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How do you take payments under an alias/penname?

by Trent Brownrigg
8 replies
I've been marketing online for almost 10 years and have pretty much always just used my real name for everything, so I've never run into this problem. However, I've recently begun a business project that I plan to use an alias for (don't worry it's nothing bad) and I am not sure how I am supposed to take payments without revealing my true identity.

I know there a lot of people that use pen names for various things. So how do you get around the issue of taking payment without putting in your real name, address, etc... Into the payment processor?

That might be a dumb question with a simple solution, but I've been thinking about it all day and can't come up with anything. So any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
#alias or penname #payments
  • Profile picture of the author Chris Thompson
    Several solutions:

    1) Use Clickbank. They take payment for you.
    2) Setup a corporation. Use a merchant account.
    3) Create a PayPal business account and enter a spouse's name or other name for the support name, rather than you down.

    There's nothing wrong with using a pen name. People in hollywood do it. Large companies create new brands all the time (think of the food industry), and it's no different when you're marketing in a new industry when your real name is connected already (publicly) to something totally different.
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  • Profile picture of the author Trent Brownrigg
    Thanks Chris! Another thing I should have mentioned... It is a physical product that will be sold online. No affiliate program or anything like that. So that takes CB out of the options.
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    • Profile picture of the author Chris Thompson
      Originally Posted by Trent Brownrigg View Post

      Thanks Chris! Another thing I should have mentioned... It is a physical product that will be sold online. No affiliate program or anything like that. So that takes CB out of the options.
      While I agree CB isn't the best option, the DO support physical products now. But I'd go with another option regardless.
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  • Profile picture of the author Thomas Michal
    Incorporate a company and take payments under the company name.
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    • Profile picture of the author jficarro
      Originally Posted by Thomas Michal View Post

      Incorporate a company and take payments under the company name.
      Incorporation or LLC is even better protection, but can get expensive and complicated depending on where you live (which state).

      A sole proprietorship can be set up in a few hours and then you can simply go to the bank with the paperwork the city gave you.
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  • Profile picture of the author jficarro
    It's very simple.

    Just register as a business in your city and open a business bank account. Then use a Paypal business account. My business name is Amore - so, no matter what my niche or pen name is, the final payment button goes to "Amore". It's a legal registered business with its own bank accounts.

    The business name can be used with any payment processor.
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  • Profile picture of the author JasonJason
    Set up a sole proprietorship and you can incorporate later if you see the need. As some previously mentioned, it's much easier initially and much less expensive. However, an LLC or S-Corp will provide you with some additional protection. Talk to an accountant about the best method for your situation.
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  • Profile picture of the author Trent Brownrigg
    Thanks everyone! I'll take all of your advice into consideration and get it figured out.
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    You can find internet marketing strategies, SEO consulting, and tons of business advice at BAM!

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