Product Compare Guides

Home
Guides

Guides for small sellers

By Nation

Each guide answers one question first, then shows the steps and the numbers, with the official source for every figure.

How to Connect Nation to Claude Connect Nation to Claude as a custom MCP connector: add the server URL, sign in, pick your online store and let Claude work with products and orders. Facts checked 13 Oct 2026 How to Connect Nation to ChatGPT Connect Nation to ChatGPT as a custom MCP app in developer mode: plans that support it, the setup steps, signing in and picking your online store. Facts checked 13 Oct 2026 How to Connect Nation to Muse Can you connect Nation to Muse, Meta's AI agent? What Muse supports today, how its connectors work and how to reach your online store meanwhile. Facts checked 13 Oct 2026 How to Connect Nation to Grok Bot Connect Nation to Grok Bot as a custom MCP server: plans that include Grok Bot, the Remote HTTPS setup, signing in and picking your online store. Facts checked 13 Oct 2026 Form 1099-K: who gets one and how to report it Who gets a Form 1099-K under the current IRS threshold, what Etsy and PayPal report, how it differs from a 1099-NEC, and how to report it on Schedule C. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 What is agentic commerce? How AI agents shop and check out Agentic commerce explained: how AI agents find products and check out for shoppers, what the ACP and UCP protocols do, and what it means for small sellers. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 AI customer service for ecommerce: what it can and cannot do What AI customer service can and cannot do for a small online store: the questions an ecommerce chatbot handles, what it costs and the rules that apply. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 AI for small business: what the tools do for a seller AI for small business, sorted by job: listings, photos, customer replies, ads and admin, with what each vendor says its tool does and what it costs. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Amazon Brand Registry: what it needs and how to enroll Amazon Brand Registry explained: the trademark it needs, what the USPTO charges to file one, how to enroll step by step, and what the program protects. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Amazon FBA fees: what fulfillment, storage and inbound cost Amazon FBA fees explained: fulfillment fees by size and weight, monthly storage, inbound placement and aged stock, worked through on a small handmade item. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Amazon seller fees: what Amazon takes from each sale Amazon seller fees for a small US seller: the Individual and Professional plan fees, referral fees by category, and what Amazon takes from a $30 sale. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Artist alley: how to get a table and sell at conventions How artist alley works at comic and anime conventions: applications and lotteries, fan art rules, table packages, sales tax permits and card readers. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 How to write an artist statement, with examples by medium How to write an artist statement for a shop About page or an art fair: structure, length, plain-language rules and artist statement examples by medium. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 ASTM D4236: what the label means and when handmade art supplies need it What ASTM D4236 and LHAMA require of handmade paints, crayons, polymer clay and art kits: toxicologist review, the conformance label, warnings, AP seal. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Break-even point formula: how to calculate it in units and dollars The break-even point formula in units and sales dollars, from the SBA, with a worked example for a maker's candles and a small product line. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Business name search: how to check if a name is taken How to run a business name search: your state's entity database, county DBA records, the USPTO trademark database and domains, and what a match means. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Business plan template: a one-page lean plan for makers A one-page business plan template for makers, based on the SBA's lean plan format, with a filled example for a candle shop and how to write each part. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 California business license: who issues it and what else you need California has no statewide business license. How to get one from your city or county, plus the CDTFA seller's permit and cottage food rules for makers. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 California resale certificate: buying for resale without sales tax How a California resale certificate works: who can issue form CDTFA-230, what you can buy tax free, what it must say, and the penalties for misuse. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 California seller's permit: who needs one and how to apply Who needs a California seller's permit from the CDTFA, what it costs, how to apply online, marketplace rules and the temporary permit for craft fairs. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Clothing care label rules: what the FTC requires and what the symbols mean What the FTC Care Labeling Rule requires on a clothing care label, what the ASTM care symbols mean, and how to back each care instruction with evidence. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Cash App business account: how to switch, fees and limits How a Cash App business account works: who can open one, how to switch, the fee on each payment you receive, the limits and the Form 1099-K rules. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 ChatGPT ads: how they work, how to set them up and what they cost How ChatGPT ads work, from OpenAI's own pages: who sees them, how to set up a campaign in OpenAI Ads Manager, and what CPM and CPC bidding cost. