Expert: DJ Murphy - 1/12/2007

Question
Hello,
Not sure if you could help on this one, but why not ask! I am an artist in the UK, Orkney, in Scotland to be more precise. I own and run with my wife Orkney Faerie Museum and Gallery (www.orkneyfaeriemuseum.com )which features my faerie art and I sell them here as prints and cards and stuff. We have been invited to attend a large US Faerieworlds Festival in Oregon in July07 where we can have a vendor stall/pitch in exchange for us doing a talk on faeries of Orkney. I would like to bring in my art in the form of prints, cards, CD, and books that we have had published. What I would like to know is, do you know what the regulations might be for me to bring this stuff in a suitcase and just sell it? I have been looking at some of the US web sites for clues, like Customs and US homeland security etc. I just wondered if it was a lot easier than it looks? Any suggestions would be most greatfully appriecated, Many thanks Neil  

Answer
Hello,

A most interesting question.

I am not an expert in customs law.....and wouldn't venture a guess as to how best to advise you re your bringing inventory into the U.S. to sell.  My thought would be to try and link up with a gallery in Oregon that might allow you to process the sales thru them....for a small fee.  Every state in the U.S. collects "sales tax".....and this is an area that would cause you more grief than anything else if you don't pay it.  And to pay sales tax, you have to be registered in the state where the sales are conducted.

Yes, I know this sounds a bit onerous....but it's capitalism at its worst.  The government wants its share!!

I would suggest you not pack a suitcase with your art goods....but send them U.P.S. to your hotel in Oregon...and {I didn't tell you this part] indicate they are "gifts" or "samples".

Good luck!!

dj murphy