Wanting to Start an Ecommerce but Privacy concerned

[BinkCummings]

I am looking to possibly open a store here. But my concern is how much information will be exposed to my customers - for privacy reasons. 

I do not want my legal name, phone number, address etc, available to them in any capacity. 

Just my po box (as an address) and my business name/pen name. 

I run my own business as a sole proprietor with a SSN. 

Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

[PartyManiaMD]

Please note I am not a lawyer. 

I would highly advise you set up an LLC to separate yourself from the business for liability and privacy reasons in the event you don't want to have your legal name involved. 

It's my understanding that you still need to attach a personal or commercial address for legal reasons, I don't believe you can only expose a business name/pen name and po box. 

In addition you would still need to file a DBA if you're doing business as a company other than your name or you could run into legal or tax compliance issues.

Lastly an online store is difficult and the best way to get one started is word of mouth from friends/family, which is really difficult to do if you're trying to run it as a ghost operation with no "face" to the company.

Just food for thought, definitely look into getting an LLC and there are companies that will help you legally shield your identity... 

[BinkCummings]

Thank you for the insight. I already have a customer base as I am an author- which I already conduct under a pen name and have for the past almost decade. I am just looking for an easier way for my readers to purchased signed copies of my books and merch. 

Figured this might be an option. 

I'd like to avoid setting up an LLC because of all the extra costs incurred from that etc... 

I've been able to use Paypal for years with a business name/my pen name without the issue of exposing anything. Was hoping I could do the same here. (They still 1099 me under my legal name.) 

[JK_Fiber_Art]

Everyone has the choice as to what works best for them but, have to agree with @PartyManiaMD, setting up an LLC is well worth the effort.  Keeping your personal world separate from your business world is important.  Just my thoughts of course.

jk