Register trade: sell worn underwear – Step-by-step instructions

When is a business registration required?

The boundary between private sale and commercial activity is not always clearly defined. As a rule of thumb: Who sells regularly and with profit intention, possibly operates a trade. The exact requirements vary depending on the federal state and may change.

For saleswomen, this means: inform yourself about the requirements in your state. Business registration may be required if you sell regularly or exceed certain sales limits. Tax aspects can also be relevant – income may have to be taxed.

Commercial criteria

The following criteria can indicate a commercial activity: regular sale over a longer period, profit intention, systematic organization of the sale, exceeding certain sales limits. If several of these criteria are met, a business registration may be required.

Boundaries between private and commercial

The boundary between private sale and commercial activity is not always clearly defined. Occasional sales without profit intent are usually considered private. Regular sales intended for profit may be considered commercial. In case of uncertainties, consult a tax consultant or lawyer.

Step 2: Perform business registration

The trade registration is made at the trade office of your municipality or city. You can register in person, in writing or online, depending on the offer of your trade office.

Complete the notification form

Complete the application form in full. Important information: Personal data, type of activity, planned turnover, location of the business. Describe the activity factually and accurately. In case of uncertainties, ask the trade office or consult a tax consultant.

Submission of documents

Submit the necessary documents: identity card or passport, completed registration form, if necessary proof of knowledge or qualifications. Find out about the exact requirements in your state. Processing can take a few days to weeks.

Paying fees

Fees apply for business registration. The amount varies depending on the federal state and type of activity. Find out about the current fees at your trade office. The fees are usually due upon registration.

Step 3: Understand tax aspects

When you register a business, you also have to insure yourself for tax purposes. Revenue may have to be taxed. Find out about the tax requirements and consult a tax advisor if necessary.

Revenue taxable

Income from commercial activity must be taxed. You may need to keep an income surplus bill (EÜR) and file a tax return. The exact requirements vary depending on the turnover and type of activity. Consult a tax advisor for individual advice.

Regarding VAT

Depending on the turnover, sales tax may be relevant. The small business regime makes it possible to be exempt from VAT under certain conditions. Inform yourself about the current limits and requirements. In case of uncertainties, consult a tax advisor.

Consultation with tax advisors

For questions on tax aspects consult a tax advisor. This can help you with the income surplus bill, prepare the tax return and advise you on tax issues. Professional advice helps to avoid mistakes and act legally correct.

Step 4: Accounting and documentation

When you run a business, you need to document your income and expenses. The income surplus bill (EÜR) is sufficient for small businesses.

Document receipts

Document all income from the sale: date, amount, buyer (anonymized), product. Use a simple system such as Excel or special accounting software. It is important that all income is fully documented.

Documentation of expenditure

Document all expenses related to the sale: acquisition costs, packaging, shipping, platform fees, advertising. These expenses can be deducted from the income and reduce the tax burden.

Keeping records

Keep all supporting documents: invoices, receipts, transit documents, proof of payment. These documents are important for the tax return and can be requested during audits. Organize the documents systematically, e.g. by months or categories.

Step 5: Legal protection

As a trader, you also have to legally secure yourself. Inform yourself about the relevant laws and regulations and adhere to the platform rules.

Compliance with platform rules

Follow the platform rules of SecretUndies. These rules enforce legal limits and protect both sides. Describe offers objectively and avoid clear details. Communication remains internal, payments run within the intended framework, shipping is discreet.

Observing data protection

As a trader, you must also observe data protection regulations. Document buyer data only anonymized, do not share personal information and use the platform structures for data protection. The platform supports data minimization through clear structures.

Obtaining advice

In legal matters consult a lawyer. This can help you assess which legal requirements must be observed and advise you on legal issues. Professional advice helps to avoid mistakes and act legally correct.

Frequent questions about business registration

Many saleswomen have questions about business registration. Here you will find answers to the most common questions.

Do I have to register a trade?

A business registration may be required if you sell regularly, trade with profit intent or exceed certain sales limits. The exact requirements vary depending on the federal state. In case of uncertainties, consult a tax consultant or lawyer.

What does the business registration cost?

The fees for business registration vary depending on the federal state and type of activity. Find out about the current fees at your trade office. The fees are usually due upon registration.

Do I have to pay taxes?

Income from commercial activity must be taxed. You may need to keep an income surplus bill (EÜR) and file a tax return. The exact requirements vary depending on the turnover and type of activity. Consult a tax advisor for individual advice.