Some advice for starting an online store?

[thacher]

Hi, I'm 17, currently attending high school. I wanna start an online store, selling stuffed animals. I will import them from other countries (my mom will lend me money, when I start making money, I'll pay her back). So what I wanna ask is: when i start a business, do I have to report it, and whom do I report it to? if I sell them on eBay, will I have to pay tax, are there any forms of paperwork do I need to fill out? How do I pay tax (sorry if u think this is a dump question, I honestly have no ideas about taxes)? Do my customers have to pay tax when they buy my products?
Oh, and one more thing: am I too young to start a business, and do I need any licenses to start a business.

PS: I'm living in Texas, I think laws are slightly different in every state :)

Sorry I have too many questions, but pls help me out, and make the dream of a young "business woman" come true! Thank you, I appreciate each and every opinions!!!!!

[thacher]

All i need is one mic

[eochaidh94]

All i need is one mic

I would strongly recommend that you talk to a business counselor before you do anything especially spend money on your online store start-up.. I'd call the local office of your Small Business Development Center (SBDC, go to the link below and click on the map to get the office nearest you), the advice is FREE.

The counselor at the SBDC will most likely advise you to write a business plan which is very good advice because it will force you to dig out all of the start up details and the costs of starting a small business and force you to also understand all of the aspects of this business including the customers you'll concentrate on (your market) and how you'll go after them.

You'll need to register the business with your state controller's office and make sure that you have any city and county licenses if any are needed where you live. All of this will come out in a business plan.

Try linking to YCHANGE International and read some of the articles especially the ones about a business plan and starting a business.