Starting a store: your first-month checklist
The usual order of things. Pick your state below for its exact rules, deadlines and official links.
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Register for sales tax if you sell taxable goods or services
Most states require a seller's permit before your first taxable sale.
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Get your EIN
Free from the IRS, online in about 10 minutes. Banks, clients and payroll all ask for it. You never need to pay a service for it. How to get it free
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Open a business bank account
Keeps the company's money separate from yours, which is what protects your LLC. See options
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Choose a POS system
Handles orders, card payments and tips, and feeds your bookkeeping. See options
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Get general liability insurance
Covers injuries or damage blamed on a product you sold. Some marketplaces and landlords require it. See options
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Set up bookkeeping
Track every sale and expense from day one so taxes take hours, not weeks. See options
Pick your state
What insurance costs
| Coverage | Median per month |
|---|---|
| General liability | $42 |
| Business owner's policy (BOP) | $95 |
| Workers' compensation | $86 |
| Cyber insurance | $57 |
Source: Insureon, Feb 2025. Your price depends on your work, location and history.