Hello everyone,
I am a new member, I'm happy and excited to be here.
My passion is macro photography; specifically photographing flowers. I would like to start exhibiting my artwork by attending shows. I am very new to this so I need to do a lot of research before entering these events.
Also, I am excited learning everyone’s interests and experiences displaying their art.
Karen
Replies
Hi Karen, Welcome to this informative site! Many states don't require you to register for sales tax unless you do a certain number of shows, like 3 or more in their state. If you only do a show or 2, you may not be required to register for a sales tax license. Many shows will include a form in your packet to file and pay your collected sales tax for their show. Therefore it is important to do your research for the states where you intend to do shows. Also some cities have additional sales tax requirements. I'm sure you will figure all this out as you proceed. Happy sales!
Hi Pat,
Thank you for the helpful information. What art do you specialize in and how many shows a year do you attend?
Hi Karen-
Since this is only my second year doing art fairs, I am in about 12 shows this year...
Karen, I'm a glass artist. I did 10 shows in Florida this winter and 10 shows this summer from Indianapolis, Chicago, and Kansas City to several shows in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota. I try to do 2 shows a month and that way I have time to create. This year I am going to CA next month to visit grandkids and Italy in Sept. for vacations. I think it's a good idea to start close to home. Travel expenses can quickly eat up any profit and then it's an educated guess after that. I wish you great success and keep us posted on how the shows are going for you.
Hello Scott,
Thank you for your warm welcome and helpful insights.
Yes, I will look into local shows to exhibit. I know you need a valid sales tax license for the state you are exhibiting. Are there any other legal documents I need to sell my photography?
Hello Karen-
You should probably register your photography business in the county you reside in. And yes you should get a vendors tax licence from every state you sell in. I also have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the federal government. Most states ask for this number when collecting sales tax...
Thank you Scott. This is very helpful to know.
Hello Karen - welcome! As a fellow macro photographer (Lego minifigures), I wish you well. What I did my first year was start out small at local shows and then build form there. Starting out small will not give you at lot of sales but will get you used to the art fairs scene.
Do you have small local shows in your area? Is there one you like? Look them up. See the application process. Also, attending smaller shows, you are more likely to get into the fair. But as you gain experience, you can move up to larger shows. But the little shows help too - they establish your presence, let you set your price points and experiment with your display all without the higher costs of larger shows...