Chapter One

GETTING STARTED

STEP 1: Check out estate sales in your area to see if this truly interests you.¹

1. Check local estate sale companies online and their years in business; choose those with many years to research.
2. Look online to compare local estate sales companies’ percentage rates/fees and how they handle their sales. Also note past-sale links, if available, to view uploaded pictures. Pictures go a long way to entice the crowd of customers.

STEP 2: Consult with professionals, such as an accountant, attorney, financial adviser, and other experts for advice regarding your small business.

I went to SCORE², which is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow, and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. They’ve been doing this for over 50 years and can be found online.

STEP 3: Choose a business name.

• File a creation document with the secretary of state, if needed.
• Follow your state guidelines.

  Corporation—Articles of incorporation

  General Partnership—No creation document required, but fictitious name filing may be necessary

  Limited Partnership—Certificate of limited partnership

  Limited Liability Company—Articles of organization

• Consider fictitious name registration—If the business will operate under a name other than your own or the exact name of the spiritual being, you must register that different name.
• Sole Proprietorships—A sole proprietor is someone who owns an unincorporated business by himself or herself.

You can access many of these filings electronically through the secretary of state’s online services.

STEP 4: Register the business for required state taxes, if applicable. Speak to an attorney for advice or go to SCORE.

STEP 5: Register with your state for unemployment tax purposes.

STEP 6: Apply for a federal Employer Identification Number with the I.R.S.

STEP 7: Register with other agencies in your state, if required.

STEP 8: Register for a business license and other necessary permits (if any).

STEP 9: Create a website (optional).

STEP 10: Create business cards.

STEP 11: Create a flyer.

STEP 12: Make sure to have pens, notepads, and a voice recorder.

STEP 13: Have prepared contracts printed out.

STEP 14: Purchase a weekly planner.

Now that you’re all set up with legalities and supplies, let’s get started!