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AppGameKit Classic Chat / Google Merchant sign-up without a business?

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Midget Blaster
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Posted: 28th Aug 2016 23:16
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How do you guys sell your apps if you don't actually own a business? You have to enter legal business information when setting up a google merchant account, which is needed for in app purchases. Do you just write your name and make something up? Would there be any consequences if I were to do that?
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Markus
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Posted: 30th Aug 2016 17:06
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u must read what is allowed in your country if u trade with other countries, may u get infos at a public office in your city.
for most countries google pay the tax to the countries, but not at all.
minimum u must give google your address data and for usa u must fill out a online document.
some countries allow a "free" amount of money transfer without tax if u not have a business/company.
if "u" pay the taxes direct or indirect everything should be fine.
u can also exclude a country in app settings.

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Digital Awakening
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Posted: 30th Aug 2016 21:31
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Generally you need a business to be able to legally sell anything to consumers. But like Markus says, this can vary between countries and you should check with your tax authority/government.
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CJB
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Posted: 30th Aug 2016 22:19
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I think in the UK you can legally trade and do business as an individual (known as a "Sole Trader"). You can even use a trading name of your choice (as long as it isn't the same as another existing business - you'll get slapped!). This isn't always preferable though as you will be personally responsible and liable for any risk taken. For example, if you ran up a huge phone bill doing your business, but your business failed to make any money, you'd still have to pay the bill. Whereas a registered Ltd company that failed wouldn't (obviously, because the business would no longer exist - hence "Limited" liability).

I haven't set up any In App Purchases yet (but I need to for my current project Fruit Smoothie), so I'd be interested to hear how you get on!



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Midget Blaster
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Posted: 30th Aug 2016 22:45
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Okay, so I am living in Ireland at the moment. I am joining a Business-setup class soon, so I guess ill ask everything there. Also, since I'm 17, I can't upload my app to apple since I'm not 18, but with a business I can but I'm still not very sure about selling now. I remember in business class learning about sole trader years ago but not going to lie i slept all over that class
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Markus
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Posted: 31st Aug 2016 07:29
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i think in case of the google play store, google is the trader and you only get the rest of money if you sold a game or in-app.
and you habe a agreement with google.
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Midget Blaster
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Posted: 31st Aug 2016 15:31
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Thank you @Markus, I will be looking towards being a sole trader.
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Van B
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Posted: 31st Aug 2016 16:51
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One thing to be aware of with Google Play, they will publicise your address, which is not something I particularly want publicised! - I get enough junk mail as it is.

Perhaps trying Amazon first is a better option, get your feet wet with no sign-up fee, no published address and a more straightforward approval process. I think timing is very important, it might be an idea to tackle Amazon first, then wait on Google Play deciding to promote a few indie titles - otherwise you're just tossing your coin into the fountain and hoping that it somehow floats to the surface. Tackle Google Play with a marketting strategy and tons of media, videos etc.
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Midget Blaster
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Posted: 31st Aug 2016 17:54
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Hmm, interesting point. How exactly do they publicise your address?
Actually I found out

So I guess you need to make a company and rent out some office block and add in that address.
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Van B
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Posted: 31st Aug 2016 22:10
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Nah, you can use your home address, but I'd get your parents permission first, perhaps you'd need them anyway considering you need a credit card to sign up to Google play.
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Midget Blaster
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Posted: 1st Sep 2016 16:35
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I already have my own credit card, well, visa debit card so that's no problem. However, using a home address I feel would be a little bit dodgy If people know it, with my dumb imagination I would think people would try and kill me. Lol
But if I used my address, how would people check? Do you go onto developer, and it shows it there?
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Mobiius
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Posted: 1st Sep 2016 17:11
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I used a fake address. I have reasons why my home address CANNOT be publicly accessible. I know it's against the rules, still, my families safety comes first.

It really is a stupid and thoughtless decision on Googles part if you ask me.

Now Visit My Website
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Midget Blaster
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Posted: 1st Sep 2016 17:57
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Yeah mobiius, I agree with you on that.
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Van B
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Posted: 1st Sep 2016 18:14
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Your address is shown at the bottom of the store page. It is like they actively discourage our sort if you ask me!

I'm not sure that a debit card will do - I'm sure it rejected mine so I had to use a credit card :/
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Midget Blaster
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Posted: 1st Sep 2016 18:57
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Was it a visa, mastercard, american express or maestro or something else?
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Van B
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Posted: 1st Sep 2016 22:45
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I've changed cards since then, but I'm sure it was a Maestro, ended up using a Visa instead.
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Digital Awakening
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Posted: 2nd Sep 2016 08:41
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A company must have a legal address and that's public information. You should get a PO box if you are worried.
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Mobiius
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Posted: 2nd Sep 2016 12:50
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PO boxes cost money.
Small developers like myself aren't companies, so shouldn't have to disclose this kind of information publicly. Should only need this if you make a certain amount of money per year. I've made £7.50 in 5 years so deffo not a company! I'm not in it for the sales, just for the fun. (Until I make the next killer app that is!)

Now Visit My Website
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Digital Awakening
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Posted: 2nd Sep 2016 16:10 Edited at: 2nd Sep 2016 16:11
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In Sweden you used to be able to make some money as a hobbyist. But that has been removed. So you have to register a company, do bookkeeping and pay tax, even if you only make almost nothing. It's pretty sad.
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