Am I a retailer and do I need a waste disposal license?

[ForcesResources]

Hi All,

I am trying to work out whether I will be a retailer or not, can anybody help?

Next month I will be starting to deliver items from UK companies to members of the UK Armed Forces based overseas at BFPO addresses. This is because many companies cannot deliver to BFPO addresses and that is where my company comes in.

Here's how it will work:
A customer will log onto the website and enter the details of the order.
I place the order with the customers company of choice
I pay for the order and it is delivered to me
I deliver the item to my customer and bill them

Does this mean that I am now the retailer or just the courier?
If retailer then what are the rules on domestic appliances? If I deliver one do I have to collect the old one?
Again if so does this mean that I need a Waste disposal license?


I hope someone can help

[m8internet]

Does this mean that I am now the retailer or just the courier?
You would be classified as a unauthorised retailer
In the event that one of your customers products fails then it is you they need to return it to
The manufacturer, or the supplier that you use, would be within their rights to decline the repair

It is best to setup a trade agreement with each supplier
This will give you much better source prices, usually excluding VAT, as well as their full range of support and warranty services

Example
I order a 36" LCD TV from you, from the comet website
On arrival it works, but after 13 days it stops working
I then want to process this as a return, as stated on the comet website
How would you deal with this?


If retailer then what are the rules on domestic appliances?
The normal retailer laws apply


If I deliver one do I have to collect the old one?
The customer MUST tell you before the delivery is commenced
Pickup of old appliances is optional, and you may charge for this


Again if so does this mean that I need a Waste disposal license?
You would need to contact your local authority for full details
My local authority charges £85 per pickup for business premises, rising to £450 for trade waste
As a result it may be cheaper to use a contractor (like BIFFA), you then send a copy of this to your local authority so that you do not pay business rates on this element as you providing the service yourself