How do I set up a market stall as a hobbyist without an ABN?

[Whimsy]

setting up to use at markets as a hobbyist, no need to collect gst, so how do I complete set up without an abn?

[Moira]

Hey @Whimsy,

Great question!

Any sole trader, partnership or company will need an ABN to conduct business in Australia. Further, to register your business name, you will also need an ABN.

You will need an ABN if you set up your Shopify store intending to create a business. Alternatively, if you are selling as a hobby, then you may not need an ABN. If you are unsure if you are selling as a hobby or as a business, click here to see the ATO guide.

[Whimsy]

Thanks for the response, at the moment I do not qualify to hold an abn as
I'm a hobbyist currently, but setting up the store is asking for the abn.
Is there a way around this or it is a requirement to use shopify?

[Moira]

Are you signing up to use Shopify Payments as your payment method by chance? If so, while most registered businesses in Australia should have a valid ABN document, some business types may not. One of the following documents should also work:

• Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Record of Registration (Certificate of Registration)
• Australian Business Register Extract (Commercial Register Extract)
• Certificate of Registration on Change of Name
• Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Extract (Charity or Non-Profit Extract)
• Consumer Affairs Association Extract (Incorporated Association Extract)

[Whimsy]

Yes I am sign up to be able to use the pos at markets, but currently I am
to small to be eligible for abn, your list of other docs either require an
abn to get or are for clubs or charities which I am not. If these are the
only options then shopify is not suitable for hobbyists, which is a pity.

[Moira]

I suggest getting in touch with our accounts team who may be able to take a closer look at your situation and figure out an alternative. 

I suggest contacting our support team by live chat via the Help Center right here.  Simply type "account support" and select the option to "chat with a support advisor" as shown in this screenshot.