Help & How-To

Legal Issues
If I offer a service but also sell products, do I need to have two seperate licenses?


Asked by JAS1231
Posted: Monday, January 21, 2008  |  Found in Legal Issues


More answers by Nina Kaufman
Answer by Nina Kaufman
Whether or not you need to have a specific license (apart from registering as an entity to do business in your state) to sell your services or products depends on (1) the nature of your business and (2) whether you have created the product you intend to sell.

Example 1: You provide general marketing services and then create a marketing workbook which you sell as a product. You do not need a separate license to sell the workbook, although you will have to register with the local authorities to collect sales tax on the product.

Example 2: You are selling someone else's marketing materials as the product. You will need to work out a license agreement with the company providing you with the materials, but it is not a license that has to be registered with the state.

Example 3: You provide nursing services. You want to sell pharmaceutical products. You may well need a separate license to sell the products.

Check with an attorney who specializes in your industry area.
Nina Kaufman has a New York City-based boutique law practice and is president of Wise Counsel Press LLC, which produces legal information products for entrepreneurs. She writes the Making It Legal blog and the Business Law Advisor column for WomenEntrepreneur.com.

Note: This response is for your general information only. Be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your particular situation to get the advice you need.


Recent Articles & Resources
We've gathered content from some of the best resources on the web. Find tips to help you run a successful business with this collection of videos, articles, expert blogs, and more.
Marketing and promotion
Nancy Meyers talks about how leveraging new mediums and taking innovative approaches are often necessary to the successful marketing and promotion of

Building and maximizing your network
Use this worksheet to identify the people you want to connect with, where and how to find them and how to make sure you’re spending your valuable

Assessing customer profitability
It’s a standard business adage that it is easier (and less expensive) to sell to a current customer than to acquire a new one. Determining which of

Pitching your business
Whether you are making a sales presentation, seeking financing, networking at an event, or even just chatting with a neighbor, you need to have your

Marketing your business on search engines
To get the results you want from your search engine programs, it helps to learn about how search engines work. Once you’re comfortable with search
Have a burning question? Ask now!

Meet the Experts