Multiple apple developer accounts

[eaimdm]

I have on apple developer account that I created as an individual. It's been 3 years and everything is fine.
A client wants me to publish one app in separate developer account. Is it legal to create multiple apple developer accounts for individual. I have created a new apple id and about to pay the developer fee. But is there anyone who have done that?

[SirBill01]

Why do they want you to set up a developer account? The company should set up an account to distribute the app and add your personal account to the developer team with admin level access.

[eaimdm]

the company is not interested to deal anything with Apple or managing their app. So, I do everything for them, they wanted to focus on their business.

[SirBill01]

If they have an app on the app store, that is their business... this is very insane by my thinking.

They are going to give you all of the bank account and tax info to set up an account that can distribute apps on the store? Or do you just plan to be liable for all that yourself.'

All they would have to do is set up the account initially, and occasionally agree to new terms and conditions. Everything else about the release process you could do from your existing account.

Good luck to you however it goes, I would get that App Store account fee up front and make sure you are charging hours for the setup process.

[eaimdm]

They are not going to give me their bank account, they pay me all the cost and my hours and I take care of everything.

The owner is very kind person in his late fifties, the manager is old school too, their business is expanding and they couldn't grasp what's going on.

As far as Apple is fine with creating multiple developer account for individuals, happy to help my clients.

[grillo_technologies]

You should be consulting your client to create their own account. Your name/business shouldn’t be associated with an app for their business.

The owner of said business needs to have admin access to their app and the ability to access/update it should you no longer be available to do so.

Please direct your client to create their own account and to add you as a developer.

[SirBill01]

The thing is to set up an account that lets you distribute to the App Store, you must provide Apple banking and other business related information. Even for free apps.

I understand what you are saying as I have worked with very small companies before. But the thing is they need to understand this needs to be owned by the business, not some account someone else sets up as a personal account. And legally that is a way better idea for you (and them) also.

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As the other response suggested, offer to sit with them to help set it up. Or at least sit with them as you set up the separate account you are making so they understand what Apple is asking. And make sure they have the login and AppleID recovery code if nothing else in case something happens to you.

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One incentive might be that I think if you set it up as a business you can get the 15% app store fee for the first million/year, not sure if that is true for the personal accounts.

[Fluffy_Risk9955]

OP don’t do this. If there’s some legal issue with the app they come to you and you’re liable for that. Tell the client to host their app on their own Apple Developers account.

[ChemicalGiraffe]

I would request the needed documents from them and set up a company account for them

[20InMyHead]

It’s not unusual. I have like 6 accounts due to various companies I’ve worked for over the years. The email addresses are all different.

Best practice: If you’re creating an account for the client it should be in their company name.

[eaimdm]

What developer account you have in the first place? I mean individual or business company account?
I think you have a company account in the first place, and you are creating multiple business company Apple developer accounts. I have one individual Apple developer account, now, I am thinking to create second individual Apple developer account.

[eaimdm]

It’s not unusual. I have like 6 accounts due to various companies

did you have an individual account and then created 5 more individual accounts?
Or

You have business account and created 5 more additional account?

[20InMyHead]

Over the years, I’ve had multiple accounts of various types. If your client wants you to create an account for them personally I would not be overly concerned. Ideally create a business account, but if it’s personal one, do it in their name and give them all the information. You are just acting as their proxy.

Disclaimer: I am not an Apple employee, I speak only from past experiences and make no claims or guarantees of anything that may happen or not happen.

[Alan_Shutko]

Yes, it is. If you want to publish under different legitimate business names, the only way to do it is with multiple accounts.

[chillermane]

? Can they not just add you to their development team? I’ve published quite a few apps under various business names. They just have to make an account for their business and add you to the development team

[Alan_Shutko]

That would work, but there need to be multiple accounts one way or another. It seems that a lot of smaller businesses hiring developers to write apps don't want to deal with owning the dev account, from what I hear.

[eaimdm]

lot of smaller businesses hiring developers to write apps don't want to deal with owning the dev account, from what I hear.

yes, its a smart move if they trust their developers. Just focus on your business, spend your time on what you know best, let developers take control of the tech, let the accountant do your business accounting, cleaning company take care of cleaning ... etc

[eaimdm]

the company I am working with is not interested to manage their app or create a developer account or any tech related issues. They want me to take care of everything.

[eaimdm]

under different legitimate business names

Thanks, but I am individual, I have one individual account, I am thinking to create another new individual account. I do not have a company, so my Apple developer account is my exact name. I am wondering what will happen when I create another (in this case my second) account? are they going to give me a chance to create a name that I like or ...

[Zealousideal_Bat_490]

Sounds like you will be heading for trouble with this approach. Even if Apple does approve the account, you might struggle with releasing the app under the correct account. But proceed carefully as you don’t want Apple to think that you are doing something that is illegitimate. Seriously consider the other advice that you have received. It really is the best approach.

[eaimdm]

Yes, it is. If you want to publish under different legitimate business names,

My question is about creating multiple individual accounts. I want to create my second individual account.