posted on February 12, 2003 02:47:49 PM new
We ordered some items from Canada to resell on ebay. Everything was going smoothly. He called us and says he needs our ei number for customs. Anyone know what that is?
posted on February 12, 2003 02:52:23 PM new
EIN perhaps? That would be your employer identification number here (e.g., your social) Other than that, I have not a clue. I've never had to provide such a thing even when getting things from Russia! I'd email him and ask him to clarify if no one here knows the answer. In any case, if it is an EIN number - no way! However, some wholesale companies require you to provide it.
posted on February 12, 2003 02:56:17 PM new
Why do you say no way...should I forget the deal? I do all the appropriate filings with the IRS, but I don't have a business/retailers liscense at this point (it's on my to-do list). Am I going to get nailed for customs charges or something else bad?
posted on February 12, 2003 03:18:24 PM new
ihula
Are you buying goods from a company for resale? They may think that you are another company thats why they are asking for this info.
For any and all formal imports[$2500.00&up] us customs wants this record of import.
If you are just buying small amountsinformal then they do not need this as far as I know.[under $2000.00]
Just ask the company that you are dealing with and let them know that you are not a large importer.
Check out the us customs site.
posted on February 12, 2003 03:38:06 PM new
Thanks for the information - we just didn't want to sound like "small business novices" when dealing with a new company. It was a small order - just to test this untested market, and it was a SS# that he wanted. We'll see how it goes and maybe we will be ordering more from him. He said he deals with a trucking company that absorbs the duties (or includes them in the shipping...something like that).
posted on February 12, 2003 05:02:07 PM new
Oops, I meant "no way" if you are simply dealing with a small seller (such as myself) and not a company that requires it as proof that you are a reseller. Not that your Social is all that private anymore anyway. I've had to provide my EIN to wholesale companies many times. Just wouldn't to another Ebay seller is all.
posted on February 12, 2003 09:26:45 PM new
I get things all the time from Scotland and Ireland and sometimes I am asked for my Federal Tax ID number 00-0000000 for customs coming in Fedex has even called me for that number and I had to fax it to them in order for it to be released
