Shelf entities are not recommended. They may show a higher "years in business" but that date resets when it is found the company is under new management. Additionally, the bank account registration date is the official date for some vendors/lenders of when the company began. Further, shelf entities will get red-flagged by D&B, Experian and Equifax when a company ever enters into a manual review. While not illegal, it is HIGHLY frowned upon and they will judge the entity much more harshly.