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 ChatGPT for small business: plans, prices and the program ChatGPT for small business: OpenAI's program, ChatGPT Business seat prices, ChatGPT Work, data controls, and what Shopify and Wix sellers can use today. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 The cheapest way to ship packages, checked on carrier rate pages The cheapest way to ship packages depends on weight, box size and distance. USPS, UPS and FedEx retail rates with their dates, and how to compare them. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Claude for Small Business: what it connects to and what it does Claude for Small Business explained: the QuickBooks, PayPal, Canva and HubSpot connectors, the ready-made workflows, approvals, and what it costs to use. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Clover pricing: plans, processing fees and hardware costs Clover pricing explained: monthly software plans, card processing fees per sale, hardware bundles, and what changes when you buy Clover through a bank. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Co packer guide: moving a food or sauce out of your kitchen What a co packer does, minimum runs, who registers with FDA and owns the recipe, the agreement terms to settle, and where to find co-packing companies. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Cost of goods sold: what it is and how to calculate COGS Cost of goods sold for makers: the COGS formula, what counts as materials and packaging, how inventory counts work, and where COGS goes on Schedule C. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Cottage food law: what you can make and sell from home Cottage food laws let you sell some homemade foods without a commercial kitchen. What they allow, with official rules from California, Texas and Florida. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Florida cottage food law: what you can sell from home Florida cottage food law explained: the FDACS list of approved foods, the yearly sales cap, online and mail-order sales, label rules and local limits. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Texas cottage food law: what you can sell from home Texas cottage food law after SB 541: which foods you can sell from home, the yearly sales cap, DSHS registration for TCS foods, online sales and labels. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Leaping Bunny certification, cruelty-free and vegan claims for small makers Leaping Bunny certification, PETA, Certified Vegan and the Vegan Trademark compared for makers, plus what the FTC expects behind a cruelty-free claim. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 DDP shipping: who pays duties and taxes on a parcel abroad DDP shipping explained for small sellers: who pays import duties and VAT under DDP, DAP and DDU, why buyers refuse parcels, how to quote a landed price. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Depop fees: what Depop takes from each sale Depop fees for US sellers: the selling fee, the payment processing fee and the boosting fee, what each is charged on, and what you keep from a $30 sale. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Depop shipping: how sellers ship orders and who pays How Depop shipping works for sellers: the prepaid USPS label, who pays for postage, package limits, bundles and shipping orders your own way. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 DMCA takedown: how to get stolen designs and photos removed How to file a DMCA takedown when someone copies your art or product photos: what the notice must say, a template, Etsy reports and counter-notices. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 eBay fee calculator: work out eBay fees on any sale eBay fees explained for US sellers: insertion, final value and per-order fees, what each is charged on, and how to work out what eBay keeps on a $50 sale. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 eBay Promoted Listings: how General and Priority ads are charged How eBay Promoted Listings General and Priority are charged, when the ad fee applies, what it is charged on, and how to promote a listing in Seller Hub. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 eBay shipping: how to ship items on eBay as a seller eBay shipping for sellers: how to buy labels on eBay, calculated vs flat rate shipping, the eBay standard envelope for cheap items and handling time rules. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 eBay Store subscription: what each tier costs and what it gives you What each eBay Store subscription tier costs, the free listings and lower final value fees that come with it, and when a Store pays for itself. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Ecommerce SEO: how to get product pages found on Google Ecommerce SEO for small stores, from Google Search Central: product titles, descriptions, images, URLs, structured data, Merchant Center and sitemaps. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Etsy Ads: how they are billed, set up and measured Etsy Ads explained: how the daily budget and cost per click work, how to set up and read results, and how the Offsite Ads fee and opt-out work. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Etsy banner size: every shop image size in pixels Etsy banner size for the big and mini shop banner, plus the logo, profile photo and receipt banner sizes, and how banners show on desktop and mobile. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Etsy calculated shipping: how to set it up and get prices right How Etsy calculated shipping works, how to set up calculated and fixed shipping profiles, which package inputs change buyer prices, and common mistakes. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Etsy fees: what Etsy takes from every sale Etsy fees explained for sellers: listing, transaction, processing and Offsite Ads fees, what each one is charged on, and what Etsy keeps from a $30 sale. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Etsy listing photo size, thumbnail crop and video specs Etsy listing photo size, thumbnail crop and video specs from Etsy's own help pages, plus how to shoot each photo slot on a phone without a studio. