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Business Insurance Small Business Guides

Photography Business License and Insurance: What Every Photographer Should Know 

Starting a photography business is more than building a portfolio and booking clients. The moment you accept payment; you are operating a business. That means licenses, legal responsibilities, and real financial risk. Without the right setup, one issue can interrupt your work or threaten your income. 

photography business license and the right photograper business insurance work together to keep your business running smoothly. Gild Insurance Agency helps photographers understand what they actually need, so they can focus on their craft with confidence. 

What a Photography Business License Is and Why It Matters 

photography business license is the legal registration required to operate a photography business in compliance with local tax, zoning, and business regulations. It gives you legal permission to operate in your city or state and confirms that your business complies with local regulations and tax requirements. 

Depending on where and how you work, you may need: 

  • A general business license 
  • Sales tax registration if you sell prints or products 
  • A home occupation permit if you work from home 
  • A DBA if you operate under a business name 

Licensing helps you avoid fines, penalties, or shutdowns. It also builds credibility. Clients, venues, and commercial partners are more likely to work with photographers who are properly registered and operating legally. 

The Insurance Policies Every Photographer Should Consider 

Photographers need insurance to protect against injuries, property damage, client disputes, and equipment losses that licensing does not cover. While licensing handles compliance, insurance protects you from financial loss. Photography involves people, equipment, locations, and deadlines. Even careful professionals face unexpected issues. 

Common policies photographers rely on include: 

General liability insuranceCovers injuries or property damage involving third parties. If a client trips over equipment or you damage a venue while setting up a shoot, this coverage can help pay for medical bills, repairs, and legal costs. 

Professional liability insurance: Protects against claims related to your work. Missed moments, lost files, delayed galleries, or client dissatisfaction can all lead to disputes. Professional liability insurance helps cover legal defense and settlements. 

Equipment and gear coverageCameras, lenses, lighting, drones, and editing tools are expensive and often mobile. This coverage helps repair or replace gear after theft, damage, or loss. 

Cyber insurancePhotographers store contracts, client data, and image galleries online. Cyber insurance helps cover data breaches, hacked accounts, or lost digital files. 

Business Owners Policy (BOP)A BOP bundles general liability insurance and business property coverage into one affordable policy. Many photographers choose this option for broad protection with simple management. 

Why Licensing and Insurance Go Hand in Hand 

Licensing establishes your business legally, while insurance protects your business financially when something goes wrong. Basically, a photography business license shows that your business is legitimate, and photographer insurance shows that your business is prepared. 

Many venues, commercial clients, and event planners require proof of general liability insurance before allowing photographers on site. Others may ask for both a business license and insurance before signing a contract. 

Together, licensing and insurance make it easier to secure bookings, rent studio space, hire second shooters, and take on higher-value projects without unnecessary delays. 

For more details on business licensing, this SBA resource outlines state-level business license requirements and how they vary by location.1 

Licensing Alone Doesn’t Protect You from Risk 

A business license does not provide financial protection against accidents, lawsuits, or professional claims. Specially, a photography business license does not: 

  • Replace stolen or damaged equipment 
  • Cover injuries during a shoot 
  • Defend you if a client files a lawsuit 
  • Reimburse lost income after a dispute 

These risks are common in creative businesses. Without general liability insurance and professional liability insurance, even one claim can create serious financial strain. Insurance fills the protection gap that licensing leaves behind. 

How Gild Insurance Supports Professional Photographers 

Gild Insurance Agency works with photographers at every stage, from side projects to full-time studios. Gild helps you find coverage that fits how you work, whether you shoot events, portraits, commercial campaigns, or product photography. 

You get fast quotes, flexible options, and guidance from agents who understand creative businesses and their risks. 

Ready to protect your photography business? Get a quote online or schedule a call with a Gild agent today. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What license do I need to start a photography business? 

Most photography businesses need a basic business license to operate legally. The exact license depends on your city and state, but many photographers must register their business locally, obtain a sales tax permit if they sell prints or products, and comply with zoning rules if working from home. Requirements vary, so its important to check local regulations before booking clients. 

Do I need an LLC to do photography? 

No. You do not need an LLC to legally operate a photography business. Many photographers start as sole proprietors. However, forming an LLC can help you separate your business and business finances and offer legal protection.  

