Can I open a web based store, selling goods, while still collecting unemployment

by Jamie
(Raleigh, North Carolina)

Hello,

My employer is planning on using my web based store as evidence at my unemployment hearing.

I am currently appealing to collect unemployment benefits. My employer states I quit, while I maintain I was fired. I believe the facts are on my side to confirm I was fired, but my employer plans to use as exhibits in our hearing with an adjudicator (tomorrow morning) screencaptures from a blog I write - which has a link to an ebay store where I sell flea market finds.

Does selling on ebay prohibit me from collecting unemployment? If I maintain this 'project' as a 'hobby' and I spend about 5 hours a week on it, does that constitute being self-employed? In North Carolina, can you do work on the side, of this nature, to help bring some money in while I am actively job hunting?

What are the laws regarding starting your own business while collecting unemployment?

I'd appreciate any advice -- again my hearing is tomorrow. I was just alerted that my former employee plans to use the ebay store as evidence against me about 1 hour ago, as she was required to send any evidence to me as well as the adjudicator.


Hi Jamie,

What, she's going to try to use that as an exhibit to prove you aren't able and available or that you are self-employed?

Having a side business is not disqualifying in itself. What is disqualifying is not being able and available for work .. and not reporting earnings.

What's the listed issue on the hearing notice?