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Print on demand on Etsy: the production partner rules Print on demand on Etsy: how to disclose a production partner, what designed by a seller means, connecting a print app, processing times and fees. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Etsy return policy: how to set returns, exchanges and refunds Etsy return policy for sellers: what Etsy requires on each listing, how to set returns and exchanges, how refunds work and what cases do to your shop. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Etsy SEO: how Etsy search finds and ranks your listings Etsy SEO from Etsy's own Seller Handbook: how search matches and ranks listings, how to write titles, tags and attributes, and a listing checklist. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Etsy shipping: how it works for sellers How Etsy shipping works for sellers: shipping profiles, buying labels on Etsy, what shipping costs in fees, international orders and ship-by dates. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Etsy tags: the rules, and example tag sets that follow them Etsy tags explained: the 13-tag and 20-character rules, how tags work with titles, categories and attributes, and example tag sets for four product types. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 How to create a Facebook business page for a home or maker business How to create a Facebook business page for a home or maker business: Page versus profile, contact and shop details, and how to connect Instagram. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Florida business license: what the state and your county require Florida has no statewide business license. How to get a county or city business tax receipt, plus the Department of Revenue sales tax certificate. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Florida resale certificate: buying for resale without sales tax How the Florida Annual Resale Certificate works: who gets one, what you can buy tax free with it, what it does not cover, and how sellers verify it. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Food safe epoxy: what an FDA compliant resin claim means for your listing Food safe epoxy for resin makers: what an FDA compliant claim refers to, food-contact items versus coasters, how to word a listing, and Prop 65 for BPA. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Free USPS boxes: which ones are free and how to get them Which USPS boxes and envelopes are free, their sizes and Flat Rate prices, how to order them or pick them up, and why they cannot carry Ground Advantage. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Generative engine optimization: how a small shop gets into AI answers Generative engine optimization for a small store: what Google, OpenAI and Bing publish about AI answers, crawler access, and what llms.txt really does. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Georgia business license: what you need and where to get it Georgia has no general state business license. How to get your city or county license, the Georgia sales tax number, and cottage food rules for makers. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Gluten-free certification and labeling: the FDA rule comes first Gluten-free labeling for small food makers: the FDA rule, what rules a claim out, the wheat line, and what GFCO and GFFP certification costs. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Gold filled vs gold plated: what the FTC Jewelry Guides say Gold filled vs gold plated under the FTC Jewelry Guides: how much gold each term requires, what vermeil means, and how a maker should label each piece. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Google Ads for small business: how it works for a small seller Google Ads for small business explained: how the ad auction works, what a click costs, how budgets are billed and how to run a small first test. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Google Business Profile verification: methods, proof and fixes How Google Business Profile verification works: video, phone, text, email and postcard methods, what Google asks to see, and why verification fails. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Home office deduction: who qualifies and how to work it out How the home office deduction works for self-employed sellers: the exclusive-use test, the inventory storage rule, and simplified vs regular examples. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Honey labeling: what a jar of honey must say Honey labeling rules for beekeepers: name, floral source, blends, net weight, address and the nutrition exemption under FDA guidance, plus state rules. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 How to accept credit card payments as a small business How to accept credit card payments as a small business: card readers, phone tap, payment links and store checkout, with the fees each one charges per sale. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 TikTok (Tik Tok) advertising for a small brand: setup, budgets and bidding How TikTok advertising works for a small product brand: Ads Manager setup, campaign objectives, minimum campaign and ad group budgets, and bidding. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 How to calculate profit margin: gross and net, worked through How to calculate profit margin: the gross and net margin formulas, a worked handmade product example with fees and shipping, and Census retail benchmarks. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 How to cancel your Shopify subscription and close your store How to cancel a Shopify subscription from Settings > Plan, step by step, and what happens to your store data, domain, apps and final bill after you close. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 How to copyright something you make and sell How to copyright something you made: when copyright starts, when to register art, designs and photos with the Copyright Office, and what each fee costs. