Hi everyone! I love reading these posts and have learned a ton, but am still confused about a few things. I would love to get a CIP card and it seems like almost everyone on this board has this one or some type of business card. I currently have no business activity. I work for a great company and that is where my income comes from.
I have sold some items to a consignment store, but that's it. If I wanted to start something that might qualify me for a CIP, what would be an easy thing to do? Maybe sell some used books through
Amazon? I am really lame when it comes to this type of thing. Thanks so much for any advice.
You sold stuff, so you already qualify for a CIP.
Business card applications like for the CIP will ask you for your business name, type of business, and tax ID number. Since the business is "you" -- assuming you haven't created any separate legal entity for your business -- you'd use your legal name, SSN, and select sole proprietor of which you are the owner. It's ok to use your personal address, email and phone number. You'll also be asked to select a business category that describes what your business does -- it sounds like you'd pick something in the "Retail" category.
The application will also ask for annual business revenue/sales. You may or may not have made very much, but you could plausibly put any reasonable estimate here based on past sales, actual numbers, or projections based on plans to further develop your business. Like you mentioned, if you decide to sell used books on Amazon or items on eBay, you as a business are opening up new retail channels (the same way Mattel sells on their own website, Target,
Walmart, etc.), which should increase your revenue numbers/projections. And keep in mind, they're asking for "revenue" -- the gross number of your sales -- not profit. Also, there is a separate field for your total gross annual income, which is where you put your combined household personal income.
When applying for the CIP or any other card you don't have an "in" to, please consider supporting this community by using a "support link" from DISchurners.
I know this feels daunting, but we have an amazing community here who have been through what you're going through and totally understand. There's no shame here, so don't feel lame. If you need any more advice, have questions, just want to vent, we're here for you.
...maybe someone else has been able to
We shoveled the 2 in" yesterday morning on our 400 ft private drive and headed out to breakfast. And then DH swept the small trace that fell yesterday afternoon. Our county was originally on a 2 hr delay but ended up closing this morning. I think the southern half got double to triple what we received. I am teleworking today since we are on a 2 hr delay but taking the afternoon off so I have lunch and spend time with my boys.
