One business name for two people?

[Pompal 09.]

The LMT I share my office with and I would like to have a shared "name" for our individual businesses (we currently just use our names, split rent, and keep all other expenses separate).

We still want to keep all things separate, just use the same name for the door sign and website. I've been told, however, that this can't be done without one of us being "employer" and the other "employee". I don't see why one of us couldn't assume the name, both of us use it, and one keep it when/if we ever move on.

Does anyone know how we would go about this or where I could find information without hiring someone?

Thanks!

 

[E-ma]

Of course you can share a name if you form a company, partnership or corporation. I can't be sure because you didn't say, but it sounds like you are trying to avoid this, probably for obvious reasons of cost and complexity.

I can't be sure because you didn't say, but it sounds like you want to share a sole proprietorship kind of name, also known as a dba or fictitious name. This cannot be shared because the business and the person, for legal purposes, are the same. Your partner cannot be you.

This nolo.com website discusses types of businesses.
http://www.nolo.com/resource.cfm/catid/5de04e60-45bb-4108-8d757e247f35b8ab/111/182/

 

[Amanda W]

Thank you. Yes, we want to have one name for both of us while being separate businesses. I suppose that doesn't make much sense. Maybe we'll just have them put "Massage Therapy" on the door and get individual websites. That's what we've done for the last 3 years...may as well stick with what works. Thanks again...sometimes it takes hearing it from someone else for it to sink in to my thick skull. :shock:

 

[Suki]

You can have a website domain unrealted to the business name, so you could still combine the website - domain registration and hosting would be paid for by one of you, but I suppose you could split it as in the other one pays in their name for something of the same value. Just could get messy when you part ways. Lots of indivduals and businesses set up domain names that have no reference to their real name. It's how much you want to extend beyond the web where it starts to get hazier, or clearer, depending on what is black and white....
If you are being paid as individuals, and being billed as indivduals, web site makes no difference. Are you both on the agreement with the landlord, or only one of you.

 

[Simon]

I don't advise sharing a name because in the event that you split, there will be contention as to who gets to keep the name. Because if you do well, the business name is what clients will be remembering when they recommend you to their friends, just because it is easier to remember. My sister went through the same thing when she and her business partner parted ways. Big fiasco. Don't advise it. Good luck, hope all works out.

 

[NeSsA]

If you are being paid as individuals, and being billed as indivduals, web site makes no difference. Are you both on the agreement with the landlord, or only one of you.

We are both named on the lease, we just trade who pays rent every month.