How to Start a Business, Finances and Marketing

Our company is planning to open an online store and accept online payments using Paypal (which we know can be used for credit card payments).

We are already an accredited credit card merchant, so do we need to get another MERCHANT ACCOUNT in order to accept credit card payments ONLINE? Also, will ONLINE INVOICES created in Paypal be enough for BIR/government audit?

Have it Your way

Paypal will be your merchant account, so you don't need another one. In the US, Paypal's online statements are fine for tax auditing, but it'll be easier if you maintain your own books also.

No, but you might want to read some of the horror stories about businesses that have used Paypal as their merchant account. Just because Paypal gets paid doesn't always mean you will get your money promptly or at all..

I'm in a bit of a quandary here... I'm currently working in manufacturing but don't really see any future at all in it for myself. It's completely boring and isn't what I want to do with my life. The thing is, I'm interested in psychology having studied a homestudy course and through general reading on the subject.

What I really want to do now is get on a access to higher education course at college studying psychology then hopefully do it at degree level. The thing is though, the course I want to do is full time for one year and costs nearly £2000, so I would need to leave my job.

I don't mind doing this at all because I don't like my job but the thing is I have a loan that I'm currently paying of that is £2500. So just to recap my current situation is this - working full time and paying my loan off (as well as the usual bills and things).

I've been trying to figure out how I could leave my job and get onto this course that would benefit me and pay huge dividends in the long run, but it seems I just cannot do it for the simple matter of money - if I leave my job how can I pay my loan, bills, etc? I think

I could maybe perhaps get a part time job as the course is only 3 days a week. Also I've no current qualifications or anything, just standard GCSEs. I'm 30 years old. Do you think I could get any financial help or anything as I'm completely lost what to do or how I could go about this. Thanks for any advice.

Have it your way

Higher education is a good Idea. I just got my degree last week. I worked full time and went to school part time.

It will be worth the effort in the long run. You could probably work part time. Your employer may even allow you to work and go to school at the same time. If they don't then it's not a good employer, so don't feel bad about quitting.

if the course is only 3 days a week,that leaves you 4 days a week to work for pay.Is it not possible for your present employer to let you work this 4 day week? If not then get another job that will enable you to earn money,do your course and maybe you could get some working tax credits etc to top up your earnings.Go to the CAB or Job centre for some advice.I don't see why you cannot get some financial help to better yourself,there is enough going to people with no intention of even getting a job!
Good luck.