What is needed to start a photography business? 

Starting a photography business requires more than just equipment and clients. Most photographers need to register their equipment, obtain the proper licenses, open a business bank account, and secure insurance like general liability and professional liability insurance. 

How do I legally establish a photography business? 

You legally establish a photography business by choosing a business structure, registering your business name, obtaining required licenses and tax registration, and meeting local operating requirements. Insurance plays a key role as well, helping protect your business once you begin working with clients and shooting location. 

  1. https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/apply-licenses-permits
    ↩︎
Categories
Business Insurance Small Business Guides

How to Sell Products Online from Home: Tips, Pitfalls & Protection 

Selling products online from home is one of the fastest and most flexible ways to start a business. You can test ideas, build an audience, and generate income without leasing retail space or carrying heavy overhead. But while this business may look simple, it still comes with real responsibilities and real risks. 

If you are selling products online from home, you are operating a legitimate business, even if it started as a side project. That means how you structure your business, meet legal requirements, and protect yourself financially matters from the beginning. The right planning and insurance can help you avoid disruptions that slow growth or threaten your income. 

Gild Insurance Agency supports people selling products online from home with flexible e-commerce insurance and clear guidance, so you can grow with confidence. 

Setting Up Your Home-Based E-Commerce Business 

Start selling products online from home by choosing a selling model, selecting a sales platform, organizing your workspace, and making sure your business is properly registered and insured. 

Most home-based e-commerce businesses begin small and evolve quickly. Laying the right foundation early helps you scale more smoothly and avoid preventable mistakes. 

Choose your selling model 

Your selling model affects how you produce, store, ship, and insure your products. Common options include: 

Each model comes with different risks. Handmade and resale sellers may face product liability exposure, while drop shipping sellers often deal with shipping delays or damaged goods outside their direct control. 

Pick your sales platform 

The platform you use influences payments, customer data, disputes, and taxes. Popular platforms include: 

  • Shopify or WooCommerce 
  • Etsy 
  • Amazon Handmade or Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) 
  • Facebook Marketplace 
  • TikTok Shop 
  • Instagram Shops 

While platforms may process payments or collect certain taxes, they do not protect you from liability claims or losses. 

Organize your workspace 

Selling products online from home works best with structure. A functional workspace typically includes: 

  • Dedicated inventory storage 
  • A packing and shipping area 
  • Systems for tracking orders and returns 

An organized setup reduces errors, protects inventory, and helps separate business activity from daily home life. 

Legal, Licensing, and Tax Considerations for Selling Products Online From Home

Do you need to register your business when selling products online from home? In most cases, yes. Selling products online from home usually requires some level of registration, licensing, or tax compliance, even for very small businesses. 

Business Formation 

Many home-based sellers start as sole proprietors because it is simple. Others form an LLC to help separate personal and business liability. While an LLC does not replace insurance, it can reduce personal exposure when paired with proper coverage. 

Licensing For Selling Products Online from Home

Depending on your location and what you sell, you may need: 

  • A general business license A home occupation permit 
  • A sales tax permit 
  • A resale certificate 

Selling through an online marketplace does not remove these requirements. 

Taxes


You may need to collect and remit sales tax depending on nexus rules and platform policies. You should track: 

  • Business income and expenses 
  • Inventory and supply costs 
  • Shipping and packaging expenses 

Accurate recordkeeping helps with compliance and may support deductions, including a potential home office deduction. 

Risk Exposures Unique to Home Sellers 

Does homeowners’ insurance cover selling products online from home?  Typically, no. Most homeowners’ insurance policies exclude or limit coverage for business-related activity. 

People selling products online from home face risks that are often overlooked, especially early on. 

Common risk exposures include: 

  • Product liability if an item causes injury, illness, or property damage 
  • Lost, stolen, or damaged shipments 
  • Inventory damage from fire, water, or theft while stored at home 
  • Cyber risks such as hacked storefronts or stolen customer data 
  • Customer injuries during home pickups or returns 

Without proper e-commerce insurance, these situations can result in denied claims and unexpected expenses. 

Selling Products Online From Home: Essential Types of Insurance

Most home-based e-commerce businesses need insurance specifically designed for online sellers, not just personal coverage. 