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 How to file a USPS claim, and UPS and FedEx claims, as a seller How to file a USPS claim, a UPS claim or a FedEx claim for a lost or damaged package as a seller: who may file, deadlines, proof of value and packaging. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 How to get an EIN: the free IRS application, step by step How to get an EIN: who needs one, the free IRS online application, fax and mail options, what to have ready and what to do once the number is issued. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 How to get Google reviews with your Google review link and QR code How to find your Google review link and QR code, where to share them, and what Google's policy and the FTC's 2024 reviews rule forbid when you ask. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 How to print shipping labels at home, step by step How to print shipping labels at home: buy postage on USPS Click-N-Ship, Etsy, eBay or Shopify, pick a label size, and print on a thermal or home printer. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 How to publish a book on Amazon: KDP step by step How to publish a book on Amazon with Kindle Direct Publishing: account and tax setup, ebook and paperback setup, ISBNs, royalties, KDP Select and payments. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 How to remove a Google review, and which ones Google takes down How to remove a Google review: which reviews break Google's policies, how to report one, the Reviews Management Tool, appeals, and what Google keeps up. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 How to respond to Google reviews and Etsy reviews How to respond to Google reviews and Etsy reviews: reply steps, negative review examples, and the FTC limits on review suppression and gag clauses. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 How to sell digital products online: platforms, fees and steps How to sell digital products online: what to make, the steps to a first sale, and what Gumroad, Payhip, Etsy and Stan Store charge on a $20 sale. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 How to sell on Amazon: from seller account to first order How to sell on Amazon as a small brand: create a seller account, pick the Individual or Professional plan, list a product you make and ship each order. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 How to sell on Depop: shop setup, photos, shipping and payments How to sell on Depop in the US: set up a shop, take listing photos, pick a shipping option and get paid, with the fees on one example sale worked through. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 How to sell on eBay: your first listing, step by step How to sell on eBay when you make your product: open a seller account, choose auction or Buy It Now, fill in item specifics, ship the order and get paid. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 How to sell on Etsy, step by step How to sell on Etsy, step by step from Etsy's own help pages: what you need, opening a shop, what you can sell, listings, fees and how you get paid. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 How to sell on Instagram and Facebook with a Meta shop How to sell on Instagram and Facebook: shop setup in Commerce Manager, the checkout URL, Meta's rules, and why buyers now pay on your own website. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 How to sell on Ko-fi: setting up a Ko-fi shop How a Ko-fi shop works: set up physical items, digital downloads and commissions, what Ko-fi charges on a sale, and how the money reaches PayPal or Stripe. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 How to sell on Poshmark: from first listing to payout How to sell on Poshmark: list an item, ship with the prepaid label, handle offers and bundles and get paid, with each fee and limit from Poshmark's pages. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 How to sell on TikTok Shop: setup steps and requirements How to sell on TikTok Shop in the US: who can sign up, the documents you need, how to list products and ship orders, and what TikTok Shop charges. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 How to sell on Walmart Marketplace: requirements, approval and fees How to sell on Walmart Marketplace: the seller requirements, documents Walmart asks for, approval steps, your first listing and referral fees on a sale. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 How does Whatnot work? Selling live, listing and getting paid How Whatnot works for sellers: applying, running a first live show, listing without going live, what Whatnot takes from a sale, shipping and payouts. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 How to send an invoice to a wholesale or custom-order customer How to send an invoice to a wholesale or custom-order customer: what to include, numbering, terms and deposits, and fees on PayPal, Square and Stripe. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Can you ship alcohol? Rules for wine, beer and spirits makers Can you ship alcohol? USPS will not carry it, and UPS and FedEx take wine, beer and spirits only from licensed shippers under contract. Rules for makers. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 How to ship frozen food: dry ice, labels and carrier rules How to ship frozen food as a small food maker: dry ice limits, labels and insulated packaging for USPS, UPS and FedEx, with USDA timing rules. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 How to start a business with no money: a guide for product sellers How to start a product business with no money: which startup costs you can skip, what selling platforms charge per sale, and which official steps are free. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 How to start an Etsy shop: setup steps and costs How to start an Etsy shop step by step: what Etsy asks for at setup, the one-time and per-listing costs, and the fees that start when an item sells. