As a person of significant talent, you probably made creative items and then gave them as gifts or sold them to family and friends. But trust me, the time will come for you to really need to make solid income from your craft projects. You'll have to start joining craft shows; but before you can do so, you'll have to get a tax ID number.
You may be initially see the tax ID and gag at the thought of needless record keeping and lost income. But truthfully, a tax ID number is the best way to get you started in the world of craft retail. Once you have a tax ID number, in fact, you can even decide become a wholesaler - what this means is that you can unload your crafts to a store or person who will then resell them for their own income.
Getting a tax ID and being on your way to start selling at local craft shows is relatively painless. Take a short trip to your state's Department of Revenue Website and find the necessary literature and application forms. Read and reread the documents properly so you're sure if obtaining a tax ID is right for you. Once your application is complete and the tax ID has been given, you can now go to online and look for some craft shows where you can showcase your work.
Frequently visit the local chamber of commerce in your area, or simply use an online search engine in to find out about upcoming events that include craft shows. Once you have a good list and got in touch with all the right people to apply for a spot in their event, you need to spend a fair amount of effort to get organized. I will enumerate some of my tips below:
*Ensure that you have enough of your craft items. A lot of people will talk about "running out of stock" of an item; but the fact is, you should always go home with a few still on your person. If you sell out, it tells you that you probably could have sold more.
*Prepare price signs for your display. Have a ready list for yourself behind the counter as well. You may lose a significant amount of potential customers who don't like asking you how much every single item is. Of course, don't overdo it by crowding the display with price tags.
*While we're on the topic of displays, make sure you think about how you'll present your booth in advance. A table with a tablecloth works well, but with just a few tasteful additions, you can make "well" turn into "unique." Add color, or buy a shelf. Above all, always take charge and come up with new ways to display your crafts.
You may be initially see the tax ID and gag at the thought of needless record keeping and lost income. But truthfully, a tax ID number is the best way to get you started in the world of craft retail. Once you have a tax ID number, in fact, you can even decide become a wholesaler - what this means is that you can unload your crafts to a store or person who will then resell them for their own income.
Getting a tax ID and being on your way to start selling at local craft shows is relatively painless. Take a short trip to your state's Department of Revenue Website and find the necessary literature and application forms. Read and reread the documents properly so you're sure if obtaining a tax ID is right for you. Once your application is complete and the tax ID has been given, you can now go to online and look for some craft shows where you can showcase your work.
Frequently visit the local chamber of commerce in your area, or simply use an online search engine in to find out about upcoming events that include craft shows. Once you have a good list and got in touch with all the right people to apply for a spot in their event, you need to spend a fair amount of effort to get organized. I will enumerate some of my tips below:
*Ensure that you have enough of your craft items. A lot of people will talk about "running out of stock" of an item; but the fact is, you should always go home with a few still on your person. If you sell out, it tells you that you probably could have sold more.
*Prepare price signs for your display. Have a ready list for yourself behind the counter as well. You may lose a significant amount of potential customers who don't like asking you how much every single item is. Of course, don't overdo it by crowding the display with price tags.
*While we're on the topic of displays, make sure you think about how you'll present your booth in advance. A table with a tablecloth works well, but with just a few tasteful additions, you can make "well" turn into "unique." Add color, or buy a shelf. Above all, always take charge and come up with new ways to display your crafts.
About the Author:
As a craftsperson, you should always be aware of the schedule of Craft Shows located close to your area. Check out Craft Fairs as often as you can, and do well in your business like Rick Amorey!
