Web Site Name and Sales

[Michael42]

I hope this question is not too obvious for all your web site gurus. There are so many of you that probably do this...

What are the minimum requirements to register a DNS and sell software I write (Software By Joe Smith etc.) from the site?

If I want to create a website and register the name (DNS); www.smithware.com for example, does it require a business license?

Thanks for your advice,

Michael42

 

[Michael42]

Also, ...

Just because the Internet DNS name is available, does that give me the right to use it?

I cannot be the first person to ask this stuff.

Thanks,

Michael42

 

[mkrausnick]

What are the minimum requirements to register a DNS and sell software I write (Software By Joe Smith etc.) from the site?

All you need to obtain a URL is a credit card. Log on to one of the many registration sites, type in the URL you want, enter your credit card number, and you own it, assuming it was available to start with.

Just because the Internet DNS name is available, does that give me the right to use it?

Yes. Well, to clarify, if you are the first person to register the URL, then yes, you have the right to use it.

But that's only the beginning. Once you own your URL, then you have to host it. There are plenty of web hosting companies that will host your web site for a monthly fee, and lots even provide you with tools to set up a web store.

Do a google search on "WEB HOSTING", and good luck!




Mike Krausnick
Dublin, California

 

[Wullie]

Yes. Well, to clarify, if you are the first person to register the URL, then yes, you have the right to use it.

That's only true if usage of the domain is fully legal. If it contains a trademark or can be confused with a trademark then you could end up in court over it.

Hope this helps

Wullie

http://www.necomputers.org.uk

http://www.freshlookdesign.co.uk

http://www.freshlookdesign.com

http://www.whiland.co.uk

The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change.
The leader adjusts the sails. - John Maxwell

 

[jemminger]

>>If I want to create a website and register the name (DNS);

http://www.smithware.com

for example, does it require a business license?

depends on what country your servers are in i would guess...

=========================================================
try { succeed(); } catch(E) { tryAgain(); }
-jeff

http://www.jeffemminger.com

 

[Michael42]

Thanks all for your comments!

Just to clarify a bit. If I for instance was to
1. Register

http://www.smithware.com

(in the USA) with say register.com.
2. Host my web site on my web server at my house.
3. Use a personal account with PayPal to sell software I make.

Any special license required?
Would I simply be considered a contract programmer?

BTW, that is my goal. Not to have to open a traditional business and have to get business licenses for the City, State, County etc. I guess all my questions are leading to: Is this OK? I am not IBM just a guy wanting to sell software or services.

Thanks again all,

Michael42

 

[ChrisHunt]

If you care enough to ask the question, you should care enough to get the right answer. We can't possibly know the exact legal position in your particular jurisdiction. Maybe there's some government office you can contact for information, maybe you'll have to pay a lawyer for a consultation. Perhaps you could try searching for somebody in your location that's doing what you want to do, and ask them what they've done.

Having said all that, my guess is that a lot depends on the scale of operation that you're talkin about. If you're just looking to sell a few shareware programs for a bit of pocket money, I wouldn't bother licensing anything (assuming it was necessary). Who's going to know? Who's going to care? If you're talking about this being your actual full-time job, you'll have to consider issues like taxation and public liability. Worth going by the book for that, and worth getting some professional advice to set it up properly.

-- Chris Hunt

http://www.extracon.com

http://www.mcgonagall-online.org.uk

http://www.napitalia.org.uk

http://www.leicesteryha.org.uk

 

[Michael42]

ChrisHunt,

Thanks. I just wanted to get a barometer on an acceptable starting place based on all the professionals on this forum. They seem to span the entire gamut.

Perhaps it is wise to start small and let sales volume drive the next action.

Take Care,

Michael

Thanks,

Michael42