Business license?

Hi... Do you need a business license to sell patterns here?
Thank you very much for your response(s).

Hi Annarny, and welcome to CP :)

First of all, I’d like to say that, of course, no one here can provide reliable legal advice—we can only share our experiences and what we know.

I’m assuming you live in Germany? Otherwise, I can’t really say anything about this.
If that’s the case,

the answer is: yes and no.

You definitely have to register this activity.
Many people think it’s just a hobby and that it doesn’t matter because of the few patterns…
But as soon as there’s an intention to make a profit, it’s no longer just a hobby.
Most authors have a business license, but there are also a few people here who create patterns on a freelance basis.
Both options have their pros and cons; you can search online for “small business owner” and “freelancer.” The best thing to do is ask a tax advisor or check with the tax office… They’ll surely be able to give you good advice :)

Whether it’s worth it is something everyone has to decide for themselves.
Most people don’t necessarily get rich from writing patterns; for many, it remains a hobby that, at best, brings in a little pocket money.
But I don’t regret my decision to register my business—even if it involves quite a bit of paperwork at first.

Best regards, Tina 

Hi Annarny, and a warm welcome from me too!

I’m one of those who sell their patterns as a freelancer, and I don’t see any disadvantages compared to registering a business, except that without a business license, I’m not allowed to sell finished models (which I’m not planning to do anyway). This option costs nothing, and there’s less paperwork involved.
I agree with Tina—you absolutely need to do your research to know what to do. But I wouldn’t contact a tax advisor or the tax office just yet, because many of them don’t have much experience in our field and often recommend what’s safest for them, which is registering a business. But that isn’t necessarily the most affordable option for you. So it’s best to do thorough research online first and then go to the tax office or a tax advisor, so that you can argue your case well if it comes to that.

Best regards
Inna

... but under no circumstances should you just sell patterns like that.
If you get caught, it’ll cost you a lot.
I registered a small business back then and don’t regret it.
But only you can decide what’s best for you.
Do some research online and then seek advice.
Good luck :-) 

Thank you so much, Tina... I forwarded your answer to an acquaintance who wanted to know. I myself told her that when selling, having a business license is the better and safer option. Quite apart from the legal side of things, there are also plenty of “nice people,” if you know what I mean ;) ...I myself have registered a small business, since I do a bit of felting here and there—dry felting—and occasionally sell something. Best regards, Annette

Thanks to you too, Inna, and many thanks for the information. Since my friend is still working, she’ll be especially interested in what you wrote. I myself have a business license for a small business, since I sell finished felt items here and there (figurines and such :) ). Thank you also for the friendly welcome here :)
Best regards, Annette

Thank you very much for your reply, Häkelweltmitherz... Best regards, Annette

Wow, you can really crochet... wow... I couldn't do that... Awesome!!

You make some really beautiful things... I just don't have the patience for that... Amazing!

You can crochet so well too... absolutely amazing