text: what do i need if i wont to buy from a wholesaler if i wont to start a business a e bay?   if you want to truly buy wholesale (discounted & tax free) from someone in your own state, you need a reseller's permit from your state.  in illinois,.at least, registering to collect sales tax effectively gives you this permit.  purchases from wholesalers in other states are already tax-free, but they may still want to see a reseller's permit # to make sure you're a legit business.