Posted by Steve W (WA) on October 30, 2002 at 22:00:54:
Ray, do an archive search for “dealer NY” or words to tht effect. If you find nothing, then post a separate msg.
Dealer’s License in WA - Posted by GY (WA)
Posted by GY (WA) on October 30, 2002 at 03:58:31:
Very quick question. In order to sell used MHs in WA following Lonnie’s style, do we need to obtain a MH dealer’s license?
If so, what kind of fees should I expect to obtain the dealer’s license? Any other special or difficult requirements?
Any pointers are greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Re: Dealer’s License in WA - Posted by Steve W (WA)
Posted by Steve W (WA) on October 30, 2002 at 09:36:06:
Where in WA are you located?
If you go to the Department of Licensing home page, follow the list of licenses, or go here
you will find the following (excerpted):
Activity that requires a vehicle dealer license.
Engaging in the business of buying, selling, listing, exchanging, offering, brokering, leading with option to purchase, auctioning, soliciting, or advertising the sale of new or used vehicles, or arranging or offering or attempting to solicit or negotiate on behalf of others, a sale, purchase, or exchange of interest in new or used motor vehicles.
A dealer license is required for a person (or company) to sell any vehicle for which they are not named on the title.
In one twelve month period, you can sell four (4) cars that are registered to you. The 5th sale (or selling any vehicle not owned, registered, or titled to you) is considered dealer activity.
LICENSE FEES
$500 For the original license ($750 beginning July 1, 2002).
$250 For the annual renewal.
BONDS
Thirty thousand dollars for motor vehicle dealers.
Thirty thousand dollars for mobile home, park trailer, and travel trailer dealers. (cost is about $400 per year)
Five thousand dollars for miscellaneous dealers.
“ESTABLISHED PLACE OF BUSINESS” REQUIREMENTS
To qualify for any class of vehicle dealer license, the applicant must have an “established place of business” in Washington state, as follows"
A properly zoned commercial building where busines records are kept, and
A permanent exterior sign, and
A business telephone listing, and
The business must keep normal office hours.
See applicable RCWs and WACs for detailed specific information on Vehicle Dealer requirements.
Re: Dealer’s License in WA - Posted by GY (WA)
Posted by GY (WA) on October 30, 2002 at 20:31:24:
Thanks, Steve, for you quick answer.
So, for serious MH investor like you, you would need to set up a physical office? Can’t work from home?
Re: Dealer’s License in WA - Posted by Ray
Posted by Ray on October 30, 2002 at 11:58:02:
Can anyone tell me if a dealer’s license is required in New York state? I am reading through Lonnie’s book Deals on Wheels now and getting the motivation to get started… Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Re: Dealer’s License in WA - Posted by Steve W (WA)
Posted by Steve W (WA) on October 30, 2002 at 21:58:25:
There is a waiver - you can ask those questions of the State. I do know this - some of the requirements for an “established place of business” are waiverable, but not all. You need to research the RCWs.
Some alternatives that people have used include setting up some type of partnership with a dealership, or with a park that is zoned commercial - to use their location, pay them a fee, and put up a sign. The State will send out an investigator to check out your setup, so you can’t fake it.
GY, you may want to consider setting up a several entities to work around the four home limit - remember, it is the selling that they look for, not buying. It costs about $200 to set up an entity, and a lot less every year to maintain than a dealer’s license. Think about it.
Check the archives - this has been discussed a lot - if you are ballsy enough, you could use every person in your family’s name to buy four per year - I would prefer, for protection, creating corporate or LLC entities. But it’s up to you.
Please investigate a lot before you plunk down the $$.
Where in WA are U?