E-commerce insurance helps protect sellers from the most common risks. Gild Insurance offers tailored coverage options:

General Liability Insurance: Covers customer injuries and third-party property damage related to your business 

Product Liability Insurance: Protects your business if a product you sell causes bodily injury or property damage 

Cyber Insurance: Helps cover data breaches, hacked accounts, fraudulent payments, and notification costs 

Business Interruption Insurance: Helps replace lost income if your business operations pause due to a covered event 

How Gild Insurance Supports Home Sellers 

Gild Insurance Agency helps people selling products online from home get insurance that actually fits how they operate. Coverage is clear, flexible, and built to scale as your business grows. 

With Gild, you get: 

  • Simple and fast online quotes 
  • Clear explanations of coverage and exclusions 
  • Policies designed for selling products online from home 
  • Small business insurance experts available by text, phone, or email 

If your online business is growing, now is the time to make sure it is protected. Gild Insurance Agency makes it simple to get the right coverage so you can focus on your best work without worrying about legal or reputation-related risks. Schedule a call or get a quote online today

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Products Online from Home 

Do I need insurance to sell products online from home? 

Yes. If you are selling products online from home, insurance helps protect you from liability claims, inventory losses, and cyber risks that are not covered by homeowners’ insurance. 

Is selling products online from home considered a business? 

Yes. It is generally considered a business activity, even if it starts as a side hustle or part-time income. 

Does Etsy, Amazon, or Shopify provide insurance coverage? 

No. Online platforms may process payments or offer limited protections, but they do not provide full insurance coverage for your business or products. 

What happens if a product I sell causes injury? 

If a product causes injury or damage, you could be held financially responsible. Product liability insurance helps cover legal and settlement costs. 

Can I sell products online from home without an LLC? 

Yes. Many people selling products online from home operate as sole proprietors. However, forming an LLC and carrying insurance can reduce personal risk. 

Categories
Business Insurance

What Is Personal and Advertising Injury and Why It Matters for Your Business 

Personal and advertising injury is part of general liability insurance that protects your business from claims related to what you say, write, publish, or share1. This coverage applies to communication and content risks such as: 

• Libel 
• Slander 
• Defamation 
• Copyright infringement 
• Invasion of privacy 
• Using someone’s likeness without permission 

This coverage helps pay for legal defense and settlements if someone claims your business harmed their reputation or misused their creative work.  Many small businesses face these risks every day through websites, social media, marketing materials, and client communication. 

What “Personal and Advertising Injury” Actually Means 

Personal and advertising injury coverage protects your business from communication and content-related risks that come from promoting your services, sharing work, or interacting with the public. It applies to non-physical claims tied to your marketing materials, online presence, and public messaging. 

This coverage can help if someone claims your business: 

• Harmed their reputation 
• Violated their privacy 
• Used their creative work without permission 
• Misused their image or likeness 

When these claims arise, personal and advertising injury coverage helps pay for legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments. 

Common Examples That Catch Business Owners by Surprise 

Many small businesses do not realize how easy it is to trigger a personal or advertising injury claim. These claims often result from everyday marketing or online activity. 

Here are some common examples: 

• Responding to a customer review in a way that is considered defamatory 
• Using unlicensed images, videos, music, or fonts in marketing materials2 
• Comparing your product or service to a competitor in a way that implies dishonesty or low quality 
• Featuring customers, staff, or models in photos or videos without proper permission 
• Reposting or resharing content that appears public but is still protected by copyright 

These situations can affect any business, especially in a digital world where content spreads instantly. 

How It Fits into General Liability Insurance 

Personal and advertising injury protection is included in most general liability insurance policies. It works alongside other core protections such as: 

• Third-party bodily injury 
• Third-party property damage 
• Legal defense costs 

While general liability insurance covers physical accidents, personal and advertising injury focuses on communication-based risks. If someone claims your business damaged their reputation or infringed on their intellectual property, this coverage helps with legal defense and potential financial losses. This protection has become especially important as more business activity moves online. 

