I have a small machine shop and make my own custom parts in my spare time. I would like to sell some of the things I make to help cover the cost and expenses of the workshop. These items will generally be a very limited number and fill just a small niche in the market. I am most concerned about product liability since some of these items could cause injury/damage. What would be the best way to manage this situation and protect myself? I also plan to make various other items in the future and I want to be covered for those as well. Do I need to start a business (even though I really don?t consider it one)?

Thanks
Mark

If you are making something that could injure someone, you need to have good insurance. The next thing you really need to do is incorporate, so that you, as an individual, are protected from the liabilities of the corporation. If all this is too much, try to stay away from the dangerous products.

And definitely check with a business lawyer. They'll know what you need to do to protect yourself.

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Eileen Coale, Copywriter
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If youa re selling something for money it is a business. I think that's the definition. If you are selling anything with a high level of liability you need insurance. Also if you are selling anything with any level of liability you should consider an INC or LLC to limit that liability to your company assets, and not your own personal assets.

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-Grumpy

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