{"id":237,"date":"2022-10-28T15:19:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-28T19:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/?p=237"},"modified":"2025-08-06T17:11:02","modified_gmt":"2025-08-06T21:11:02","slug":"should-you-register-your-online-hobby-shop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/should-you-register-your-online-hobby-shop\/","title":{"rendered":"Should You Register Your Online Hobby Shop?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally Published: Dec 4, 2015<\/em><\/p>\n

As the old axiom goes, \u201cIf you do what you love, you\u2019ll never have to work a day in your life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Perhaps you subscribe to this idea and have begun to try to monetize your hobby. You registered a domain name, got a website, and have begun selling remote control car parts, model airplanes, or just general arts and crafts online. Perhaps you have had some success in doing this.<\/p>\n

The question now becomes, should you register your online hobby shop as a business?<\/p>\n

To register or not to register<\/h2>\n

This ultimately may come down to a question of how serious you are about turning your hobby into a profitable business. If you\u2019ve merely traded or sold a few items or parts related to your hobby online through your blog in which you write about said hobby, then it might not be necessary to register.<\/p>\n

However, if the commerce or business aspect of your hobby has gone any further than that, then yes, you need to register as a business. If you run your business under any moniker that is not simply your own name, then you are required to register your business, and even pay taxes on the money you make.<\/p>\n

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Benefits of registering<\/h2>\n

Registering your business is important for tax purposes and possibly for insurance reasons. For instance, if there are any hazards or dangers associated with your business and you are not the sole employee, you will be required to register your business with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).<\/p>\n

Furthermore, by registering your business, you can register your business name, claiming a unique brand for yourself and staying clear of running afoul of any trademark or copyright laws.<\/p>\n

Registering your business now<\/em> may also prove a wise decision down the road. There may come a time when you\u2019ve reached so much success online that you decide to open up a physical location out of which to operate (other than your home address). This will make that process smoother, and will ensure that no other business was able to register your brand\u2019s name before you do.<\/p>\n

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