Why Freelancers, Creatives, and Microbusinesses Should Care 

If you are a service-based entrepreneur, you depend heavily on your brand, your content, and your online presence. That makes you more likely to face claims related to personal and advertising injury

Professionals at higher risk include: 

Freelance marketers and designers posting creative work 
Photographers and videographers sharing images or project samples 
Copywriters, consultants, and coaches publishing articles or testimonials 
Beauty and wellness professionals posting before and after photos 
Tradespeople and home-service providers posting project photos 
Online retailers and creators promoting products 
• Any business with a website, social media presence, or advertising materials 

Even when you are careful, mistakes can happen. As more business activity moves online, these risks continue to grow. 

How Gild Insurance Agency Supports Independent Professionals 

Independent professionals deserve insurance that protects their work, their creativity, and their reputation. At Gild Insurance Agency, we connect you with coverage options designed specifically for small businesses and creative service providers

With Gild Insurance Agency, you can: 

• Get general liability insurance that includes personal and advertising injury protection
• Explore additional coverages such as professional liability, cyber insurance, and workers compensation insurance 
• Access trusted insurance partners who understand independent workers
• Receive support when questions or claims arise with our claims concierge service 

Gild Insurance Agency makes it simple to get the right coverage so you can focus on your best work without worrying about legal or reputation-related risks. Schedule a call or get a quote online today

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is personal and advertising injury coverage? 

This type of coverage protects your business from claims related to things you say, write, publish, or share. It includes risks such as libel, slander, copyright infringement, and invasion of privacy. 

Is personal and advertising injury part of general liability insurance? 

Yes. It is included in most general liability insurance policies as a standard protection for communication-based risks. 

What are common examples of personal and advertising injury claims? 

Common examples include using copyrighted content without permission, posting or responding to reviews in a way that is considered defamatory, improperly using someone’s likeness, or making comparisons that harm a competitor’s reputation. 

Do freelancers and microbusinesses need this coverage? 

Yes. If you post content, share work online, or promote your business publicly, you are exposed to personal and advertising injury risks. Freelancers, creatives, and service-based businesses are especially vulnerable. 

Does general liability insurance cover online content? 

In many cases, yes. Personal and advertising injury coverage applies to both online and offline communication. It can help protect your business from claims tied to websites, social media posts, ads, videos, or published content. 

How much does personal and advertising injury coverage cost? 

It is typically included in the cost of general liability insurance. Pricing depends on your industry, business size, location, and the type of work you do. 

  1. https://www.iii.org/article/commercial-general-liability-insurance  ↩︎
  2. https://publiclawlibrary.org/largest-ever-jury-verdict-in-copyright-infringement-case-shakes-pacifica/  ↩︎

Categories
Business Insurance

What Is a Ghost Policy and When Does It Make Sense for Your Business? 

A ghost policy is a workers compensation insurance policy for businesses with no employees, where the owner chooses to exclude themselves from coverage. The policy still provides a Certificate of Insurance, or COI, which many job sites and contracts require. It does not provide medical or wage benefits if the owner is injured. Ghost policies are not available everywhere. Some states allow them for owner-only businesses, while others restrict or prohibit them. Eligibility often depends on your business structure and state law. 

If you run a one-person operation, you may see ghost policies marketed as a simple, low-cost option. To understand whether they make sense for your situation, it helps to look at how these policies work and where they are allowed. 

What a Ghost Policy Is and How It Works 

A ghost policy is a limited workers compensation policy created for businesses with no employees. Its purpose is mainly to provide documentation, such as a COI, rather than actual injury coverage. In many states, only sole proprietors or business partners are allowed to legally exclude themselves from workers compensation benefits. 

State rules vary widely. Some states permit ghost policies under certain conditions, including: 

• Alabama 
• Florida 
• Georgia 
• Illinois 
• North Carolina1 
• South Carolina 
• Virginia 
• Washington 
• West Virginia 

Other states do not allow ghost policies at all, including: 

• California2 
• Colorado 

Because these rules differ from state to state, and eligibility often depends on how your business is structured, whether you can purchase a ghost policy depends on both your location and your type of business. 

Here is the simple version: 

• You exclude yourself from workers compensation benefits 
• The insurer still issues a COI for compliance 
• You meet contract or state requirements 
• You have no coverage for medical bills or lost wages 
• Anyone you bring on, even temporarily, is not covered 

It looks like traditional coverage on paper, but when something goes wrong, there is no real protection behind it. 

