AboutShasta McLaughlin Expertise I can answer many questions about the art and craft show industry. I can help with booth setup, advertising and marketing, increasing sales at shows, where to find shows, how to promote an art or craft show, and much more.
Experience I have always been an artist/craft person since I was a child selling crafts at shows with my mom. I have also promoted several craft shows, and publish a newsletter for artists and crafters.
Publications EzineArticles.com
Education/Credentials Salutatorian of my graduating class. Associates degree of Graphic Design.
Question Hi: I make a piece of apparel for my special needs granddaughter and the school she attends would like me to make the same and sell to them. In CA do I need a license to do this? The pattern I use is greatly changed from a similiar British version so I don't see a problem there, but am wondering if there is a money limit I can make at home as arts and crafts before I have to pay taxes. Thanks.
Answer Mary,
The requirements for licenses, permits and taxes vary by city, county and state. Unfortunately I can't know what the requirements for every location are. To find out I would call the city offices where I lived and ask them where to call to get a business license. The reason I would do that is the people who sell the business licenses would be most likely to know what the requirements are and if you need one. They might also have a number to call for your county and state.
Before going to all the trouble I would ask myself some questions, i.e.
Am I going to be doing this regularly or is it a one time thing?
If my granddaughter's school needs it do other schools need it as well?
Can I make enough money to make it profitable for me?
Do I want to spend the time, money etc. to make this a business?
Do I want to create a website and involve other marketing efforts?
Also I never recommend using anyone's pattern (even if greatly changed) for profit without their permission. If you've changed the pattern so much it is almost unrecognizable that might be different.