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You are here: Experts > Hobbies > Arts/Crafts Business > Arts/Crafts Business > becoming a art/craft business
Expert: Shasta McLaughlin - 10/24/2009
Question
Hi Shasta, I am a ceramic and mixed media artist. I am going to be in my first juried outdoor artshow and I would like to know if I should become a business, get a tax number and go through my bank and get a credit card machine? Currently, I show in galleries, but plan on starting a website and doing more art shows. Thanks, Trav
Answer
Trav,
In my city, county, and state becoming a registered business, and getting a business license doesn't cost very much and is a fairly simple process. I don't know how complex the process is where you live, however yes I definitely recommend getting your licenses and registering with the state as a DBA-Doing Business As....
First of all you need to register with the state in order to open a business bank account and that will make doing taxes so much easier. Always keep your personal finances separate from your business accounts.
The credit card companies may also require that you have a business checking account. Last summer we sold fireworks and 50% of our sales were placed on credit cards. I definitely recommend getting a credit card machine if you will make enough sales to make it worth your time.
Second you mention that you want to expand your business to more venues and in order to do that you want to be sure you comply with all rules, regulations, and laws pertaining to your business to avoid later repercussions.
For more information on how to get the licenses required in your area see my blog at:
http://extravaganzacrafts.com/Blogs/189/license-requirements-for-art-and-craft-s...
For more information on money management for your business visit http://extravaganzacrafts.com/Blogs/244/money-management-for-art-craft-show-vend...
Before opening so many new markets carefully consider what the purpose of opening each new market is to your business. For instance going to craft shows is about more than selling arts and crafts. It is about building a relationship with a customer, building a list, and market research. See more at http://extravaganzacrafts.com/Blogs/159/attending-craft-shows-isnt-just-about-se... The point is decide how each thing you do is supposed to influence your customer. Draw a map of how each experience with your company will help draw your customer to an eventual sale, and hopefully many in the future. Use each contact with your customer effectively and gently guide your customers to one sale and then keep them buying and you business will flourish.
I hope this helps and good luck with your business.
Shasta McLaughlin
The Extravaganza Craft Productions
http://www.extravaganzacrafts.com
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