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WYF Excess & Aged Inventory · 25 units · $1,412.29 • WYF Salvage Loads · $3,750.00 • WYF Liquidation Returns - Smaller Items · 305 units · $6,326.36 • General Merchandise & Furniture Mix – Outdoor, Bedding, Toys & More · 1,225 units · $14,046.10 • General Merchandise & Bedding Mix – Outdoor, Toys, Electronics & More · 1,964 units · $15,439.44 • General Merchandise & Outdoor Mix – Furniture, Bedding & More · 1,569 units · $15,076.48 • General Merchandise & Outdoor Mix – Toys, Bedding, Furniture & More · 1,617 units · $14,361.36 • WYF Liquidation Returns - Smaller Items · 187 units · $6,451.80 • ZAP Shoes, Apparel Mix & More · 518 units · $8,458.27 • ZAP Shoes, Apparel Mix & More · 600 units · $11,092.93 • ZAP Shoes, Apparel Mix & More · 600 units · $10,429.00 • ZAP Shoes, Apparel Mix & More · 489 units · $8,369.35 • Raw TGT Department Store Return Load · $10,810.00 • Raw TGT Department Store Return Load · $12,650.00 • Raw TGT Department Store Return Load · $11,735.00 • Raw TGT Department Store Return Load · $12,260.00 • Doc McStuffins Doctor's Dress, Halloween LED Projection and More · 128 units · $411.47 • Fabric Ghost Pathmarker Lights, Wilted Pumpkin Decoration and More · 140 units · $342.17 • Mostly Ladies Apparel and More · 19 units · $79.72 • Mostly Kids Apparel and More · 496 units · $1,432.65 • HARPER QN BED & TUSTIN SOFA · 32 units · $8,720.16 • HARPER QN BED,TUSTIN SOFA, & CHAIR · 45 units · $10,195.35 • Way to Celebrate Pumpkin Wine Glasses - 432 Units · 432 units · $644.76 • DOMESTICS · 28 units · $107.16 •
Home › Resources › Small Business Resources
Resources

Small Business Resources

Free money advice, free mentors, and the paperwork that actually matters.

Starting or growing a resale business doesn't require a degree, but it does require a few forms, and there's a surprising amount of free help out there paid for by your tax dollars. Below is the short version: what to file, where to get free coaching, and where the funding really comes from.

Start & Register Permits & Certifications Funding & Financing
Where should I start?

Start Here: The 5-Step Setup

Most resellers can be legally open for business in a week or two.

  1. 01 Pick a structure

    Sole proprietor, LLC, or corporation.

    SBA Business Guide (opens in a new tab)
  2. 02 Register your business name.

    LLCs and corporations register with the state. Using a name other than your own? In California, file a Fictitious Business Name statement with your county clerk. In Florida, register it with Sunbiz.

  3. 03 Get your EIN

    Free, online, takes about 10 minutes. Never pay a third party for this.

    Apply for an EIN (IRS) (opens in a new tab)
  4. 04 Register for sales tax.

    This is the big one for resellers. In California that means a seller’s permit from CDTFA; in Florida, registering with the Department of Revenue. Once registered, you give suppliers a resale certificate so you don’t pay sales tax on inventory you’ll resell. The permit or registration and the resale certificate are different documents.

  5. 05 Check local licensing

    City and county rules are separate from state rules. Don't skip this one.

Government Resources for Small Business

A

Start & Register Your Business

Federal

Taxes & Recordkeeping

California · Register Your Business

Florida · Register Your Business

B

Permits & Certifications

Resale permits

  • California Seller's Permit: CDTFA (opens in a new tab) Government

    Required to sell merchandise in California and free to obtain, though CDTFA may ask for a security deposit. Register online and you’ll often get your number the same day. To buy inventory for resale without paying sales tax, give your supplier a resale certificate, such as form CDTFA-230, showing your seller’s permit number.

  • Florida Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax (opens in a new tab) Government

    Issued by the Florida Department of Revenue to businesses registered to collect sales tax, along with your Certificate of Registration (DR-11). Give it, or its number, to suppliers to buy inventory for resale tax-free. A new certificate is issued each year while your registration is active. It’s a tax document, not a business license.

Certifications & Government Contracts

The federal government buys billions in goods every year and sets aside a share for small businesses.

C

Funding & Financing

The SBA doesn't lend money directly, it guarantees part of your loan so banks and credit unions are willing to say yes.

  • SBA Microloan (opens in a new tab) Government

    Up to $50,000, made through nonprofit community lenders. The most realistic option for a startup reseller; the average loan is around $13,000. Often comes with free training attached.

    SBA Microloans
  • SBA 7(a) (opens in a new tab) Government

    Up to $5 million for working capital, inventory, equipment, or acquisition. The flagship program.

    7(a) Loans
  • SBA Express (opens in a new tab) Government

    Up to $500,000 with a faster turnaround.

    SBA Loan Programs
  • SBA 504 Government

    For real estate and heavy equipment (warehouse, forklifts), not inventory.

  • Lender Match (opens in a new tab) Government

    Answer a few questions, get connected to participating lenders.

  • Find a CDFI (opens in a new tab) Government

    Bank said no? Look at a CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution). These mission-driven lenders specialize in newer businesses and thinner credit files.

D

Get Expert Help

You can sit down with an experienced business advisor at no cost. Most people don't know this exists.

Free Advising & Mentorship (Yes, Actually Free)

Free Help in California

Free Help in Florida

Don't Get Scammed

The small business world attracts predators. Quick rules:

  1. 1Your EIN, SAM.gov registration, and SBA certifications are all free. Never pay for them.
  2. 2"Guaranteed approval" is the tell. Every real program is competitive.
  3. 3Government agencies don't DM you on social media offering grants.
  4. 4If it isn't on a .gov site, verify before you hand over money or your SSN.
Continue Learning

Related Via Trading resources

Via Trading Resale Certificates & Sales Tax

California & Florida resale requirements • Tax-exempt purchasing • Local sales tax information

 Via Trading Wholesale Calculators & Buyer Tools

Free wholesale buyer calculators from Via Trading: estimate landed costs, profits and potential revenue on liquidation loads before you buy.

 Via Trading Flea Market Directory

Regional directories of US flea markets and swap meets, with booth costs, selling days and vendor permit requirements.
Via Trading

Ready to Stock Your Shelves?

Paperwork done? The fun part is next. Via Trading has been supplying independent retailers, flea market vendors, online sellers, and exporters with wholesale liquidation merchandise for 24+ years, by the case, pallet, or truckload, with no minimum spend to open an account.

Browse Available Lots See How It Works

Two locations to pick up or ship from: Lynwood, California and Tampa, Florida.

Use Our Profit Calculators →

New to reselling? Our team can walk you through your first purchase. Contact us →