To be baffled by how to sell books on amazon

[Babypythagorus]

Not really an AIBU, sorry, just want the traffic.

I am baffled by selling on amazon. I have loads of education books, and want to flog some. Do I have to be a business? It’s asking for my business name...?!

Argh

It’s just so there’s a marketplace name if someone clicks on your book - I just use my initials + something to do with books eg LMP Bookstore

Yes it’s just whatever you want to call yourself as a seller. You can register as an individual seller rather than a business.

Ahhhh... and are you registered as a sole trader or anything? Should I pay tax on them?

You have to open a 'seller account', make a seller name, price the books how you want to. It's worth keeping an eye on your 'inventory' as it shows the rival prices so you can adjust yours. I don't think there is anything about tax. I've sold books on there for a few years now, just my own stuff as I want to get rid. Fees are quite high, and be careful with postage as they only pay £2.80 postage on any book - can cost a lot more with big heavy ones, ok for paperback etc.

No you don't have to pay tax as you won't be making a profit! Unless you are in the fortunate position of being able to sell them for more than you originally paid for them.

Ahh great point Cecily!

Thanks all :)

CecilyP that’s not quite how it works, whether you make a profit or not doesn’t come into it.

But don’t worry OP, you still don’t need to declare this. Rule is, if it’s your own stuff you’re reselling, you don’t need to, but if it’s goods that you’ve bought with the intention of selling them on, then that classes you as a small business and you should register for self assessment tax.