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Show HN: I Built My Product with Next.js After Getting Scammed by LegalZoom (statesmart.us)

7 points by amachaz ↗ HN
Hi HN,

When I was 16, three years ago, I got overcharged by LegalZoom for setting up an LLC. They made it seem more complicated than it is. You can actually do it yourself using your state's Secretary of State website.

I made StateSmart to teach people the whole process. It covers:

Understand the costs: Understanding all fees. Agent tips: Help with choosing a registered agent or becoming your own. Step-by-step instructions: Clear guidance on each document you need to file. Compliance: Tips on how to stay compliant with annual reports and filings. Everything online: All instructions and resources are available online. LegalZoom charged me hundreds for something you can do yourself. StateSmart helps you save money and stay in control.

I built StateSmart using Next.js, Stripe, and Vercel.

Thanks!

Antonio

8 comments

[ 1.8 ms ] story [ 33.9 ms ] thread
karanveer
This should be expanded to other states and worldwide!
amachaz
I am planning on doing that as I grow it. Thanks for the feedback!
unholygoat
Kudos on your new project. I'm just going to nitpick two things I noticed from a quick glance:

You post the following disclaimer once you start the free California LLC course - "Disclaimer: The information on this course is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Accuracy is not guaranteed. Consult a qualified professional for personalized advice." I would suggest also having that before a customer pays for one of the non-free courses, either on the main page or mentioned on the stripe gateway(if possible).

On the Introduction to LLCs page for the California course you accidentally mention Wyoming instead of California under Other Important Stuff - "LLC Name: Pick a unique name that meets Wyoming's rules. See the LLC Name lesson for tips."

Good luck homie!

amachaz
Thank you so much for that feedback!! I missed the Wyoming typo on the free California course. Thanks a lot for pointing that out. I fixed the typo. Also thanks for mentioning to add the disclaimer before people buy the course.
amachaz
Did you find the content valuable?
unholygoat
I'll be real with you - no. Even if I hadn't already been through the process of registering an LLC before, it's an extremely over-saturated market. Heck just looking at the first page on google for "how to register LLC in Texas" I see that each link gives the same information you do but for free. A couple youtube videos with 100k+ views even show up on the first page that explain the same thing.

I can't imagine not performing the most rudimentary search before opting to pay for a $18 course that wasn't even verified/checked by a lawyer for accuracy (one of the links I clicked on went out of the way to indicate their steps had been indeed verified by a lawyer and even gave his name+photo, assuming they weren't lying).

Regardless - Any project that doesn't cost you more than your time to setup has some value, even if it's just your experience in the process. Best of luck.

dennisbabych
"I was charged $299" It is a weak offer. You should show some really painful numbers because for those who are running a company, this is nothing. No difference between $70 and $300. You should put more focus on the value that your service will bring to the table. Sometimes legal advice that costs $1000 per hour is a reasonable thing because it will save you from potential penalties or a crime.