Retail guides > Starting a retail business > What you need to do before launch
What you need to do before launch
There are a few things to take care of before you open your doors (or website) for business. Use this checklist to help make sure you’ve taken care of the big stuff.
Checklist for your first day
Choose if you want to be a sole trader, partnership or company.
Get a business number from MBIE
(Ministry for Business, Innovation, and Enterprise).
Get a tax number from IRD (Inland Revenue).
Register for GST, if applicable (check our quick guide to see)
Register with ACC (Accident Compensation Commission).
Use this business.govt compliance tool to see if you need to meet any other requirements.
Have some way to record income and expenses.
Set up a business bank account.
Get insured. (Learn about insurance types.)

