Selling Vapes and Juice Locally in person/craigslist - NYC

[stonedkirby]

So I'm really excited about the world of vaping- I'm in the process of converting my boss, a peer at my college, a co worker and a family member. I've purchased extra batts to let them borrow and tons of juice to appeal to all taste buds.
I think I could sell all of this too, and for less then what people would pay at the store. I work part time 3 hours a day, even If I could just pull in a few bucks, I would feel good about exposing the alternative to smoking.

Here are my questions.

NYC- Legislation to ban e cigs was shot down.

Is there any law prohibiting me from selling them though? Advertising on craigslist? Selling in person?

Obviously I'd have to keep in mind allergies to PG and age restriction on nicotine products. I just want to know if legally, I would be in the clear to do a small operation-not even wholesale. Just slightly above the best prices I can get.
Most people don't want to or care to do the research. When I start explaining their questions about vaping, they get overwhelmed, and i try to be as concise as possible. They end up telling me if I was selling they'd just buy from me for a upcharge.

Thoughts? Ideas? Derp.

 

[NancyR]

Personally I think it is a bad idea. One using someplace like craigslist, you don't have a way to check age, yes I know most web sites just have the are you over 18, but that is still helping to cover their a**. Then also as craigslist is nothing more than a classified ad, you can also have your local government get you all sorts of issues, everything from no business license, to operating a business out of a residential property.

If you really want to go into selling e-cigs and or related products, take the time and do it right. If that is not your goal get some of the ECF business cards to give out to those who are interested.

 

[Ezkill]

If you're asking about starting an under the table, cash only business that really that has no intention of paying taxes on it's profit...my answer would be no, not a good idea.

IRS says that you have to file a tax return if your net earnings from self employment are more then 400 dollars. Then everything sort of snowballs from there...then you have to start keeping books, perhaps register your business etc etc.

I'm sure lots of people run cash only businesses under the table. I don't agree with it personally.

 

[Napolean Complex]

I don't either. The consequences are worse than the profits if not done legally.

 

[nnote]

Unfortunately on cragslist you will find many vape products, none of them nicotine related...

 

[supergerbil]

IRS says that you have to file a tax return if your net earnings from self employment are more then 400 dollars. Then everything sort of snowballs from there...then you have to start keeping books, perhaps register your business etc etc.

That's why god made Quickbooks.

I'd be a lot more worried about selling to minors, getting sued over an allergic reaction, etc.

 

[NancyR]

Unfortunately on cragslist you will find many vape products, none of them nicotine related...

While that may well be the case, there is a big difference than selling one or two things and actually making it a business. I know first hand how some states have people who go through classified ads, and if they find some that are repeating or say anything about taking orders, or in any other way sound like a business, these people call and the minute you make arrangements they ask for your business license, and your tax id number.

 

[Ezkill]

That's why god made Quickbooks.

I'd be a lot more worried about selling to minors, getting sued over an allergic reaction, etc.

I can't disagree about the lawsuits and allergic reactions. Those are scarier and a much larger concern but...

most people that start doing stuff like this don't actually think/believe they have to pay taxes, report income and all of the other jazz. You should be doing it and if you are not you are operating outside of the law. Sure, most people don't get caught and it isn't a problem. However some do and the consequences can be severe. The IRS and CRA(Canadian Revenue Agency) are fairly strict and quite humor-less. Having dealt with both I can honestly say they can make your life a living nightmare even over the smallest infractions. I've had clients that have had brushes with both of these agencies.

It's just extra information in case he's seriously considering this.

 

[supergerbil]

I can't disagree about the lawsuits and allergic reactions. Those are scarier and a much larger concern but...

most people that start doing stuff like this don't actually think/believe they have to pay taxes, report income and all of the other jazz. You should be doing it and if you are not you are operating outside of the law. Sure, most people don't get caught and it isn't a problem. However some do and the consequences can be severe. The IRS and CRA(Canadian Revenue Agency) are fairly strict and quite humor-less. Having dealt with both I can honestly say they can make your life a living nightmare even over the smallest infractions. I've had clients that have had brushes with both of these agencies.

It's just extra information in case he's seriously considering this.

Meh, the IRS isnt that bad unless they suspect fraud. In my experience the state agencies are a much bigger concern. Franchise Tax Board, Board of Equalization, EDD/Labor Board, etc. Those people will show up unannounced, throw you out and padlock the doors.

Honestly its not all that hard once you figure out which agencies you have to comply with. Just make sure you find all of them; my first year I had no idea there was such a thing as a County Assessors office until they sent me a bill.