I'm currently creating a site to sell marketing services but I just thought should I use my real name and disclose my details because then they can easily find out that I'm only 15. Would people still buy from me if they knew? would you buy from a 15 year old? Cheers guys
No really...don't. As much as we know a year old is capable, most people wont even bother. Use different details of possible. I know, ageism is a horrible thing. But you'll get the last laugh when you start earning the big bucks.
Yeaah that's what I thought. IT IS! Companies make it so hard unless you're over 18, that's why I'm going freelance!
Meh sucks I know. We had a member on our forums who was a great earner, top poster too. Then his age was revealed and the poor guy wasn't taken seriously. It wasn't fair but its how ignorant people see things.
Depending on where you live your age also puts potential buyers in a difficult position, because in many countries contracts can't be enforced against people under 18.
Problem is you cant sign a contract, so this can lead to potential problems for customers, you and your parents. Yeah it sucks. How will you get paid? How about taxes -- will you pay or your parents? If your going to do more than minimal amounts of money, you do need to look into all these -- ask your folks about the taxes part -- or if they will help setup a c or s corp to shield some or all liability.
So far I've just got a paypal account and people are happy to me pay me through that. As I'm under 18 I don't pay taxes which is good as the taxes are getting raised here! Also why do I need to set up a corporation? Isn't the rule that once over 12 you are said to be responsible for yourself legally?
Does London have any resources like Score which is an organziation in the United states that help setup new business and theirs are free.
I don't think so, some banks offer advice but how would I explain my business plan? In their eyes blackhatting is illegal, also I'm a freelancer I have many projects going at the same time, no bank would give legal help and a current account to a 'kid'.
The laws could be your biggest issue. Being Anonymous has big advantages. On the Positive side If you are able to brand your self and maybe get a Press Release or attention from your Local Media like.... "Amazing 15 year old runs his own Business!" it could Work in your favor, You would have to Talk to a PR firm though. Personally I would still Work with a 15 year old, Just Know you're gonna have to work twice as hard to earn my trust.
Ahaha thanks! But if I was to go 'public', the accusations of blackhatting would bring my rep down as the wider public look at us and we're labelled as scammers just because we know of ways of how to make money that they don't! I also currently gain money from helping out what I think to be LARGE businesses if they saw that I'd been lying to them about my age I'd lose a lot of investment!
Unfortunately while many minors are far more capable than adults - more creative, more efficient, cheaper, and better - most people will take you less seriously. Don't disclose it if you can - you would probably have additional legal troubles as well.
Is the possible reduce in sales worse than the legal issues of using an alias and being found out though?
Total and utter horseshit. - Realise that anyone outside this sphere gives a shit about some geeky internet term. - Get rid of the notion that in business people give a flying fuck about someones age. This just gets conditioned to you in school. It's useless. You're not special or different because you're 15. - Banks don't offer legal help. Banks are places that keep your money. You don't need to explain anything to them. Unless you need a loan - which you don't. - Make your site, and if people like what they see - they will buy. You don't ask the attendant at your local shop his age do you? No one will ask of yours.
Ahaha I would not say 'Hey I blackhat' I would explain what I do! ie Cracking software, that's illegal isn't it? If you create a bank account in the UK and want any large amounts to be payed in from a number of different people you need a business account. All of these come with business talks etc but I accept that it would not be entirely necessary for me to explain what I do. No I don't ask their age but it is illegal for you to work in a shop if you're under sixteen. I don't mean to be short but I don't really appreciate the attitude, everyone else had been so helpful.
Good day, - You're talking about selling marketing services not cracking software. Even if you were cracking software for money, you would invoice for "internet services". - No, you do not need a business account to accept payments. You don't need a business bank account full stop. You need a bank account which you can set up with your parents permission. - Banking and declaring tax are completely different things. I know it can be confusing thinking you need as business bank account. You can operate a business with your current account. - You can be the director of your own company at 16, or do whatever you want. You're very close to 16.
I don't really see why your age even has to be mentioned ? Obviously I wouldn't advertise I was 15 as people are looking for someone with a bit of experience and a track record. But on the other hand people who don't really understand the web and how it works are trying to broker youth savvy so being young is not a problem.
Just go for it kid. Worry about the small details when you get your first bit of business, you could be 16 by then.
