Dumb newbie questions

Hi all! I'm just trying to start out in art/craft fairs, doing basic research and trying to learn enough not to embarrass myself totally. But there are some things I haven't been able to find out. Like: are exhibitors expected to be able to take credit cards? (So expensive when just starting out...) Do show participants have to have business licenses or permits or whatever? What about collecting sales taxes? I guess I'm paranoid, but I know there's more to this than just setting up a tent, a table, and (hopefully) collecting a bit of money. I can just see myself getting busted for not having the correct bits of paper, so does anybody have some info on these technical aspects? Thanks!

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  • Most patrons like to use a credit card at shows. Two good sources:
    TeaMac -- http://teamacinc.com/ Guy Macdonald is quite artist-friendly and has been providing merchant services for artists for years
    1NB -- http://www.1nbcard.com -- I use this service after having a manual imprinter and calling in cards after the show for several years. I use the Exadigm wireless machine -- expensive, but worth it if you handle high ticket transactions.
    ProPay and PayPal's Virtual Terminal are other alternatives. You can also buy a terminal that will store and forward transactions and looks like the transaction is being preapproved.

    You will need a business license to collect sales tax for your home state, and possibly other states that you do business in. You do need to collect sales tax and remit the proper forms to the state at least yearly. Check your state dept of revenue web site for details and forms. Allow at least four weeks for the state to process.

    One very good resource for newbie questions is artshowphoto.com and the associated yahoo group. It is slanted towards photographers, but the discussion is open to all.
    • Jim, thanks so much! I knew I would have to collect sales tax, but my original question was obviously not phrased well. Your response is exactly what I needed to know -- what license I need and where to go to get information. That's the kind of "nuts and bolts" detail that isn't necessarily covered in other sources I've found.

      I appreciate your taking the time to share your expertise!

      Sharon
  • Hi, Sharon,

    Your jewelry is beautiful! I'm sure you'll do well at shows.

    I have gone through a few methods of credit card processing (manual imprinter, a.k.a. "knuckle buster", then a fancy expensive mistake: wireless swiper Verifone VX610 that sounded great and worked great -- as long as there was a signal, and there usually wasn't one...). I've ended up using ProPay and I'm very happy with their service. I bought the little tiny swiper thingy ($99) this past fall and it's great.

    One of the best things I did when I started out doing shows was a checklist of everything to take with me. It included things like the obvious, chair, tables, etc. down to the little stuff: pens, receipt books, change, business cards, etc. Also, tools I might need such as a hammer, bungie cords, blah blah blah. It worked well for me. Now, I just keep almost everything I would need at a show in one spot in my garage so I don't have to think about it much.

    I wish you great luck! Shows are a lot of work, but I still love doing them.

    Cindy
    • Thank you, Cindy! I'm leaning toward ProPay, since you and one other person have mentioned it favorably. I really appreciate having recommendations from people who have experience with this.

      Thanks also for suggesting a checklist. I'd already started one, and you mentioned one or two things I needed to add!

      Sharon
  • Maria Arango has a great book on starting in the art festival biz. She is a member here --
    http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profile/MariaArango

    I know her book is available at Flourish.com or maybe she will sell you a copy. It pretty much tells you everything you need to know. And, it is entertaining.
    • Thank you both. I appreciate your input.
      • Sharon, as far as taking credit cards, I have used ProPay for 3 years and love it. My sales definitely increased.

        Once you get to a show, don't be afraid to ask other artists for some tips. Heck, we love to talk about ourselves and how we do things.

        Good luck
        • Thanks, Detta! It helps so much to hear from people with experience, instead of trying to make decisions based on info from a provider who's trying to sell you their service!
  • 1) Some people don't take credit cards but almost everyone does. Ask around for the best deal and absolutely don't fall for the E-bay accounts that tell you they have the cheapest rates and they will "give" you the machine. First of all, their percentagte rate is the cheapest, but, they nickle and dime you with surcharges and added fees, making them one of the highest. I learned that from experience.

    2) You don't actually need a business license. A Social Security number will do. It depends on how you set up your business. Ask an accountant you can trust. Every show is different. Some add all the permit fees into the show fees and some make you get one on your own.

    3) You definitely have to pay sales tax!!! Some shows even collect it at the show itself.

    4) This is a business and it is a lot of hard work. We are professionals and need to conduct our business in a professional manner. They are not "bits of paper" but part of your responsibility. We are part of the freest of free markets. Take advantage of this. The only thing "technical" is the process with which you create your work.

    5)No questions are dumb.
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