You are correct. If the income reported on Form 1099-NEC was generated by sales and not services, you shouldn't have received this form. If the owner collects payment from your customers on your behalf, he could have sent you Form 1099-K as a payment processor.
Your best option is to have a discussion with the mall owner and perhaps engage a local tax professional who can advocate on your behalf.
**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post
**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"