Who Typically Uses a Ghost Policy and Why 

You will most often see ghost policies used by: 

• Independent contractors and tradespeople 
• Sole proprietors with no employees 
• Subcontractors who need a COI to work under a general contractor 

For these business owners, a ghost policy is a fast, low-cost way to meet paperwork requirements when they truly work alone and take on lower risk jobs. 

The Benefits and the Limitations 

Ghost policies have some advantages, but the limitations are important. 

Benefits: 
• Lower cost than a standard workers compensation policy 
• Fast way to obtain a COI for jobs or licensing 
• Simple application and approval process 

Limitations: 
• No coverage for your own injuries 
• No coverage for anyone you hire, even for one day 
• Possible out-of-pocket medical bills if an accident happens 
• Some states restrict or prohibit ghost policies 
• Many LLCs and corporations do not qualify because owners cannot exclude themselves 

A ghost policy can satisfy a requirement, but it does not protect you financially. 

When a Ghost Policy Is Not Enough 

A ghost policy only works when you truly operate alone. It is not enough if: 

• You hire help, subcontract work, or bring on day labor 
• You work in higher risk environments such as construction 
• A general contractor requires proof of full workers compensation insurance 
• Your state requires actual owner coverage based on your business structure 

Even having a family member help briefly can change your liability. It is very easy to outgrow a ghost policy without realizing it. 

Better Alternatives to Consider 

If a ghost policy does not match your situation, here are stronger choices: 

Workers Compensation Insurance: Provides medical care and wage replacement for workplace injuries. Required in many states as soon as you hire anyone or bring on regular help. 

General Liability Insurance: Covers third party injuries and property damage. Often required on job sites and by general contractors. 

Business Owners Policy: Combines general liability, commercial property coverage, and business interruption insurance in one plan. 

These options offer real protection and can grow with your business. 

Is a Ghost Policy Right for You? How Gild Can Help 

A ghost policy can work for a true one-person operation, but it is rarely a long-term solution. It also depends on where you live, how your business is set up, and whether you plan to grow or hire help. 

Gild Insurance Agency can help you understand whether a ghost policy fits your situation or if another type of coverage will protect your time, income, and peace of mind. You can schedule a call with a Gild Agent or get a personalized quote online

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is a ghost policy?

A ghost policy is a workers compensation policy where the owner excludes themselves, which produces a COI but offers no injury coverage. 

Can I hire someone if I have a ghost policy? 

No. Hiring even one person for any period of time creates liability and leaves you uncovered. 

Do all states allow ghost policies? 

No. Some states limit or prohibit them, and eligibility often depends on your business structure. 

Does a ghost policy include general liability insurance? 

No. It covers only the workers compensation COI requirement. It does not include liability protection. 

Who qualifies for a ghost policy? 

Usually sole proprietors or partners with no employees. Many LLCs and corporations do not qualify based on state rules. 

  1. https://www.ncdoi.gov/consumers/business-insurance/workers-compensation  ↩︎
  2. https://www.dir.ca.gov/DWC/FactSheets/Employer_FactSheet.pdf  ↩︎
Categories
Industry Insights

Warning: Coffee Prices Going Up! Tariffs on Coffee & Chocolate Are Squeezing Margins 

Small business owners, brace for a jolt!  Coffee prices are going up as new U.S. tariffs spike coffee, chocolate, and cocoa costs starting August 1, 2025. Cafes, bakeries, and chocolatiers, your budgets are about to take a hit. 

At Gild, we’re tracking this margin-crusher. Supply shortages already inflate ingredient costs, and these tariffs will squeeze your margins tighter. Importing beans or cocoa? Act now. Recalculate costs and warn your customers. Stay sharp and keep your biz brewing! 

So, What’s the Deal—Are Tariffs to Blame for Coffee Prices Going Up?

Yes! In April 2025, the first round of tariffs hiked prices. Now, the U.S. is slapping a 50 percent tariff on Brazil, which currently supplies about one-third of all American coffee. Imports from Vietnam and Indonesia? They’re looking at 20 percent and 19 percent tariffs, respectively. Most other countries? A 10 percent base rate.  

