Hi Everyone!
My name is Ryan, I live in Buffalo NY and am ready to jump head first into the next step of selling my craft. I have been working on a new crayon melting technique for almost 6 years now, Cryptic Crayon, and after steadily increasing sales on both etsy and locally I can finally justify preparing for an art/craft show life style! Now that being said I know year one of on site sales is going to be the trickiest of all.
Here is a few questions I have and if anyone can provide some insight that would be fantastic!
1. I know I need a pop-up tent. I was originally planning on an ezup simply because the company I work for has a few of them and they seem relatively easy to work with. After reading some posts it doesn't seem to be a popular choice, any reason why that is?
2. Back stock always was a concern of mine(what has kept me away from shows this long), having enough but not too much to lug around. Most of my pieces are done on 16x20" birch panels, that weight in wood adds up quick.
3. Taxes. I think I will contact an accountant on this one because I doubt their is a short winded answer.
I don't want to overwhelm on my first post but I appreciate any feed back. Thanks and nice to meet everyone.
Replies
Hi Ryan,
As far as canopies go, I would recommend you get the basic EZ UP or similar unit for your first few years because you don't know if you will even like doing shows. As you progress you can upgrade. I had my first pop up for over 25 years.
I got my second canopy last year and it's a EURMAX and it's a nice, strong unit that I know will last for many years to come.
Weight is always a problem, but you need to be able to fill your booth and then double that amount so you will never run out should you hit the jackpot. What type of vehicle do you have?
Taxes. I never had a problem. I'm a "sole proprietor" and the taxes are quite simple. Just save EVERY receipt that even comes close to your business. Go to www.irs.gov and search for "schedule C". It's pretty straight forward.
You will need a Resale Certificate for every state you do a show in, so be prepared to get them. Usually they're no charge.
Get the "Square" for your credit card transactions. Easy to use and you have the money in your checking account on Monday. I don't have a tablet, I just use my free ATT Go Phone.
Chris and Cindy,
Thank you so much for the info. I am very happy to have found this group. After just a few days I feel like I really learned a ton. Thanks again for taking the time with a thoughtful response!
Very good advice as usual, Chris.
We have an easy up that we have been using about 2.5 years. It has held up well and takes to our weights well.
The only other thing I'd add is to start out with a basic business checking account with a debit card. A lot of banks where I live offer a basic business account for free or a very small monthly fee. Just like with the canopies you can always upgrade to an account with more amenities down the road if you need it. Always pay for business expenses from this account. If at all possible do not finance but cash flow everything. Interest payments get you know here fast. It does nothing to grow your business.
Hi Ryan,
EZUp canopies blow over in the wind and damage your neighbor's booth besides damaging your own artwork. Artists usually start by purchasing a pop up tent and then move on to something more sturdy. Additionally some of the larger shows won't let you use a pop up tent.
I wouldn't worry about back stock until you know which are your most popular pieces. Don't invest more than necessary to get started.
As for taxes, just file for a business license and set up a commercial checking account. Then you need to arrange for a sales tax license in the states you'll be doing shows. Initially I would just get the Square and use it with an iphone or ipad and collect local tax. Then you'll have something to submit if the show turns your name over to the local revenue people.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Interesting, when we use our EZup at my work its tied to heavy tires but I can see the concern of that for sure. I really appreciate the tips and the response Larry.
We use an ezup with, I think, 40 lb. weights tied on at each corner. In 3 years it has not gotten away from us.