How to Get a Business License to Buy Goods
One of the perks of running a business is the ability to purchase bulk and wholesale goods at a substantial discount over the normal retail price. Many vendors, however, require a copy of a business license to be on file before making such deals available. To qualify as a business, one needs only secure a business license from a local government agency, and this process is sometimes as simple as completing a basic form.
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Instructions
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Get a Business License
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Identify the licenses needed. Depending on where your business is operated, as many as three separate business licenses may be necessary. If your business operates inside the limits of a city or municipality, the local town or city government will require registration of the business and proper licensing. In most areas, a separate county license is also required, and some states require a state business license, a business taxpayer identification number, or both.
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Secure the city, town, village, or municipality license. Although each city operates in a slightly different manner, local business licenses are almost always issued from an office at city hall. If your city offers a telephone directory, it may be beneficial to call ahead before visiting city hall to determine what office is most likely to issue the license. If no directory of local offices is available, simply ask the receptionist, guard, or other front-desk individual where you should go to secure a business license. On the local level, securing a business license is as easy as filling out a simple form, listing the physical address of the business (most cities do not issue business licenses to post office boxes), and showing a photo identification to prove that you are, in fact, a stakeholder in the business. Many municipalities print and deliver the license on the spot, though some may mail the license to you in a few days.
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Secure a county business license. In most areas, a separate county business license must also be obtained in order to conduct business. While some metropolitan regions may combine the city and county licensing agencies, acquiring a county license generally requires a trip to the local county courthouse. When you arrive at the courthouse, locate (or ask to be directed toward) the office of the County Clerk. The clerk, or an employee thereof, will provide a form similar to the one completed for the municipality in Step Two above, and may also require photo identification. County licenses are typically mailed to licensees, though some smaller counties may print and issue the license on the spot.
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If necessary, secure state business licensing and identification. The requirements for state licensing and issuance of a business taxpayer identification number vary from state to state, as does the process of obtaining such credentials. For a complete list of state requirements, as well as links to relevant state websites, visit the Small Business Administration's web page at SBA.gov.
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Provide your license, business taxpayer identification, or any other requested documents to your wholesaler. To take advantage of the wholesale and bulk pricing available from your supplier, you will likely need to provide business licensing and, if required, taxpayer identification to the wholesaler. Depending on the supplier's preference, you may choose to mail a physical copy in person, present a copy in person, or simply fax a copy of your license to the company for processing. Once the documentation has been provided and approved, you should be ready to enjoy wholesale or bulk discount price advantages.
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Tips & Warnings
For additional information on setting up a business, consider contacting your local chapter of the Service Corps Of Retired Executives, or SCORE.
Note that many suppliers require a large initial purchase or minimum number of items in order to qualify for bulk or wholesale pricing. Be sure to verify purchase requirements before entering a buying agreement.
