How to Get a Vendor Number

If you want to sell goods or services to a business, a nonprofit or a government organization, you need to get a vendor number with them. For instance, if you are lucky enough to have your fashion line be sold at Macy's, then they will enter you into their vendor database and assign you a vendor number. Here is what you should know when trying to get a vendor number.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. If you don't already have an Employer Identification Number (EIN), apply for it from the IRS. EIN is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number. While some entities might accept your social security number, most will require an EIN. It is also a good idea as an identity theft prevention measure. Check for a link pointing to relevant EIN information under resources below.

2. When you land a contract with a business, generally you just have to provide them with your EIN and other relevant information about your business, such as location address(es). They will then assign a vendor number to you, which will be EIN with a few extra digits tacked on to it. Those depend on a particular organization.
   Use that number on all the invoices or any other correspondence you send to this business or government agency.

3. If you want to do business with state or local governments or federal government agencies, find out what their vendor registration procedure is. Frequently you have to enter data into their online databases yourself, and only then you can bid on the contracts, etc.

4. Don't assume that if you got a vendor number with one entity, it will be the same for others. Generally you need to get a separate vendor number for each business you are selling goods or services to. This may preclude state governments that have state-wide vendor databases.

Resources

• Apply for EIN from the IRS
• How to Find Sales Tax Rates
• How to Figure Out Sale Prices
• How to Get a Business Grant From the Government

[williamfjordan]

on 11/1/2009 good tax tips ... 5*

[karileighk]

on 7/7/2009 Good info on how to get a vendor number.

[sonni57]

on 6/11/2009 Good article on how to get a vendor number I didn't know you had to have one.