What do I need besides a website of course, to sell my own product online?

I live in New York City, and I'm starting a small ONLINE business that will sell downloadable products. Do I need to fill out a DBA form? If so how much does it cost and where do i fill one out? My business will be online, so does that mean I'll have exclusive rights to my DBA name? Also, will I need a Tax ID? I want to collect money through the site, is there any information I'll be needing to acquaint myself with?

I know I'll have to get some sort of merchant account from the bank and they won't give you one unless I have a Tax ID, but will I need a business ID?

The main product I want to start selling is a book. Do I need to copyright it through some organization, or website? Or can I just simply write "copyright 2008" on it?

Please fill me in on any information you can. Thanks guys!

-JB

you can simply have money sent to your personal account, if you do bank drafts. if you want to accept credit cards, you can use paypal and have the credit card charges deposited to your bank account. you do not need a business license for either of these.
however, to do it right, you need to get a business license and a federal tax id.
as for copyright. you just place the words as you have written them "copyright 2008" any original work is considered copyrighted under us laws at the time of creation.
go to www.packt.com and they will put your soft product up and you can drive people to purchase there.
or, www.volusion.com, and ecommerce solution provider that also has stores that sell soft products.

You can find step by step guide on how to create a website and sell your product online at website like http://www.aplis.net/ .

I am in Australia so cannot comment on US business law requirements but can assist with the online side of what you want to do.

As well as your website you will need a domain name ie www.yourbusiness.com and a web hosting account where your web pages and product will be for people to find them

Have a look at Paypal for your payments. Is easy to use and set up and will take most forms of payment in various currencies if needed.

for direct delivery of your product 24/7 you will need a program on your web host account to do this. I use SmartDD which integrates well with paypal and provides a secure download for customers.

take a look at my site which has a lot of info that may help you out. Hope this helps

Phil

Hi,

Beside of a website ( well designed and effective ), you definitely need to be competitive and succeed with guaranty in any kind of business a proven marketing system ( that's why McDonal's sells more than anybody else in their industry ).

Your can hire a well recognised professional in marketing or do it yourself by learning this simple, easy and priceless skills. Be a CMPS (certified media placement specialist) and use all these skills for your own business. If you don't do any of these, you're likely to fail in your business.

Find out more at: www.cashopp4u.com.

Thank you and good luck.