PrayingMantisPets
Well-known member
Could i sell wild caught insects online?
Could i sell wild caught insects online?
- Thread starter PrayingMantisPets
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Mantis Man13
Well-known member
Yeah, why would that be bad? It is just a few insects, you are not doing a mass operation like other companies do for hobbyists. What insects were you thinking of selling?
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Ranitomeya
Well-known member
Many people do this and it wouldn't be an issue if you catch them on a small scale and avoid using any single location for all your insects.
Please also make sure you learn what sorts of insects you need to avoid capturing as some may be protected. I would also recommend reading up on what types of insects can and cannot be shipped around legally.
Please also make sure you learn what sorts of insects you need to avoid capturing as some may be protected. I would also recommend reading up on what types of insects can and cannot be shipped around legally.
soundspawn
Well-known member
Size of an operation is not a factor in legality. First check Florida statutes (I'm unfamiliar with them). You may need a permit to export, and it's even possible your state requires you check for recipient permits before sale. Also you need to check/confirm/state they are for captive keeping and not wild release or you will find yourself in hot water with the USDA. Also there is a very real possibility you will need to register as a business and collect sales taxes for local sales, etc.
Or you can be a rebel and try to fly under the radar.
PrayingMantisPets
Well-known member
soundspawn
Well-known member
Alright definitely check in to each of the points I raised then, because by opening a storefront you are considered, legally speaking, a business. You may need a business license, and you probably need to report earnings (and pay income/self-employment/other taxes).
Again you can forgo all that and maybe get lucky and never get audited - but even a glace by an IRS agent would turn up your earnings and land you in a heap of trouble - so make sure you have your ducks in a row, and make sure everything you list for sale is legal to sell. Also confirm Florida does not require you to see paperwork when shipping to any particular states.
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If using paypal for payments, all info goes to IRS. So you will not be able to sell without getting reviewed. Also catching wild prey is not a good idea, as you do
not know if they have come into contact with bug sprays or such.
not know if they have come into contact with bug sprays or such.
I think that really wouldn't be much of an concern.
The issue here is the potential to spread around invasives, crop pests, etc. I could see the USDA knocking on your door.
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soundspawn
Well-known member
Selling products as a business without paying taxes is federal tax evasion - I'd be very concerned Rick. heck I am very concerned which is why I pay each year for a business name and track any purchases and sales carefully. That said I think these are all issues of concern and none should be dismissed out of hand.
soundspawn
Well-known member
Ah, makes much more sense, my bad - and now your (appropriate) edit makes me look like a crazy person
Well people are always concerned with wild food that they may of come in contact with something that could hurt the mantis, many questions
come up about it! And don't blame Rick for you looking crazy! :tt2:
come up about it! And don't blame Rick for you looking crazy! :tt2:
I think it is all good info... Some people just think "how easy" and don't think the whole thing through...
look at those Asian carp...LOL Here in MI.. we are doing everything we can to keep them out of the great lakes..
it just took someone trying to get rid of a small problem.. and now our lakes are in danger.. not to mention all the damage caused..
Sorry got off topic... I will get off my soapbox now... hehe
look at those Asian carp...LOL Here in MI.. we are doing everything we can to keep them out of the great lakes..
it just took someone trying to get rid of a small problem.. and now our lakes are in danger.. not to mention all the damage caused..
Sorry got off topic... I will get off my soapbox now... hehe
I believe it but of all the issues that you could come up with for something like this I think it is far behind the other things people have mentioned.
mantisman 230
Well-known member
It will all depend on what the insect is, and if it has any role in the environment you are taking it from, it might be the only of its particular niche and removing them would be a bad idea, Chinese mantids are one thing, but any of the Giant silk moths or Dynastes should be left well alone. Dorcus even shouldn't be removed.
PrayingMantisPets
Well-known member
ok thanks!