These hikes land in a market already wrestling with chaotic pricing, and at Gild, we’re seeing just how much it’s squeezing small business owners. Since 2022, coffee prices have surged more than 70 percent.  

Why? Think climate chaos and tangled supply chains. Droughts, frost, and fires in top-producing regions like Brazil, plus supply disruptions in Vietnam, have significantly shrunk the bean supply.  

And the bad news doesn’t end with your morning cappuccino. Chocolate is a sweet disaster. A 10% base tariff on chocolate imports, plus 20% for EU chocolate, 31% on Swiss chocolate, and 10% on raw cocoa from Ivory Coast doesn’t deliver the cocoa glow-up small business owners are hoping for. 

Why Are Chocolate Prices Going Up?  

Cocoa prices have absolutely exploded, quadrupling from $2,500 to almost $10,000 per metric ton. Droughts, devastating crop disease, and regional instability, especially in West Africa where most of the world’s cocoa comes from, continue to shrink global supply.  

If you’ve wondered why your bean and bar costs feel out of control, now you know. Global scarcity already pushed prices sky-high and these new tariffs will send them into orbit. 

Current Tariff Rates And Pricing Strategies 

Here’s how the new tariffs stack up. Whether you source beans, bars, or bulk ingredients, these numbers show just how much your costs could rise. 

Coffee:  

  • 50% on Brazilian imports  
  • 20% on coffee from Vietnam  
  • 19% on coffee from Indonesia  
  • 10% baseline tariff for most other countries  

Chocolate and Cocoa:  

  • 10% base tariff on all chocolate  
  • 20% on chocolate from the EU  
  • 31% on chocolate from Switzerland  
  • 10% on raw cocoa from Ivory Coast  

These aren’t just minor bumps. For many businesses, ingredient costs could spike 10 to 25 percent or more, depending on where you source and how much you import.  

Why Prices Going Up Matters Right Now

These tariffs aren’t arriving in a calm sea. Small businesses already battle higher labor costs, rising rent, and other surging overhead. If you rely on imported chocolate or specialty coffee beans, brace yourself for a price jump. That shift impacts your menu, your customer relationships, and frankly, your very survival strategy.  

How This Plays Out Across Industries:  

  • Coffee Shops: Expect higher bean costs, fewer affordable specialty options, and tough pricing decisions.  
  • Bakeries: If your recipes call for cocoa or premium coffee, you’ll feel the squeeze.  
  • Chocolatiers: You’re facing the most intense pressure. With cocoa already at historic highs, these added tariffs create a bitter recipe. 

No matter your setup, the reality is the same; higher costs are coming fast, and small businesses will feel it first. Now’s the time to reassess pricing, tighten margins where you can, and get ahead of the changes before they hit your bottom line . . . again. 

The Uneven Playing Field 

Let’s be real: Large corporations have armies of lawyers and supply chain gurus to navigate these choppy waters. They can hedge, diversify, and absorb hits in ways small businesses simply can’t. These tariffs, whether intentionally or not, tend to favor the giants. It’s an uneven field, now even more so.  

What Small Businesses Can Do Now: 

  • Review your suppliers and sourcing options.  
  • Run pricing scenarios based on updated import costs.  
  • Be transparent with customers about why changes are happening.  
  • Consider adjusting your menu to address high-tariff ingredients.

The Final Pour – Brace for Impact And Stay Sharp  

These tariffs don’t just affect global trade. They hit every small business that serves a cappuccino, a brownie, or a bonbon. You don’t need to panic, but you do need a plan. 

That’s where Gild comes in: smarter coverage, realistic pricing, and support that truly gets small business. You can get a quote online anytime or schedule a time to talk to a Gild agent about your coverage needs. 

Starting August 1, your raw materials will cost more and your margins will feel it. Stay sharp. Stay resilient. The pressure is real, but so is your ability to adapt and thrive.  

1 https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/traders-rush-land-brazilian-coffee-us-before-trumps-50-tariff-2025-07-16

2 https://www.reuters.com/business/us-coffee-orange-juice-prices-could-surge-if-trumps-brazil-tariffs-stick-2025-07-10

3 https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/global-research/commodities/cocoa-prices