Limited Company for Amazon Selling with a Virtual Office
Hi everyone,
I’m exploring the possibility of starting to sell on Amazon and am considering establishing a limited company beforehand. For privacy reasons, I prefer not to register the company at my personal address and am looking into using a virtual office service instead.
However, I’ve encountered an issue: Amazon requires utility bills for the address where the LTD is registered. Unfortunately, virtual office providers typically don’t supply utility bills. After reviewing Amazon’s FAQ, it appears that the only address-related documents needed are for the primary contact person’s residential address, not the business address.
Has anyone navigated this situation successfully or have insights on how to proceed? While I could start as an individual seller, I believe setting up a limited company from the outset would be more advantageous in the long run.
I appreciate any advice or experiences you can share!
Thank you in advance!
Limited Company for Amazon Selling with a Virtual Office
Hi everyone,
I’m exploring the possibility of starting to sell on Amazon and am considering establishing a limited company beforehand. For privacy reasons, I prefer not to register the company at my personal address and am looking into using a virtual office service instead.
However, I’ve encountered an issue: Amazon requires utility bills for the address where the LTD is registered. Unfortunately, virtual office providers typically don’t supply utility bills. After reviewing Amazon’s FAQ, it appears that the only address-related documents needed are for the primary contact person’s residential address, not the business address.
Has anyone navigated this situation successfully or have insights on how to proceed? While I could start as an individual seller, I believe setting up a limited company from the outset would be more advantageous in the long run.
I appreciate any advice or experiences you can share!
Thank you in advance!
0 replies
Seller_MT8rt0A2OpbCx
Just check through the forum. There are multiple instances where a virtual office has resulted in loss of account and money.
It seems that Amazon see a virtual office as evidence that the company is based outside the U.K. or a Director is NETP, then deduct VAT from sales before disbursements, or suspend the account.
Seller_tRuvBEHDedp4q
There are many reasons why Amazon insist on having utility bills.
One being that you have to show you are established in the UK for VAT purposes as already mentioned (if Amazon cannot verify you are in fact UK established then they will deduct VAT from your sales to send to HMRC on your behalf - this is a legal requirement).
Also - for distance sales regulations you also need to provide a geographical address where you are established - I do not think a virtual office address would qualify as it would not be where you are geographically established - especially if its a PO Box that forwards mail on.
So if you are running the business from your home you will need to use that address I am afraid - whether or not you stay as a sole trader or setup a limited company (have you taken advice on setting up as a limited company as its not always the best way).
I wouldn't worry to much about your 'privacy'. If you are really worried then you would need to rent an actual office somewhere instead.
Seller_WIndmNYDp7rQF
If you do not wish to give Amazon your home address then Amazon wont let you sell.
There house there rules.
Seller_4BoJ7H9WwvZH3
We have a limited account with a virtual registered office.
The directors address was used to provide utility bills, passport and drivers license. There were no issues with this.
We went through KYC checks no problems.
