Dear KatieK,
A retailer purchases supplies from the manufacturer, at "wholesale costs." Manufacturer's of all products, say like Rubbermaid, sell their goods to retailers (like Staples) at wholesale prices which are less than consumers pay and without sales tax.
Sales taxes are applied to goods that are sold to the "end user," meaning the consumer. A retailer, a store, is known as a "reseller" and untill it sells to a consumer, who does pay taxes on the sale, the goods do not have taxes charged on them.
You should look on the websites of the manufacturer's of the products you want to buy to get their contact information (like Post-Its (made by 3M), pens (Bic, Papermate, etc.)) and ask them to send you product catalogs and retailers purchase information and pricing. Website usually have information for businesses who want to contact them. They sell to small and large retailers, so even if you are just starting out they will likely sell products to you.
I can't remember where I learned this, I used to be in banking and reviewed the financial statements of many businesses in different industries where I picked up much of how certain businesses function. You should try to seek business planning and organization information and assistance from your local chamber of commerce. You also need to discuss taxes with an accountant who can tell you what state business taxes you will owe and how to collect taxes on your sales. Also, speak to an attorney to find out how to set up a business, what protections you should have in place, etc.
Edited by Jane T on January 27 2007 at 10:02pm
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PLEASE NOTE: Responses here are for information/education only, NOT legal advice and do not form attorney-client relationship! Only licensed attorneys you hire in your state can provide legal advice.
