Questions about professional data fees

I asked about having to be licensed and was told for the situation it isn't required.
Apologetik, how did you go about changing your status? Was it a paperwork situation, or?
All I did is close the partnership account and old personal account with pro trader status. I then opened a new personal account. I did not ask permission and have been this way the last three years.

Not certain if it is different being defined as a professional trader because of account type versus individual status.
 
Thank you, I am just trying to weigh pros and cons. I thinking I could give it a go and if it isn't what I want then go back to the good life of working with the dog as my boss and companion. I still haven't gotten an answer of how often I would need to be physically present, and the office is outside Chicago so not thrilled with that commute.
 
tango29-What was the reason you were not allowed non-pro data? Is this an LLC or Inc? Do you own a seat or lease one? Did you take a license exam like the 3 or 7?

From what I read if you are classified as professional you are stuck with those data fees for your personal trading accounts also. Is that correct?
Also, how big a pain is it to revert back to non-pro if you stop trading under the professional label?
I tried asking the CME and did not get any real concrete answers.
thanks
 
Professional isn’t an indication of skill it just means you typically are using live quote data to sell something or for commercial use. I have my series licenses and run a fund so the exchanges consider me a commercial user and I have to pay more. If I just traded for my own account I would be non-pro even with my licenses, afaik.
 
tango29-What was the reason you were not allowed non-pro data? Is this an LLC or Inc? Do you own a seat or lease one? Did you take a license exam like the 3 or 7?
I'm pretty sure they operate as an LLC. I have made the assumption that I will end up with the professional designation as a result if I am working for them. I do not have the 3 or 7 license, and so far they don't think it will be required. If they are I admit I am most likely to lazy at this point in life to sit and study for them when I can be trading as is and making money. They have a seat, and not sure whether it is owned or leased. Another question to ask.
The main reason I am considering it is I would like to let the wife retire, and at this point she is the benefit provider, and this would provide benefits if I want. The wife is currently 12-13 hour days, plus another 10 or more on the weekend. This has been going on for a couple years, and isn't looking like it will change. Healthcare industry sucks to be in at the moment in my opinion.
 
Robert, thank you, at the moment I will talk to the firm and get some more answers on how they see things working and what I want. The firm itself is part of a larger broker/trading firm. They operate independently with oversight is my understanding, and contribute their share of costs. Those would be some of the details I have questions about from them. Thinking about it last night I am wondering if I am ready to go back and work for someone else.
If I think I am going forward and you are good with it, I may call and ask a few questions, as from what I've seen from your posts you have a good grasp of how the industry operates.
Again, thank you
 
Update, I met with them Friday. Drove to their offices, very nice set up, and was given the run down on what they were thinking. I wouldn't have to take any license exams, but would end up there pretty much all the time. They want in person training, which I agree with for trading and I just have no desire to be there full time, as I have no intention of moving to Illinois and the commute would be a pain in the rear. My trading would be minimal at times and as much as I am ready to call it a day on trading, it does provide a good income.
I'm spending a few days this week looking at insurance costs through the exchanges and see if we can use that option to cover us and tell the wife to call it a career, or at least find a less stressful job, as opposed to sitting around the house.
Thanks for the input and offers of help.
 
Back
Top