Question QUESTION: Hi Jane!
I made some whimsical paintings for my father's dental office. I've had several people say I should try to sell them to other dentists in the area or online, such as on Ebay. I would love to do more of them, but was wondering if I have to have a business license or anything like that to directly solicit dental offices in my area (or online).
Thanks for your help.
karen :-)
ANSWER: Hi Karen,
Sounds like you may have come up with a good product.
I think you may be asking if you can "test" the waters before you decide if this is a good idea and if there is a need for your product before you actually start a business. And you are wise to see what kind of interest there is before you launch a new business.
In order to have a legitimate business selling products you will eventually need to check with your state and local government to see what the requirements and regulations are required. I am not an attorney.
I do believe you can contact dental offices - especially when you will have access to a great list from your father - and find out what level of interest they have. Doctor's offices are good places for whimsical art. And if you have a way to get in the door with a portfolio collection of your work I would certainly wee what level of interest you can drum up.
You could also test market selling your paintings on a sites like ETSY.com or ARTFIRE.com to see how your paintings are received by the general marketplace. These sites might better serve you since they are for hand made items.
I hope this answers your question. Please feel free to e-mail or contact me again if you need any other advice. I wish you much luck with your new venture.
Best regards,
Jane Button
www.craftabusiness.com
www.creativeproductmarketingsystem.com
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Jane,
Thanks for your response. Which local and state government agencies would I need to contact?
Thanks again!
karen ;-)
Answer Hi Karen,
States usually have websites where you can look up the licensing requirements. If you google something like "Business license state of California" (or whatever state you live in) you will get the site where you need to look. They will probably have a "small business" section and then list the licensing and permit requirements.
Additionally check with your County government and your city government in the same manner.
Depending on where you live there may be certain permits or licenses required. If you are working out of your home and don't have employees it is fairly simple.
Honestly it is mostly the department of revenue who wants to be sure they collect their fair share of taxes from you. So if you are selling retail your state, county and city collect sales taxes then you are required to report your sales and pay taxes accordingly. You also will collect sales taxes from your customers.
If you are selling wholesale then the end seller collects the sales tax.
It appears in this case you are wanting to sell directly to the end use of your paintings so you would likely need to collect and report sales.
Hope this helps you,
Jane Button
www.craftabusiness.com
www.creativeproductmarketingsystem.com
