Comments on: Changing My Jewelry Business Name: What’s the Process?

By: Paula Countryman

Paula Countryman — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 01:21:19 +0000

Your glass jewelry is unique and beautiful Etta.

By: Tina at CreatedWithFire Studios

Tina at CreatedWithFire Studios — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 01:31:07 +0000

One thing that I never thought of the first time around was to check URL’s .. We started out as Silver And Gemstones … dot com was not available so we just used the dot net… no one remembers a dot net ! I was getting my name out there but all the business was going to another person. We learned 1) check the web for any variation of the name you are going with 2) when you do your DBA, buy up all variations even close to your name … we are CreatedWithFire Studios, but I own Created With Fire… CWF Studios… you get my point.
Good luck ! We have been this name for 7 years now and love the name we picked this time, it reflects our work to a T !
Take care
Tina

By: Kathleen Davis

Kathleen Davis — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 21:30:27 +0000

I actually just changed the name of my business. I live in CA, and each state has different rules. So check with the county where you live. I had to get a business license from my county because I was not using my real name. Then I had to go to the newspaper and file a ficticious name statement that ran for four weeks. Then I had to notify the CA state board of equalization that I had a name change on my sellers permit, and my resale licence. I had a new logo done, and new business cards. I also had to go to my bank and the county when I applied for my name change/business license under the new name, they gave me paperwork to take to the bank so I can change the name on my checking account. I had to actually close the old account and open a new one. It was an easy process just time consuming and in CA they require more than other states. Hope that helps you. I also had a web developer create a whole new website for me with my new name, logo etc. The hard part now is getting customers to visit the site. I am paying for some Search engine optimization so people can find me. Anyway, hope I gave you some direction especially those of you who are in CA!
Kathy

By: baglasslady

baglasslady — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 19:42:47 +0000

You didn’t mention why you wanted to change your business name. There is nothing that says you can’t do business as (dba _____) and keep your jewelry line name, as it currently exists. But I take it you want to change it all to what you currently have in mind.

Having gone through two name changes in my 30 years as an art glass jeweler, I would recommend against a name change once you’re established unless you have a compelling business reason. How do you decide if your reason is compelling? Talk to business advisors – maybe even contact the SBA’s SCORE program (volunteer retired business executives) and see what they have to say about your reason(s). There may be more to lose than to gain and your have to do a +/- evaluation to weigh the pros and cons to make your decision.

Good luck!

By: Renee

Renee — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 17:20:14 +0000

If your home or shop address is available to the public you might want to thing twice about adding the word jewelry. Talk to your insurance agent first. I know that my insurance company frowns on the use of jewelry or antiques in a business name because it can draw attention from the wrong people. You don’t want to set your self up to be ripped off.

By: Christa

Christa — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 16:23:41 +0000

Your jewellery is beautiful and I see you are selling your jewellery in many location. So I assume that you are well known and recognized under your present name. If you change your name, it’s like starting all over again as a brand new business. I would advise to stay with your present name or just add “Etta” in front of your present name, e.g. “Etta Kostick Glass Jewelry”.

By: Etta Kostick

Etta Kostick — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 02:11:52 +0000

Thank you Lynda and Lisa! I really appreciate the comments!

By: Lisa Yang

Lisa Yang — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 00:50:09 +0000

I guess you need to contact your bank and understand if you can change the account name and print new checks. Typically, if your business name includes your surname (last name), no DBA filing is required. For your website, if you want one under the new name, register the new name. Then you can re-direct your old site address to your new web address (and probably move the site content under the new domain name).

Does your business name require ‘designs’ or ‘jewelry’ after your name – I don’t think so, but how will anyone know what you have to offer if you don’t include it? It just seems like good business practice.

By: Lynda

Lynda — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 05:07:20 +0000

I have no business advice to offer you. However, I wish to say that your jewelry is just stunning. Fine art pieces for sure.