So general liability is the easy insurance. Studio content replacement coverage for a home based studio which is attached to the home with a kiln for glass fusing seems to be another animal. I currently have an agent reaching out to providers but no
Read more…
Years ago when I was new to the art show circuit, there was a local arts and crafts show in which I participated. All set up and waiting for the inevitable crowds of customers to come, I started conversing with my neighboring artist.
“
and I mean that in the very literal sense.
A recent email forwarded to me from a show organizer from a jeweler:
"Can never make my jewelry again and will never be off of oxygen but I'm getting myself around and doing other things.
Never realized
Read more…At shows I have been doing for a long time, I always have customers bringing pieces for repair. I only repair things I’ve made. (Unless I can whip out a pliers and send someone away happy easily).
Up to this point I have not charged for this. But o
Read more…I live in Ohio and can easily drive 9 hours to a show, but I would like to start doing shows as far away as TX and CO next year. I know a lot of artists drive that far, but I'm wondering if anyone ships their art to shows (other than jewelers).
I
Read more…Hello!
I have been wrestling with my plastic gift bags for when patrons buy my work for a few shows now and wondered if anyone had any ideas for better storage. Currently I have two sizes of plastic bags, one that fits a 8x10 print, and one that fit
Read more…My first show of the summer Colorado season is under way. We knocked 30 minutes of our normal 8 hour set up time, then kicked back on the deck of our cabin and wath clouds boil up above Longs peak (14,255') and Storm Peak (13,327'). We saw lots of ol
Read more…Hi everyone, I just got my state of California seller's permit for selling as an independent artist. I have an option of attending a class, which I will do, but won't be able to until after a show I have coming up (my first!).
Why have I seen on some
Read more…What is the best way to handle money at a craft fair? Cash boxes are heavy and need to be locked inside a cabinet. Assuming, of course the display is designed to have a solid counter with lockable cabinet. The other option is the apron. I think t
Read more…I may be running a tent at the Logan, Oh Washboard festival. They've given us permission to have multiple artists in one booth. What is the best way to handle sales transactions? If we run all of them through my square up, am I on the hook for inc
Read more…I am beginning to think about next year, yes 2018, and how I want to expand. The way I am thinking of expanding is to a bigger booth. I have had a 10x10 since I started in 2013. I want to graduate to a 10x20. Of course, with growth there are ques
Read more…Anyone here have any experience selling/buying an existing Art/Craft business?
My wife and I are kicking around the idea of a new direction in life (semi-retire/travel), and it will not include our art/craft business.
The product is more craft, Uniqu
Here is a suggestion from a member for a podcast:
As a "new" artist attempting the circuit I often think about the business side of things. People are suprised that I even attempt the notion of doing it full time... without a pension! It is certainly
Read more…Hi everyone,
I'm a stained glass/mixed media artist. I do simple copper foil stars and variations of stars. Several years ago I started using vintage frames and Windows with the original clear glass intact and added my own stained glass and vintage j
The last time that I had health ins for my husband and myself was in 2008 through an insurance agent for $10,000 emergency plan.
We are currently insured under my husband's plan at his work, but he will stop work soon and join me in my business.
I ca
Read more…Since we are talking about the square in another thread, I wondered- did everyone get a second chip reader for a backup?
I plan to. Has anyone been able to get one for free?
My first chip reader cost $49 but I was reimbursed by having my fees deducte
Read more…I have been doing the Golden Fine Arts for over 10 years and always paid my sales tax at the end of the show. It was never a big deal and no city licensing was required. The only problem I ever encountered was one year I was told to go to the wrong p
Read more…I am currently looking a few months out and as always feeling cheap about booth fees. I have only been involved in shows full time for a couple of years and low cost local shows at least put needed dollars in the bank account.
When I eye a show a day
Read more…There seems to be a number of art fair artists getting phone calls allegedly from the IRS saying that they owe money and that they are going to be prosecuted. They seem to be getting our numbers from social media. You may have gotten one or several w
Read more…Hello! Full on newbie question! Doing my first show this weekend in a city. What do you do with your stuff at night? Take it all down? Thank you so much for your help!
Read more…