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 How to start an LLC: a step-by-step guide for online sellers How to start an LLC as a small online seller: name, registered agent, state filing, EIN and tax choices, with state fees from official .gov sources. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 How to trademark a business name: USPTO steps and fees How to trademark a business name with the USPTO: search for conflicts, pick your classes, file online, pay the per-class fee, then keep it renewed. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 HS code: what it is and how to find the one for your products What an HS code is, why USPS and EU customs ask for it, how to find the code for handmade goods, and how HS differs from HTS and Schedule B numbers. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Instagram business account: how to make one and what it unlocks How to make an Instagram business account: switching to a professional account, business versus creator, linking a Facebook Page and what it unlocks. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Instagram creator marketplace: how brands find and pay creators How the Instagram creator marketplace works for brands: who is eligible, how to search and message creators, how payment works, and partnership ads. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Kiss cut vs die cut: which sticker cut to sell Kiss cut vs die cut stickers for sellers: how each cut is made on a desktop cutter or by a print shop, matte vs glossy finishes, and how to list each one. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Kosher certification: how a small food maker gets certified How a food maker gets kosher certification: the application, ingredient and kitchen checks, home and shared kitchens, and how agencies set their fees. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Is Linktree free? What each Linktree plan costs Is Linktree free? What the free plan includes, what Starter, Pro and Premium cost a month, and the fee Linktree takes on shop sales by plan. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 LLC vs sole proprietorship: which fits a small online shop LLC vs sole proprietorship compared for small online sellers: liability, taxes, cost and paperwork, side by side from SBA and IRS sources. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 MAP pricing: what minimum advertised price means for makers MAP pricing for makers who sell to stockists: what minimum advertised price and MSRP mean, how a MAP policy works and where FTC guidance draws the lines. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Marketing for small business: a channel guide for product sellers Marketing for a small business that sells products: search, marketplaces, social media, email, paid ads and markets, what each costs and where to start. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Markup vs margin: the difference and how to convert one to the other Markup vs margin: both formulas, a markup to margin conversion table and maker examples that show why a 50% markup is only a 33.3% margin. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Payment link: how to sell with a link or a QR code How a payment link works on Stripe, PayPal and Square: how to create one, the fee on each sale, QR codes, shipping and tax, and when a link is enough. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 PayPal Business account: how to open one and what it costs How to open a PayPal Business account, how it differs from a personal account, and what it costs to hold one, from PayPal's own pages and user agreement. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 PayPal fees: what PayPal takes from each sale PayPal fees for US sellers: checkout, card, Venmo, Pay Later and international rates, how to calculate the fee on a sale, and the other charges to expect. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 PayPal Zettle: fees, card reader and payouts for in-person sales PayPal Zettle for in-person sales: card rates, card reader and Terminal prices, and how card payments reach your PayPal Business account and your bank. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Pinterest ads: how to run a first campaign for a small shop Pinterest ads explained for a small product shop: campaign objectives, ad formats, bidding, billing and the steps to promote a Pin for the first time. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Pinterest analytics: how to read it and pick your next Pin Pinterest Analytics explained for sellers: impressions, saves, Pin clicks, outbound clicks and audience data, and how to use them to pick what to pin next. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Poshmark fees: how much Poshmark takes from each sale Poshmark fees for sellers: the flat fee under $15, the percentage above it, who pays the shipping label, and a calculator table of what you keep. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Poshmark shipping: the prepaid label, weight limits and ship-by rules Poshmark shipping for sellers: the prepaid label the buyer pays for, the weight limit, upgraded labels for heavier boxes and the days you have to ship. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Privacy policy for your website: do you need one and what it must say Does a small online store need a privacy policy? What California's CalOPPA requires, what to include, cookie notices, and a template you can fill in. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Private label skincare: what it means and the FDA rules that apply Private label skincare explained: what it means, how it differs from white label, and the FDA labeling and MoCRA duties that fall on the brand owner. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Bundle pricing: how to price and build product bundles Bundle pricing for small sellers: how to set a bundle price that keeps your margin, build bundles in Shopify Bundles, and sell sets on Etsy via variations. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Product photography: how to take product photos for your listings Product photography for online sellers: how to take product photos at home, a shot list of ideas, and each marketplace's photo size and background rules. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Prop 65 warning: when a small maker needs one and what it says When a Prop 65 warning is required on products sold to California, how the small-business exemption works, and the safe harbor label text OEHHA accepts. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Psychological pricing: charm prices, anchoring and the FTC rules Psychological pricing explained from the research: charm prices, odd-even endings and price anchoring, plus the FTC rules on reference prices. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Estimated tax payments: who pays, when, and how much Estimated tax payments for small sellers: who must pay, the 2026 quarterly due dates, how to pay with Direct Pay or EFTPS, and the safe-harbor rule. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Refund policy: how to write one for your shop How to write a refund and return policy for a small shop: what to cover, when no refunds is allowed, state posting laws and Etsy's rules. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Resale certificate: how makers buy materials without sales tax What a resale certificate is, how to get one, which materials a maker can buy without sales tax, and how multistate resale certificates work. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 SBA grants: what the SBA funds and what it does not The SBA gives no grants to start a business. Which federal grants do exist, help for women-owned businesses, how to apply and how to spot grant scams. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 How to fill out Schedule C for a product business Schedule C explained line by line for product sellers: gross receipts and Form 1099-K, cost of goods sold in Part III, and the expense lines makers use. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Self-employment tax: how to calculate it on your net profit Self-employment tax for makers: the rate, who files Schedule SE, how to calculate it on net profit, the half-SE deduction and a worked example. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 How much does it cost to publish a book yourself? The cost to self publish a book, line by line from official price lists: ISBNs, copyright, KDP and IngramSpark printing, proofs and shipping. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Seller's permit: what it is, which sellers need one and how to get it What a seller's permit is, who needs one to sell online or in person, what it costs, and how California, Texas and New York handle the registration. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 SEO for small business: a plain guide based on Google's own docs SEO for small business, based on Google's own guidance: how Google finds pages, what to write, local listings, what to avoid and how to track results. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Shopify Payments: payout schedule, holds and reserves Shopify Payments explained for sellers: the payout schedule by country, the wait for a first payout, payout holds and reserves, and how to read a payout. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Shopify pricing: every plan, every fee and what Shopify takes per sale Shopify pricing for every plan: monthly and yearly cost, card rates, third-party fees, the free trial, and what Shopify takes from a $30 sale. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Small Business Saturday 2026: the date and how a small shop takes part Small Business Saturday 2026 for makers and online shops: the date, Amex Shop Small materials and brand rules, Shop Small Map listing, and planning a sale. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Social media marketing for small business: a practical guide Social media marketing for a small business: choose one or two platforms, set up business accounts, post on a schedule and check each app's insights. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 What is a sole proprietorship? Liability, taxes and when it stops fitting What a sole proprietorship is, the personal liability that comes with it, how sole proprietors are taxed, and when the structure stops fitting. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Square fees in 2026: what Square takes from each sale Square fees in 2026 for in-person, online, invoice and manual card payments, reader and plan costs, and what Square takes from a $25 craft fair sale. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Squarespace pricing: what each plan costs to sell online Squarespace pricing for sellers: what each of the four plans costs monthly or annually, the Basic transaction fee, card rates and the fees on a $30 sale. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Stripe fees: what Stripe charges on each payment Stripe fees explained for small sellers: the online card rate, international and currency add-ons, disputes, refunds and what Stripe keeps from a $50 sale. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Tap to Pay on iPhone: take card payments with just your phone Tap to Pay on iPhone and Android explained: which payment apps support it, what phone you need, how to set it up, and what each one charges per tap. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Tech pack: how to make one for clothing, with a template What goes in a tech pack for clothing: flats, spec sheet, grading, bill of materials, construction notes and the labels US law sets. Template included. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 TikTok business account: how to switch and what changes How to switch to a TikTok business account, what changes (commercial music, analytics, ads), how it differs from personal, and when to open TikTok Shop. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 TikTok Creator Marketplace is now TikTok One: how to find and pay creators TikTok Creator Marketplace moved into TikTok One. How a small brand verifies, finds creators, writes a brief, pays creators and runs the videos as ads. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 TikTok Promote: how to boost a post and what it costs How TikTok Promote works: the goals you can pick, how budget and duration are set, which videos qualify, and how it differs from Ads Manager and Spark Ads. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 TikTok Shop ads: how GMV Max campaigns work TikTok Shop ads now run as GMV Max campaigns. How Product and LIVE GMV Max work, how to set the ROI target and budget, and when ROI protection pays back. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 TikTok Shop affiliate for sellers: plans, commissions and samples The TikTok Shop affiliate program from the seller side: open and targeted plans, commission rates, free samples and finding creators in Affiliate Center. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 TikTok Spark Ads: how to boost an organic post with a spark code How TikTok Spark Ads work: boosting your own or a creator's organic post, getting a spark code, choosing how long it lasts, and what the budget is. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Trademark vs copyright: what a maker actually owns Trademark vs copyright vs patent for makers: what each protects, from your shop name and logo to artwork and product design, using USPTO definitions. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 UPS vs USPS: which carrier is cheaper for your packages UPS vs USPS prices compared by package weight and size for small sellers, with retail and online rates, box size rules, pickup and claim limits. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 USDA organic certification: how to get certified and what it costs How to get USDA organic certification: the five steps, what it costs, the small-sales exemption, cost-share refunds and rules for makers of organic goods. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 USDA organic seal: who can use it and how organic labeling works USDA organic seal explained: the four organic label categories, who may use the seal, its artwork rules, and how they apply to soap, cosmetics and candles. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 USPS customs form: which one you need and how to fill it out Which USPS customs form a package needs (PS 2976, 2976-A or 2976-B), how to fill in every field including HS codes, and how to file it online. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 USPS envelope size limits for letters, large envelopes and packages USPS envelope size limits for letters and large envelopes (flats), current prices, the nonmachinable surcharge and when an order must ship as a package. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 USPS Ground Advantage vs Priority Mail: which one to use USPS Ground Advantage vs Priority Mail for small sellers: prices by weight, delivery days, included insurance, Flat Rate boxes and the extra fees on each. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 USPS price increase 2026: every change and its effective date USPS price changes for 2026 by date: stamps, large envelopes, Ground Advantage and Priority Mail, the holiday surcharge, and which shop settings to update. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Venmo business account: setup, fees and limits for makers How a Venmo business account works for makers: setup, the per-payment seller fee, purchase protection, limits, and why sales belong off a personal profile. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Washington state business license: who needs one and how to apply Who needs a Washington state business license from the Department of Revenue, what it costs, how long it takes and which other registrations apply. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 What is a chargeback, and how a small shop can win one What a chargeback is, how it differs from a refund, the fees Stripe, PayPal, Square and Shopify charge, and the evidence that wins a dispute. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 What is a DBA? A plain guide to doing business as names What a DBA, assumed name or fictitious business name is, what it does and does not do for a sole proprietor or an LLC, and which office records it. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 What is a SKU? SKU vs UPC and a simple scheme for variants What a SKU is, how it differs from a UPC barcode, and a simple SKU scheme for scent, size and color variants that works on Etsy, Shopify and wholesale. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Whatnot fees: what Whatnot takes from each sale Whatnot fees for sellers: commission by category and sales tier, the payment processing fee, and what Whatnot takes from one $30 live sale. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 White label products: what they are and how they work White label products explained: how they differ from private label, how sourcing and labeling work, US label rules, the risks and what to ask a supplier. Facts checked 3 Oct 2026 Wholesale vs retail: how to price both as a maker Wholesale vs retail pricing for makers who sell direct and to shops: price levels, keystone markup, order minimums, payment terms and margin per channel. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 Wix pricing: what each plan costs when you sell online Wix pricing for online sellers: what each plan costs, which plans can take payments, the Wix Payments fees, and what Wix keeps from a $30 sale. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026 WordPress pricing: what each WordPress.com plan costs and which ones can sell WordPress.com pricing for every plan, billed monthly or yearly, which plans can run a WooCommerce store, and the payment fees each plan adds to a sale. Facts checked 2 Oct 2026

© 2026 Autonomous Marketing SF, Inc.Privacy Terms Support Instagram X YouTube

Nation