Register for Merchant Certificate

Now that you have registered your business name, it is all yours to begin doing business under. Depending on your niche, and the laws in your State you may need to register for a merchant certificate. The costs for a merchant certificate are low for a sole proprietorship. In Indiana, I only paid about twenty-five dollars. However, costs do vary by state. Check your local government website for costs information. Although costs differ by state, they are still low across the country. Keep in mind your merchant certificate is not a lifetime certification so you will have to stay on top of your expiration date.

There are several classifications when it comes to registering as a merchant. Be sure to check your state’s government website to find your NAICS number. This is the number that your business will be classified under after you register as a merchant. For example, my business His & Hers TNT Treats is registered under NAICS number, 722320. This classifies my small business as a Catering/Bakery entity. Select your NAICS code depending on your business niche. With Dropshipping, it will likely be under Retail.

Once you complete everything from your checklist, you can complete your application and your merchant certificate will be mailed to you shortly after along with your assumed DBA name certification.