so, could you mention the insurance company?
@ArkLaMissshopping wrote:

Then, go to your local courthouse and apply and pay for an occupational license with your DBA (My area it cost $50). In addition, I suggest getting insurance for Mystery Shopping with your DBA.

Shopping Southeast Pennsylvania, Delaware above the canal, and South Jersey since 2008
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February 12, 2019 01:21AM
myst4au, you're right. I didn't think that other areas didn't make people have occupational license. I will start using "in my area" from now on.

There are companies that mystery shopping insurance aren't so high. With a small down payment you can spend $40 a month (in my area). Not sure what it costs where you are.

@myst4au wrote:

I am sure that what you wrote about going to the courthouse to get an occupational license is true here you live. It is not the case in Delaware, Pennsylvania, or New Jersey. Be careful about generalizing state/city requirements to other areas of the country.

I am intrigued about getting insurance for mystery shopping. When I tried to get liability and errors and omissions insurance, the information required (names of all clients, revenue, etc.) was daunting and the premium was huge. Does anyone else have insurance? If so, could you mention the insurance company?
@ArkLaMissshopping wrote:

Then, go to your local courthouse and apply and pay for an occupational license with your DBA (My area it cost $50). In addition, I suggest getting insurance for Mystery Shopping with your DBA.

Shopping Arkansas, Louisiana, & Mississippi.
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