How to sell/dropship (semi)anonymously

[skillingmadoffcapital]

Alright guys, I have a straightforward question you.
I am planing to start multiple e-comm projects targeted different markets and buyers segments. One store will be based on woocommerce and another on shopify or ebay. During the testing period (approximately 3-6 months) I want to stay anonymous. Basically, I don't want my buyers be able to see my information such as personal name and my address. I am aware that I can incorporate a business, go offshore, etc. but is there an option I can do it as a sole proprietor. Are there any tricks or tweaks on paypal, payoneer, etc. (using nick names, fake names, hide personal information on bills, etc.). so I am able to somehow hide and protect myself? Again, I am not talking to hide my identity towards payment processor operators, I just don't want to expose myself during the testing period later on I think if system pick up I won't mind to give more information about myself or my business entity to build a trust and bond with potential buyers.

Thanks !

 

[R4v3nbl4ck]

If you use PayPal (which is essential for any e-commerce), anyone who receives a payment confirmation email will be able to see your registered name and address.
You can use an account with fake details, but sooner or later PayPal will lock your account and ask for some sort of verification, especially if you sell a lot, so I wouldn't recommend it.

 

[James2774]

Seeing that you just want to remain anonymous towards customers, I guess it depends on how far theyll dig to find out.
If you screw over a customer the processor will identify you if they push hard enough and we are talking about credit/debit cards. No one is risking fraud or breaking regulations over someone with a test dropshipping store lets be realistic.
You need to not own the company that has the merchant account. So you need someone or some company that is willing to not be anonymous and take your place, whereas youll just be an employee or partner through a trusted handshake. Or whatever creative arrangement your imagination has if you think a bit about it for a bit.

 

[skillingmadoffcapital]

Huh, wasn't expected to hear so many bad news but it looks like that's the reality I need to accept. Essentially, I have two options open "fraudulent"/fake like paypal (which is the worse option and riskiest) or either setup offshore/hidden ltd. ownership structure or find a "front" for my operations (not worth my time and money for at this stage) or expose myself selling i.e. adult toys...
Thanks guys for commenting...anyone reading this please post your ideas as well!

 

[James2774]

Huh, wasn't expected to hear so many bad news but it looks like that's the reality I need to accept. Essentially, I have two options open "fraudulent"/fake like paypal (which is the worse option and riskiest) or either setup offshore/hidden ltd. ownership structure or find a "front" for my operations (not worth my time and money for at this stage) or expose myself selling i.e. adult toys...
Thanks guys for commenting...anyone reading this please post your ideas as well!

Adult toys, Ill ask bc ive seen this before, are you worried about your reputation perhaps in your home country? If someone found out you were selling these it would be socially bad for you?

 

[skillingmadoffcapital]

Yes and no that can be my answer to your question because it is difficult to explain.
Let put it that way my main business is in the manufacturing timber/plastic elements and I just want to optimize our production chain. So I don't want to associate my core business with adult industry until I test the market and maybe create a spinoff business entity or sth. like that.

 

[James2774]

Yes and no that can be my answer to your question because it is difficult to explain.
Let put it that way my main business is in the manufacturing timber/plastic elements and I just want to optimize our production chain. So I don't want to associate my core business with adult industry until I test the market and maybe create a spinoff business entity or sth. like that.

Easy enough then to just open up a new corp. Costs almost nothing. I highly doubt customers are going to investigate the business bc they want to know the owner of a dildo manufacturer/reseller lol
And if they for some weird reason did, are they then going to investigate to make sure that person doesn't own any other businesses they are buying from? Seems far fetched.